The growing tension between California and the federal government has reached fever pitch, with Governor Gavin Newsom going on record to say he’s even considering withholding tax payments from the state. 1l1zq

President Trump is reportedly weighing “large-scale” funding cancellations in California. According to POLITICO, the Trump istration isn’t acting in a vacuum — it’s using federal funding as a leveraging tactic. We’ve already seen this tactic in play with how Trump treated PBS and Harvard University.

But now, Trump has expanded the scope. There’s talk of a potential full termination of federal grants to all universities in California. Research funding, student aid — all of it could be affected by this latest move. And this isn’t out of the blue. Trump is reportedly using the potential cuts to pressure the state over laws — particularly those regarding trans athletes. But Newsom isn’t rolling over. In fact, he issued a biting response.

He took to Trump’s frenemy’s site, X, and gave Trump yet another thing to worry about. Newsom suggested that California could withhold tens of billions of dollars in taxes. The governor cited research from the Rockefeller Institute, which shows that California pays far more in federal taxes than it gets back — what’s formally called a “donor state.” Reportedly, in 2022, California paid $83 billion more to the federal government than it got in return. On X, Newsom boldly suggested, “maybe it’s time we cut that off.”

Californians pay the bills for the federal government.

We pay over $80 BILLION more in taxes than we get back.

Maybe it’s time to cut that off, @realDonaldTrump. pic.twitter.com/lwFHFSgSyJ

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 6, 2025

Federal taxes are mostly collected through the IRS from individuals and corporations — they don’t simply flow from the state in a way that Newsom could just cut off directly, as he made it seem. So this should probably be read as Newsom making a strong political statement. He’s been very clear about his intent to stand up to an increasingly chaotic president. This is, above all else, about the message.

The White House apparently heard the threat. When asked about Newsom’s comments and the plan to cut off funding to California, officials said that no final decisions had been made. However, the White House did take the opportunity to criticize the state’s policies — calling them anti-energy, pro-sanctuary, soft on crime, and pro–child mutilation. They labeled California a “nightmare” and reiterated their goal of forcing the state to realize the “Californian dream.”

Gavin Newsom’s name has been floated as a presidential hopeful. This show of strength — standing up to MAGA and forcing a retreat — could certainly bolster his national appeal. Still, it’s worth noting that Newsom has been pragmatic in his dealings with the Trump istration. While the public may focus on the sparring and theater, behind the scenes it’s a different story. Newsom has reached out to the White House during crises — including the LA fires — and has actively worked with them to help maintain Hollywood as the epicenter of the film industry.

They clash over policies, disagree on tariffs, cooperate during disasters, and negotiate when industry is on the line. It’s messy — but also, politics as usual. Newsom may not be perfect, but he’s showing Democrats a strong and strategic approach to dealing with Trump.

There’s a belief currently held by the British government that the Trump istration is planning to target Amal and George Clooney with sanctions.

According to Middle East Eye, the prominent human rights lawyer has been caught in the crosshairs of Trump’s ongoing battle with the International Criminal Court (ICC). In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Minister of Defense. The charges laid against them were war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza — some of the most serious charges the court can issue against individuals.

The U.S. responded with a sweeping crackdown, sanctioning nearly every working member of the ICC, including U.S. nationals. The order came with an additional ominous warning that further actions could follow against those responsible for these “transgressions.” It’s worth noting that the Trump istration has been clamping down hard on any form of protest against the war in Gaza — going as far as imprisoning student protesters, including children of celebrities such as Maggie Gyllenhaal.

This story has since evolved into yet another case of celebrity crossing into geopolitical affairs, as Amal Clooney is reportedly being considered for the “further actions” the Trump istration alluded to. Multiple sources within the British government believe that Amal’s role on an independent of legal advisors to the ICC — and her personal for the court’s chief prosecutor’s decision to pursue arrest warrants against top Israeli government officials — has placed her in the istration’s crosshairs.

It should be noted that Amal advised that both Hamas leaders and Israeli officials should be held able for the atrocities. Amal said, “I believe in the rule of law and the need to protect civilian lives.” The mother of two added, “As a human rights lawyer, I will never accept that one child’s life has less value than another’s.”

It’s also worth adding that Amal and George Clooney tly run the Clooney Foundation for Justice. The foundation’s literal stated mission is the belief that “no one is above the law.” So if the Trump istration does follow through and sanction her, it will almost certainly spill over to George Clooney as well — whose criticism of Trump, both as a politician and a person, has been well documented over the years. And Trump is not exactly known for being above petty retaliations.

If Amal Clooney does get sanctioned, since she is not an American citizen, she may be banned from ever entering the United States. She might also be placed on a financial blacklist. This would have serious implications for the Clooney family, considering George Clooney still actively works as a filmmaker in the U.S., and the couple shuttles between the UK and Europe.

Amal Clooney is partly of Palestinian descent, and as the war grew more brutal, her initial silence was questioned by many left-leaning commentators. To some, that silence was considered a form of complicity. But now, as the situation continues to unfold, it’s becoming increasingly clear that not only was she making significant moves behind the scenes — she was doing so fully aware of the personal risks it could pose to her home life.

Miley Cyrus continued her run of refreshingly candid interviews, and this time she broke down her drug use over the years — specifically how she managed to keep it from her ant.

The Grammy award winner sat with The Ringer network’s podcast Every Single Album, where she reminisced about all the albums she’s released to date and gave fans little tidbits about what was happening behind the scenes. When she got to the dark period of her career circa 2015 — her Bangerz era, when she was publicly beefing with Nicki Minaj on the MTV stage — the Flowers hit-maker itted she was heavy on drugs throughout that entire era.

These days, that period is best ed for her on-and-off relationship with Liam Hemsworth. But as much turmoil as that particular relationship caused her, in hindsight, Cyrus mostly re the self-harm she was causing through her heavy drug use. On the podcast, she said, “I’m so glad I survived that time in my life. I would definitely not encourage anyone else to go this hard, but the fact that I got through it, I’m very glad I got to do it.”

She also had inventive ways of hiding the snowballing expenditure from her handlers — especially her ant. Cyrus shared that she used to lie and say she was spending money on vintage clothes and prized possessions from famous artists.

People reports she would, for example, tell her ant that the $15,000 missing from her had gone toward an original John Lennon T-shirt. But eventually, her ant started making subtle hints that they needed evidence of the purchases, asking if she could hand them over so they could store the precious fabric carefully. According to Cyrus, that unintentionally made her an actual collector.

With her new album Something Beautiful recently released, Miley Cyrus, now 32, has emerged as a more mature woman who’s clearly learned from her past. And not just her mistakes, but also her struggles, like drug dependency and vocal cord issues. She’s managed to channel all of that into her music, and the response so far has been moderately decent from major publications. The Billboard tracking week is still ongoing, so her first-week numbers aren’t out yet — but we’ll soon see where the album ultimately lands. Knowing her and her fanbase it wouldn’t be all that surprising if she debuts at number 1 on the Billboard 200.

As for her personal life? The star got people murmuring recently when she shared that she doesn’t exactly feel the thrill of potential motherhood. She’s also ed a growing list of celebrities opting to keep their dating lives far from the public eye for as long as possible. There seems to be a notable vibe shift in Tinseltown in that regard.

Miley Cyrus will always be a part of younger millennials’ lives — the generation she helped mold and grew up alongside from her days as Hannah Montana. Child stars have famously had a very tough time adjusting to adulthood, but something tells me Miley will be just fine. The worst seems to be behind her.

George Wendt, beloved for his role as Norm Peterson in the hit NBC series “Cheers,” died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, May 17, at the age of 76. The actor, who received six Emmy nominations for ing Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of the popular barfly character, made his final public appearances in 2024.

A death certificate obtained by TMZ has revealed that Wendt’s ing was due to cardiac arrest. The document also disclosed multiple underlying health conditions that contributed to his death, including congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension. Additional contributing factors listed on the certificate were end-stage renal disease, also known as kidney failure, and hyperlipidemia.

According to Hindustan Times, Former “Cheers” co-star Rhea Perlman offered a heartfelt tribute to her late colleague, describing him as the sweetest and kindest man she had ever met. “It was impossible not to like him,” Perlman said. “I’ll miss him more than words can say.” She fondly recalled their on-screen interactions, where her character Carla would often playfully roughhouse with Norm, who always occupied the same seat at the end of the bar.

Co-stars the beloved actor 671m6s

Ted Danson, 77, expressed his devastation at the news through his representative, saying he would need time to process the loss of his friend. Danson also extended his love to Wendt’s wife, Bernadette, and their children, referring to his former co-star affectionately as “Georgie.”

The family has requested privacy during this difficult time. Through their representative, they released a statement to the New York Post describing Wendt as a devoted family man who was cherished by his friends and confidants. The statement emphasized that he would be forever missed by those who knew him.

Throughout his career, Wendt’s portrayal of Norm Peterson extended beyond the original “Cheers” series. He reprised the beloved character in two spinoff shows, “The Tortellis” and “Frasier,” further cementing the character’s place in television history.

Wendt is survived by his wife, actress Bernadette Birkett, their three children, Hilary, Joe, and Daniel, as well as his stepchildren, Joshua and Andrew. His enduring legacy as one of television’s most memorable characters continues to live on through his work on “Cheers,” where he appeared in all eleven seasons of the series.

A Florida woman has been arrested and charged with a hate crime after allegedly attacking a Black mother and her two young daughters with bear spray while they played in their driveway — and shouting racial slurs during the assault.

According to a newly released arrest affidavit from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, 81-year-old Ada Anderson of Ocala, Florida, was taken into custody on May 30, 2025, after the disturbing incident unfolded on Pine Court Drive.

The victims were 6 and 3 years old pd6y

The victims — April Morant and her two daughters, ages 6 and 3 — were innocently blowing bubbles outside their home when, they say, Anderson approached the metal fence dividing the properties and unleashed a blast of bear mace at them.

“She sprayed bear mace directly at us,” Morant told deputies, according to the report. “It hit me and my daughters. My lungs were burning.”

Even more horrifying were the words allegedly shouted by Anderson during the attack: “Stupid n—!” Morant told officers that her neighbor had repeatedly targeted her family with racist slurs in the past. She provided video footage to investigators showing Anderson yelling profanities, including the N-word, from her porch earlier the same day.

Anderson was seen holding the bear spray canister, police allege 3b85y

Deputies noted in their affidavit that a brownish-orange substance consistent with pepper spray was found on the family’s fence and lawn. The chemical irritated officers’ noses and throats upon inspection. Morant also showed officers a video she captured after the attack, in which Anderson could allegedly be seen holding the bear spray canister.

When officers confronted Anderson at her home, she reportedly itted to spraying a chemical in the family’s direction. She claimed the children had been “running up and down the fence and yelling at her.” Anderson insisted the spray never made with the family — a claim directly contradicted by physical evidence, witness testimony, and cell phone footage.

After being read her Miranda rights, Anderson declined to speak further with deputies. She was arrested without incident and transported to Marion County Jail.

Under Florida Statute 775.085, Anderson’s charge — battery; second or subsequent offense — has been enhanced to a third-degree felony because of the racial motivation behind the alleged attack. The statute allows for harsher penalties when a crime is found to be committed with “evidence of prejudice based on race.”

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that all responding deputies’ body-worn cameras were active during the incident.

According to court documents, Anderson is white, while the victims are African American. The case has quickly drawn attention online as another example of what advocates call an alarming rise in racially motivated assaults nationwide.

Civil rights groups are already weighing in. The Southern Poverty Law Center has previously warned of an uptick in hate crimes across Florida, often targeting families and individuals in everyday situations — from walking in their neighborhoods to, in this case, playing with children’s toys.

Rico Rodriguez, known for his role as Manny Delgado in the hit series Modern Family, recently revealed touching behind-the-scenes moments from his time on the show during his appearance on Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s podcast “Dinner’s On Me.”

According to Hindustan Times, the actor, who was part of the series for all 11 seasons, shared stories about his experiences working with co-stars Sofia Vergara and Ed O’Neill, offering insights into the ive environment on set.

During the podcast, Rodriguez recalled a particularly emotional moment early in the series when he was struggling with his lines. Feeling overwhelmed and on the verge of tears, believing he was “the reason why we’re not doing good,” O’Neill stepped in with a touching gesture of . The veteran actor halted production, took Rodriguez aside, and helped him work through the challenging scene. The moment concluded with O’Neill giving him a reassuring wink and saying, “I got you, don’t worry.”

Sofia Vergara’s playful dynamic with young Rodriguez revealed 1p1l54

Rodriguez also shared amusing anecdotes about his relationship with his on-screen mother, Sofia Vergara. He mentioned how he would often arrive on set knowing everyone’s lines, including Vergara’s, which proved helpful when she would occasionally improvise and need assistance getting back on track.

The actor recounted a particular incident where he voluntarily marked Vergara’s script with line indicators when she was late to a table read. His kind gesture backfired playfully when Vergara cleverly turned it into a regular expectation, leading Rodriguez to realize he had been “played.”

Despite the clever manipulation, Rodriguez expressed that he didn’t mind helping Vergara, who would often rely on him for various on-set information, including their shooting schedules and call times.

The revelations from Rodriguez paint a picture of the close-knit relationships formed during the long-running series, highlighting how the cast ed and looked out for each other, particularly the younger actors. These behind-the-scenes stories add another layer to the beloved family comedy that aired for over a decade, showing that the family dynamic extended beyond the cameras.

Tom Cruise has added another achievement to his impressive career by securing a Guinness World Record for his death-defying stunt in “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.” The actor, who has been portraying secret agent Ethan Hunt since 1996, performed the most burning parachute jumps by an individual in the film’s latest installment.

According to Hindustan Times, the record-breaking feat involved Cruise jumping from a helicopter 16 times while wearing a fuel-soaked parachute that was deliberately set on fire. The stunts were performed in Drakensberg, South Africa, where Cruise and his team spent weeks preparing for the dangerous sequence.

During the behind-the-scenes preparation, Cruise emphasized safety while discussing the stunt with his crew. “We’re gonna be real smart. I’m not saying be risky. We don’t take risks… obviously,” the actor stated, highlighting the careful planning behind these dangerous-looking sequences.

Multiple takes required extensive preparation and special equipment z1he

The stunt required Cruise to ascend more than 75,000 feet in a helicopter before executing the jump with the flaming parachute. Each jump involved cutting himself free from the burning chute and deploying a backup parachute. In several takes, Cruise carried an additional 50-pound Snorri camera rig attached to his body to capture close-up shots of the fiery stunt.

Craig Glenday, Guinness World Records editor-in-chief, praised Cruise’s commitment to authenticity, stating that the actor doesn’t just play action heroes but is one himself. Glenday attributed Cruise’s success to his focus on authenticity and his continuous efforts to push the boundaries of what a leading man can accomplish in action films.

“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” directed by Christopher McQuarrie, serves as a continuation of the story from “Dead Reckoning,” where Hunt battles against an AI program called The Entity. The film features returning cast Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Vanessa Kirby, and Hayley Atwell, among others.

The franchise welcomes several newcomers in this installment, including Hannah Waddingham from “Ted Lasso,” Nick Offerman, Lucy Tulugarjuk, Katy O’Brian, Tramell Tillman, and Stephen Oyoung. The film, which promises to be a dramatic conclusion to the long-running series, was released in theaters on May 23, marking the end of an era that spans eight movies.

In a tragic case, Loquada Brown and Chris Parham, a couple from Maryland, discovered that the ashes they thought were their infant son’s after he was cremated were not his.

The body of their 2-month-old son, Coi’Seir, was later found in the home of Rosa Williams. Williams co-owned Heaven Bound Cremation Services in White Plains, Maryland.

The revelation has sparked outrage and heartbreak. Dozens of others now question whether the remains they received from the same crematory truly belonged to their loved ones.

The Maryland crematory scandal: a shocking discovery 143u48

Brown and Parham said they entrusted Heaven Bound Cremation Services with the body of baby Coi’Seir in early January 2025. They said they expected a cremation and the return of his ashes. Instead, weeks later, police informed them that their son’s body had been discovered, decomposing, inside the residence of crematory co-owner Rosa Williams.

In an emotional interview with FOX 5 DC, Loquada Brown recalled being blindsided by the news. “I had my son’s ashes in my living room — or at least I thought I did,” she said. Now, the couple is left wondering, whose ashes did they receive? 

A history of violations 6z344v

Heaven Bound Cremation Services has been the subject of multiple complaints dating back years. According to state inspection records, bodies were found stacked on top of each other in unsanitary conditions. Some were decomposing, and others showed signs of mishandling. In total, 35 human remains — including infants — were discovered at the site or at the homes of those associated with the business.

Despite years of red flags, the business remained in operation until January 2025, when the Maryland State Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors finally suspended its license following a flood of public complaints.

State board faces scrutiny 1x4l4a

The incident exposed glaring oversight failures by the state board tasked with monitoring crematories and funeral homes. Following the scandal, multiple board resigned, including the executive director. Governor Wes Moore condemned the board’s inaction and launched a broader review into mortuary services across the state.

“We’re living a nightmare” 5y23f

For Brown and Parham, the emotional toll has been indescribable. “We did everything right,” said Chris Parham. “We paid for the cremation, we trusted them. And now we’re living a nightmare.”

Attorneys for several families — including the Browns — are exploring legal options, citing gross negligence and emotional damages. Experts say the families could pursue both civil damages from the crematory and possible action against the state for inadequate oversight.

Who has the right ashes? 2z69

With dozens of bodies uned for or misidentified, the question remains chillingly unanswered: Whose ashes were given to grieving families — and where are the missing bodies?

The state has set up a dedicated hotline for those who suspect they may have been affected by the Heaven Bound scandal. Investigators are using DNA analysis to try to confirm identities where possible, but for many, closure may never come.

The Maryland crematory scandal involving Brown and Parham, and the tragic mishandling of baby Coi’Seir’s remains, has sparked a reckoning in the funeral services industry. It is a grim reminder of the importance of oversight, ability, and respect for the dead — and the living who mourn them.

Kevin Coolong, a Virginia anesthetist, is facing explosive allegations after multiple women accused him of sexually assaulting them while they were completely unconscious under anesthesia.

The case has sent shockwaves through the medical community and raised urgent alarms about patient safety during surgery.

The Coolong allegations 232i5g

According to People, several women bravely came forward and accused Coolong of kissing and groping them while they were sedated and powerless to resist. The victims say Coolong exploited his position of trust and control, taking advantage of utterly vulnerable patients.

The horrifying claims paint a disturbing picture of abuse hidden behind the doors of operating rooms — places where patients expect safety and care, not predatory behavior. Official legal documents viewed by People say Coolong told authorities he thought the women liked it, and that they were “attractive and close to his age.”

The documents added, “Mr. Coolong claimed that when Patient A was ‘drowsy,’ she was ‘clingy’ towards him by staring intently at him and holding/squeezing his hand. Mr. Coolong stated he got the impression that Patient A liked him. Mr. Coolong itted that while Patient A’s eyes were closed, he stroked her cheek and lips.”

According to the documents, Coolong “holds the victims somewhat responsible for his sexual behavior as he acknowledged they kept coming over to see him, were overly affectionate and loving, asked for it by the way they looked and talked, and wanted and liked the sexual things that happened.”

The Virginia Board of Medicine has confirmed it is investigating Coolong’s conduct and has suspended him from practicing pending further review. Law enforcement officials are examining forensic evidence and victim testimonies as part of a growing criminal case.

Patient safety in the spotlight 22u26

This scandal has sparked renewed scrutiny of how patients are protected during medical procedures. Anesthetists hold a uniquely powerful position, with full control over patients’ consciousness, making strict oversight critical.

Coolong now faces potential felony charges, with prosecutors moving aggressively to bring him to justice. Victims are being urged to come forward as the investigation intensifies.

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where Coolong worked, said in a statement, “The safety and quality of care for our patients is our highest priority. We became aware this morning of the Virginia Board of Nursing consent order against a former Atlantic Anesthesia employee and are pleased that significant action is being taken against him. We intend to fully cooperate with the investigation into this matter.”

Dakota Johnson has itted to sending gorilla excrement to a friend’s ex-partner during her recent lie detector interview with Vanity Fair. The 35-year-old actress made this revelation in her second polygraph session with the publication, following her initial test six years ago.

According to People, during the questioning about her loyalty to friends, Johnson confirmed that she had indeed mailed “a gallon of gorilla s—” to someone who had broken her friend’s heart. When asked about the logistics of such an unusual delivery, the Madame Web star revealed that her preferred website for such purchases is S—Senders.com, noting that “you can order any kind, any size.” However, when the conversation turned to ordering public crabs online, Johnson quickly drew the line, stating, “No! Good Lord, I’m not a monster.”

The actress demonstrated her fierce loyalty to friends throughout the interview, even indicating she would provide a false alibi to law enforcement for her “lifelong” friend Riley Keough if necessary. While Johnson itted to the gorilla poop incident, she added that “it’s been quite a while. It’s been some years,” and expressed confidence that the recipient would not watch the interview.

Personal life updates and recent split from Chris Martin 2y4i17

The revelation comes amid news of Johnson’s recent separation from Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, 48, after nearly eight years together. The couple, who began dating in 2017, were reportedly engaged for “years” but never rushed into marriage.

Recent sightings of Johnson in New York City on June 2 and June 4 showed the actress without her engagement ring. The last public appearance of the couple together was in Malibu on May 16, followed by a sighting in India where they were photographed holding hands during Martin’s tour with Coldplay.

Sources close to the situation have described the split as definitive, with an insider telling PEOPLE, “It feels final this time.” Representatives for both stars have not responded to requests for comment on the separation.

Throughout her career, Johnson has maintained a notably private stance regarding her personal life. This discretion was evident in a 2018 Tatler interview where she briefly acknowledged her relationship with Martin, stating only that she was “very happy.” Her mother, actress Melanie Griffith, has also respected this privacy, despite expressing her iration for Martin at the Global Gift Foundation USA Women’s Empowerment Luncheon in May 2018.

A harrowing true crime case in Washington state has underscored the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and school-aged radicalization.

According to the FBI Portland Field Office, working in close coordination with local law enforcement, authorities interrupted a planned mass shooting and improvised explosive device (IED) attack targeting the Three Rivers Mall in Kelso, Washington.

A ‘meticulously developed’ attack 452b40

Law enforcement thwarted the chilling plot on May 22, 2025, when authorities arrested a juvenile suspect from Columbia County, Oregon, who had been conspiring to unleash a chlorine bomb explosion followed by a mass shooting.

A minor, whose name is withheld, “meticulously” developed the attack, the FBI said. This included creating a map of the mall, plotting an escape route, and coordinating the use of an improvised explosive device, in this case, a chlorine bomb.

The suspect, the FBI says, intended to create chaos and panic among mall patrons. The juvenile planned to follow the explosion by shooting individuals exiting the mall’s movie theater before ultimately taking their own life inside the building.

The FBI identified the suspect within 24 hours 1o325t

The FBI received a tip about the planned attack on May 19, 2025, and swiftly launched an investigation. Within 24 hours, authorities identified the accused attacker through online chats where they shared violent extremist ideologies and details of their plot.

Law enforcement agencies initiated court-authorized surveillance and obtained a federal search warrant. Deputies from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office arrested the minor on May 22, preventing what could have been a devastating mass casualty event.

“This plot was as serious as it gets,” stated Doug Olson, FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge. “We, along with our partners, moved swiftly to interrupt this violent plan and to protect our community.”

The Columbia County District Attorney’s office has taken up prosecution, charging the suspect under state law. The FBI has emphasized the importance of community vigilance, encouraging the public to report suspicious activities and urging parents to maintain open conversations with their children about online behavior.

What are chlorine bombs? 1b4d23

Chlorine bombs, a type of improvised explosive device, combine chlorine gas with explosive materials to cause harm through both blast and toxic gas release. Law enforcement and security reports have highlighted such devices. They are particularly dangerous in enclosed spaces such as malls, schools, and public transit hubs.

The combination of physical explosion and toxic exposure can cause mass panic and overwhelming injury, making them a favored tool for terror plots.

The thwarted attack fits into a broader pattern of increasing concern over domestic extremist plots in the United States. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have repeatedly warned about young individuals becoming radicalized online, particularly through extremist ideologies promoting nihilism and violence.

Black Panther director Ryan Coogler has officially confirmed that Denzel Washington will the cast of Black Panther 3, following Washington’s earlier revelation about his involvement in November 2024.

According to People, the confirmation came during Coogler’s recent appearance on the 7pm in Brooklyn podcast with host Carmelo Anthony, where the director discussed his long-standing desire to work with the Training Day star.

“Denzel is family at this point…I’ve been trying to work with him since day one,” Coogler said during the podcast. “I think he’s the greatest living actor, and in of what he means to our culture, forget about it. I’ve been talking to him about this for a long time.”

Washington’s projects and retirement plans revealed 2e1j2e

The 70-year-old Washington had previously disclosed on Australian Today that Coogler was writing a specific part for him in the next Black Panther film. The actor also shared his plans to appear in Othello and King Lear before retiring from acting, expressing his desire to work with only the best filmmakers at this stage of his career.

Coogler itted being caught off guard by Washington’s public disclosure of their discussions but confirmed the truth behind the statement. The director has long ired Washington’s work, particularly his collaborations with Spike Lee, expressing excitement about their project together, Highest 2 Lowest, scheduled for release in August 2025.

The Black Panther franchise has seen significant success since its debut in January 2018, with the original film starring the late Chadwick Boseman, followed by Black Panther 2 in November 2022. The third installment is currently scheduled for release in February 2028, according to IMDb.

Meanwhile, Coogler’s latest directorial venture, Sinners, recently hit theaters, featuring his frequent collaborator Michael B. Jordan alongside Hailee Steinfeld and Miles Caton. The film tells the story of twin brothers facing evil upon returning to their hometown. Coogler shared an emotional moment about showing the film to his mentor Spike Lee, describing the experience as “surreal.”