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Trump says he changed his mind about taking the Fifth, which he once said was for ‘the mob’

August 10, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Former President Donald Trump indicated that he pleaded the Fifth Amendment on Wednesday as he was deposed in a New York state civil investigation into his business dealings — which marks a reversal for a real estate baron who had cast aspersions on others who protected themselves from the possibility of self-incrimination.

Trump sat for a deposition in New York Attorney General Letitia James’ probe into whether he misstated the value of his assets to his own benefit, an investigation he has labeled a partisan “witch hunt.” (James is a Democrat.)

Trump’s appearance in New York marked the third straight day that he has faced legal challenges. His Mar-a-Lago residence was searched by the FBI in Florida on Monday in relation, sources told ABC News, to documents that he took with him when he departed Washington, including some records the National Archives has said were marked classified.

Separately, a federal appeals court on Tuesday ruled that his tax returns could be obtained by a House panel that has sought them for years.

In a rare move, Trump acknowledged in a statement Wednesday that he had changed his mind about invoking the Fifth.

But he argued that he was forced to after facing what he continued to describe as partisan probes, particularly the Mar-a-Lago search.

“I once asked, ‘If you’re innocent, why are you taking the Fifth Amendment?’ Now I know the answer to that question. When your family, your company, and all the people in your orbit have become the targets of an unfounded, politically motivated Witch Hunt supported by lawyers, prosecutors, and the Fake News Media, you have no choice,” he said in his statement.

“If there was any question in my mind, the raid of my home, Mar-a-Lago, on Monday by the FBI, just two days prior to this deposition, wiped out any uncertainty,” he added, going on to say that in the New York deposition, “under the advice of my counsel and for all of the above reasons, I declined to answer the questions under the rights and privileges afforded to every citizen under the United States Constitution.”

As Trump suggested in his statement, he previously painted those who cited the Fifth as guilty of some crime.

When Trump ran for president in 2016, he questioned why aides to Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton were taking the Fifth in connection with an investigation into the deadly raid on a U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

“So, there are five people taking the Fifth Amendment. Like you see on the mob, right? You see the mob takes the Fifth. If you’re innocent, why are you taking the Fifth Amendment?” he asked at the time.

Decades ago, during his divorce from Ivana Trump, he also invoked the Fifth, according to one biography.

The amendment, among other provisions, protects people from being made to testify against themselves.

In civil cases, but not in criminal cases, a person who invokes the Fifth may have negative conclusions drawn about that choice — just as Trump had previously said.

Trump repeatedly pleaded the Fifth in hours-long deposition for New York AG probe: Sources

August 10, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Donald Trump on Wednesday invoked his Fifth Amendment protection against testifying against himself during an hours-long deposition as part of the New York attorney general’s civil investigation into his family real estate business.

The former president was seen arriving at the attorney general’s office in New York City around 9 a.m. local time and left about six hours later.

A source with knowledge of the matter confirmed to ABC News that Trump declined to answer questions from investigators in the deposition and, the source said, it is unlikely he will return for any additional questions.

A spokesperson for Attorney General Letitia James declined to comment.

Sources said the only question Trump answered was when Kevin Wallace, a lawyer in James’ office who has been leading the investigation, asked his name. Otherwise he invoked the Fifth each time.

In an emailed statement to reporters while he was in the deposition, Trump said, in part, “Under the advice of my counsel … I declined to answer the questions under the rights and privileges afforded to every citizen under the United States Constitution.”

His statement also included lengthy attacks on the James’ investigation.

The attorney general’s office where Trump appeared is across the street from one of the Trump-branded buildings included in the civil investigation.

The attorney general herself began Trump’s deposition, sources familiar said — kicking off the six-hour exchange, including breaks.

Trump also read into the record a statement that echoed the one released by his office as the deposition began. He sat directly across from James as he accused her of political motivation. She did not react, the sources said.

As he left Wednesday afternoon, his motorcade drove by a number of onlookers and Trump was seen waving from the window.

The deposition in the civil case follows an escalation in a separate federal investigation into Trump’s handling of classified material. On Monday, the FBI searched Trump’s residence in Palm Beach, Florida.

Wednesday’s deposition, which had been delayed from July due to the death of Trump’s ex-wife Ivana, came after a months-long court fight during which Trump was held in contempt as he fought the attorney general’s subpoena.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing and called the investigation politically motivated.

“My great company, and myself, are being attacked from all sides. Banana Republic!” he said in a statement on his social media outlet, Truth Social, shortly before Wednesday’s deposition.

Two of his grown children, Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump, have already been deposed as part of the civil probe, sources said.

Trump argued unsuccessfully that he should not have to sit for a deposition while the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office was conducting a parallel criminal investigation. While the Manhattan DA’s case remains active, two senior prosecutors who had been leading it resigned earlier this year over the lack of an indictment.

James has said her office uncovered evidence of potentially fraudulent conduct in the way the Trump Organization valued its real estate holdings when seeking loans and when asking for tax breaks.

Lawyers in her office have said in court that the office is nearing a decision on an enforcement action.

ABC News’ Will Steakin contributed to this report.

Michael Bublé surprises gospel choir during tour stop in London

August 10, 2022 by WDNY Radio

The singers of London’s West End Gospel choir got the surprise of their life when Michael Bublé walked through the door to watch them perform his song “Bring It On Home to Me.”

A video of the surprise visit, released Wednesday, was taken as the Grammy winner was touring London in March to promote his new album, Higher. Michael revealed he was “asked to surprise” the singers, who were led to believe they “were only being filmed as a stunt for Michael’s socials.”

“The choir had no idea that Michael is coming to surprise them,” the narration continued, adding the “Sway” singer also had “no idea that they are performing his song.”

The choirmaster, named Nathaniel, was in on the whole thing.

The wholesome video starts with Michael gushing about how much he loves gospel music and psyching himself up to meet the singers. Of course, the moment he walks in, the choir jumps to their feet while erupting in laughter and cheers.

His reaction is priceless once he realizes what song they’re singing and soon joins them.

Michael then hugs each and every member of the choir and tells them, “I’ve been freaking out! For me, when I recorded this song, it was the greatest thing I’ve ever recorded in my life.” Michael became emotional as he explained that he always believed in the song when others didn’t — and said their performance will “let people see how beautiful this is.”

“This is the moment. You guys gave me the moment,” he gushed.

“That was truly one of the greatest moments of my life,” Michael continued, saying he’d love to invite the singers to join him the next time he performs in London.

The “I’ll Never Not Love You” singer is currently on the North American leg on his Higher tour.

From McLean Street to Missy Elliott Boulevard: Missy to get own street in Virginia

August 10, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Missy Elliott‘s name will be cemented on a street in her hometown of Portsmouth, Virginia. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the Portsmouth City Council unanimously voted in support of renaming McLean Street to Missy Elliott Boulevard.

“I am so Humbly Grateful #757 VA 2 up 2 down,” she wrote of the forthcoming honor. “i been through many ups & downs & times I wanted to give up but Gods plan was different! & all I can do is say Thank you & Thank you to everyone on the City Counsel I am so GRATEFUL for EVERYTHING”

The council is hoping the name change, pitched by Portsmouth resident Erin Carter, will honor Missy while helping to enhance the city’s entertainment sector.

Missy, birth name Melissa Arnette Elliot, was born at the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center. She attended Woodrow Wilson High School and graduated in 1990 before officially launching her music career.

The star has since been praised for her production, foresight, music and creativity, earning a slew of honors, including VMAs, Grammys, BET Awards and, most recently, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Snoop Dogg gifts Stephen Curry a Death Row chain

August 10, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Thanks to Snoop Dogg, Stephen Curry has a new chain to go with his four championship rings. The rapper gifted the NBA star a Death Row chain following their recent reveal of a newly refurbished basketball court.

“It’s chaining day!” Snoop told Steph as he placed the piece around his neck. “They ain’t got that, Steph! That’s official.” A video of the moment is captured on Snoop’s Instagram page.

Stephen and his Under Armour Curry brand had teamed up with the Death Row owner to surprise a group of over 70 children at the Boys and Girls Club in Long Beach, California. The two crashed the basketball practice, spoke to the kids and unveiled a new court, designed by renowned artist Damion Scott.

“This is the place where I learned how to play basketball, play football, be active in the community and build relationships. It’s where I learned how to rap, talk and just be me basically – in this park right here,” Snoop said of the court. “To come back and see the kids doing different things, trying to be better than we were – that’s what it’s all about.”

He and Steph hope that the refurbished gym will continue to be a safe space for children in the community, especially those interested in sports.

“We want to provide a space where you can come enjoy yourself and get lost in the fun, lost in the competition, invest in yourselves, and be around a lot of amazing coaches and programs,” Curry said. The baller later reflected on the experience on Instagram.

Artist explains Drake’s father was “rushing” him through tattoo of the rapper

August 10, 2022 by WDNY Radio

The artist behind Dennis Graham‘s Drake tattoo is speaking out after the rapper poked fun at his artwork. In a conversation with TMZ, Money Mike explained that the imperfect portrait was the result of being rushed throughout the process.

According to Mike, Bishop Don Juan invited him to Dennis’ birthday party, so he attended because it “sounded like a fun time.” Despite not knowing Drake’s father — or being a fan of the rapper — he purchased a few bottles for him and the two eventually started talking about tattoos.

Mike gave his contact information to Dennis, who requested a portrait of Drake three days later. But as the artist explained, the tattooing process went far from smoothly because Dennis couldn’t handle the pain.

“In my defense, one of the reasons the tattoo isn’t the absolute greatest I’ve ever been able to do is because he was rushing me,” Mike said. “So four hours into the tattoo he was in severe pain, and he was telling me basically just to wrap it up.”

Mike claimed there were no complaints about the finished product … until Drake saw the tattoo. The rapper then allegedly got other people to retouch the ink, which he considers a violation of “an unwritten law” among tattoo artists.

As previously reported, Drake joked about the tat when he posted it alongside the caption, “I was sitting here thinking why you do me like this we family.” Mike said he received an apology from Dennis after the post and claimed Drake was drunk when he shared it on social media.

Who was that masked man? New book takes a look at the history of cosplay

August 10, 2022 by WDNY Radio

The concept of fans dressing up like their favorite pop culture characters, as they recently did at San Diego Comic-Con, may seem like a new phenomenon, but it’s not.

That’s one of the findings from Andrew Liptak, author, journalist and, yes, cosplayer, in his new Simon & Schuster book: COSPLAY: A HISTORY – The Builders, Fans, and Makers Who Bring Your Favorite Stories to Life.

While the term “cosplay” surfaced in 1984 — a Japanese amalgam of “costume and play” — it’s thought one of the first costumed gatherings happened at the first World Science Fiction Convention held in 1939.

“I looked at the history of conventions and fandom and sort of traced, like, where was the first place people started wearing costumes, like, 1939 in New York City,” Liptak tells ABC Audio.

“And then, you know, what are earlier examples that go further beyond that? So we found examples from the early 1900s, mid 1800s.”

He even learned there was a Roman emperor who’d dress up as Hercules and had busts made of himself in costume.

“At the heart of this is, like, you are trying to find your fellow tribe of fellow fans,” Liptak says of the hobby. “Because, you know, we want community. We want to have things in common with people. We’re tribal species, and we’re a storytelling species.”

Liptak marvels, pun intended, at how mainstream cosplay has become. “One of the fun things about Ms. Marvel [is that] cosplay is central in the plot of a Marvel TV show … I mean, it’s not only Ms. Marvel, but … Taco Bell had a commercial with cosplayers in it, The Big Bang Theory … you know, that was a big mainstream introduction for a lot of people that, you know, this is a thing.”

Britney Spears says it “breaks my heart” her kids don’t want to see her

August 10, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Britney Spears is exhausted by the “cruelty” of her own family — and that includes her kids.

The “Toxic” hitmaker took to Instagram to shed more light on what’s happening between her, her ex-husband Kevin Federline and their two sons, 16-year-old Sean Preston and 15-year-old Jayden. This comes a few days after Federline told Daily Mail her kids “have decided they are not seeing her right now.”

“This situation should have 100 percent been dealt with privately and definitely not online,” Britney wrote.

The Grammy winner admitted her kids have been seeing her less frequently and, when they would visit, they would “walk in the door, go straight to their room and lock the door.”

Noting that her sons are teenagers, Britney said, “I always TRIED and TRIED and maybe that’s why they stopped coming here !!! I wanted them to love me so much that I might have overdone it !!!”

Britney also hit back at the report’s claims that her household is filled with too much drama, adding Federline “wants to bring up my past” to use against her. “That was almost 20 years ago … Their game doesn’t work anymore,” she noted.

The pop star also argued Federline isn’t a saint and wrote, “I can guarantee you, that house has more weed than Ludacris, 50 Cent, Jay Z and Puff Daddy combined.”

“My heart doesn’t understand cruelty. It breaks my heart because it seems to me that these days, cruelty does in fact win,” she lamented. “I can’t process how I dedicated 20 years of my life to those kids … everything was about them.” She said their actions have “knock[ed] the breath out of me.”

“It would take a miracle to fix my heart,” she closed, and praised her “supportive husband,” Sam Asghari, for being there for her.

Nashville notes: Chase Rice, Jon Pardi + more

August 10, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Chase Rice has released the music video for his new song, “Key West & Colorado.”

In case you missed it, Jon Pardi made a stop on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Tuesday night to perform his top-five single, “Last Night Lonely.” You can watch his performance now.

David Nail, who has earned two chart-topping hits with “Whatever She’s Got” and “Let it Rain,” is going on tour this fall. He just announced his Story to Tell Tour, which features opening act Tyler Braden.

Amanda Seyfried regrets filming nude scenes at 19: “I wanted to keep my job”

August 10, 2022 by WDNY Radio

The Dropout‘s Amanda Seyfried admits to having some regrets about filming a nude scene when she was 19 years old, saying she did it because she felt it was the only way to keep her job.

“Being 19, walking around without my underwear on — like, are you kidding me? How did I let that happen?” the 36-year-old actress tells Porter. “Oh, I know why: I was 19 and I didn’t want to upset anybody, and I wanted to keep my job. That’s why.”

Seyfried says she “wishes she could be coming up now, in an era where intimacy coordinators are an on-set requirement and actors are in a better position to speak up.”

Seyfriend received her first Emmy nod last month for her performance as Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes in Hulu’s The Dropout.

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