Although awkward conversations may seem difficult, they can be good opportunities to practice making small talk and handling conflict—especially if you live with social anxiety disorder. You can learn to cope with awkward conversations by planning ahead, brushing up on your social skills, and knowing when to use a bit of humor. One store employee was caught in a very awkward.
Earlier this week, woman walked into store with her face smeared in dark makeup. The woman, later identified as Ersila, was captured on video which was obtained by TMZ. In the video, the woman can be heard saying to an employee who confronted her about the offensive face paint: “Lester Holt did ‘whiteface’ and nobody said s–t.” I don’t shop at Target, BUT, I do love terr0rizing the workers and shoppers there…’
Per reports, journalist Holt, who is black, reportedly dressed up as British singer Susan Boyle for an episode of the ‘Today’ show over 10 years ago. The woman also demanded to see the store’s Pride section, only to become frustrated when startled workers told her that Pride Month ended in June. ‘Oh, I thought they were celebrating this and they took our flag forever, no?’ Ersila retorted, presumably referring to LGBTQIA+ Pride’s signature rainbow flag. She then claimed the LGBT community had taken over the American flag forever before walking out. ‘I don’t shop at Target,’ she grumbled as she strutted out of the store.
Ersila then asked the person recording to post the video on her Facebook page and claimed her friends ‘love it’ before the clip ended. Later that day, Ersila posted a selfie video from a local Starbucks, where she was still in blackface and had Donald Trump campaign stickers on her Mickey Mouse shirt. ‘Hey Facebook, I’m looking for a job today,’ she says. ‘I am at Starbucks, I never treat myself to Starbucks since the post office got rid of me. ‘I barely treated myself to Starbucks when I was working there, I couldn’t afford it.’ ‘Got rid of because…???’ ‘Trump is coming … I’m showing my t–ies,’ our collective hero joked, leaning back to show off the two stickers.
Wright claims that Jay-Z has been controlling and drugging Beyonce for years, revealing a dark side to the seemingly perfect marriage.
Wright, known for her candid and controversial statements, recently turned her attention to Jay-Z, accusing him of keeping Beyonce under his control through the use of drugs. According to Wright, Jay-Z’s alleged manipulation has led to Beyonce’s silence in interviews and limited public appearances, raising concerns about the true nature of their relationship.
The singer has not held back, suggesting that Beyonce is, in fact, a “prisoner in a gilded cage.” Wright urges the Beyhive, Beyonce’s devoted fan base, to start a “Free Beyonce” campaign, claiming that the pop icon is not allowed to make her own choices and is subjected to Jay-Z’s control in every aspect of her life.
While such claims may sound sensational, Wright points to the couple’s history and the 12-year age gap between them, implying that Jay-Z may have had a predatory interest in Beyonce from a young age. She draws parallels to Jay-Z’s past relationships, including allegations involving a young Foxy Brown, and connects the dots to create a narrative of control, manipulation, and substance abuse.
Wright’s allegations have sparked a wave of speculation and discussion among fans and industry insiders. Many are questioning the authenticity of her claims, while others believe there may be some truth to the accusations, given the lack of defamation lawsuits from celebrities involved.
In addition to the accusations against Jay-Z, Wright also sheds light on other instances of alleged grooming and control within the music industry. The singer implicates Diddy and his relationship with Cassie, suggesting a pattern of powerful figures exerting control over younger talents.
As the story unfolds, fans are left to grapple with the disturbing details and question the dynamics of power and influence within the entertainment industry. The public awaits responses from Jay-Z, Beyonce, and other figures implicated in Wright’s revelations, as the music world braces for potential repercussions from these explosive claims.
Beyond his fame as an actor, Joe Mantegna is a devoted father. Meet his two daughters, one who followed in his footsteps and the other who faced health challenges from birth before later being diagnosed with autism.
Joe Mantegna rose to fame playing Special Agent David Rossi on “Criminal Minds,” but beyond the camera, he is a loving husband and father. When he and his wife welcomed their first daughter, it was the beginning of a journey marked by both unexpected challenges and deep family bonds.
While his eldest faced early health struggles, his second child became her sister’s protector. Take a closer look at the actor’s long-lasting marriage and how both of his daughters have since gone on to carve their own paths and make their father proud.
Joe Mantegna at the Pageant of the Masters Art & Fashion Affair on August 24, 2024, in Laguna Beach, California. | Source: Getty Images
A Hollywood Legend and a Lasting Love Story
Joe’s path to acting began with a high school dare in 1963. A friend challenged him to try out for “West Side Story” at Morton East High, and while didn’t get the role, he found a thrill in performing that changed his life.
After high school, he joined a rock band called the Apocryphals, sharing the Chicago music scene with bands like the future rock group Chicago.
But it was in theater that Joe found both his calling and his partner, Arlene Vrhel. They met in 1969 when both were cast in a local production of “Hair.” Friendship turned to romance, and they began a journey together that would span more than fifty years.
Joe and Arlene didn’t rush into marriage, living as free spirits for nearly a decade before officially tying the knot in 1975. “We just had a lot of fun, but we didn’t get married for the longest time because we were hippies,” Arlene revealed.
Just weeks before their wedding, the couple exchanged private vows at the Eiffel Tower. In 2023, the former “Criminal Minds” star, who celebrated his 77th birthday in October, was asked about the secret to his lasting marriage.
“The way I like to put it is that marriage is like being on a roller coaster,” He stated. “It’s fun, but then these scary turns happen. The trick is, at least for me, is that we hung on during those scary turns. Then things smoothed out again. For us, the ride keeps getting better and better.”
Mia’s Journey – Overcoming Early Struggles and Embracing Autism
On June 5, 1987, Joe and his wife welcomed their first daughter, Mia. Arlene’s pregnancy initially seemed smooth, but when she noticed a sudden drop in movement, doctors quickly diagnosed an umbilical cord infection, forcing an early delivery.
Mia, Gia, and Joe Mantegna with Arlene Vrhel at the 2nd Annual Feast of San Gennaro in 2003. | Source: Getty Images
Mia arrived three months premature, weighing only one pound and 15 ounces, one of California’s smallest newborns that year. Joe recalled the shock of seeing his tiny daughter for the first time, feeling both overwhelmed and determined, saying, “Here’s our daughter, and she’ll be fine.”
Gia, Joe, and Mia Mantegna with Arlene Vrhel and Matthew Gray Gubler at a party for Paul Feig’s sci-fi novel “Ignatius MacFarland: Frequenaut!” on September 28, 2008, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
In those early days, Mia’s health was fragile. She often stopped breathing, prompting the famous actor to replace their home’s white porch light with a red bulb to help ambulance drivers locate their house in case of emergencies.
Mia, Joe, Gia, and Will Mantegna with Arlene Vrhel on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 29, 2011, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Despite the constant health scares, Mia gradually grew stronger, and by age two, she appeared to be reaching new milestones. However, her parents began noticing differences in her development — Mia was not speaking, avoided eye contact, and often repeated phrases, a condition known as echolalia.
Mia, Joe, and Gia Mantegna with Arlene Vrhel at the National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards Gala on December 6, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
When she was diagnosed with autism, the news hit Joe and Arlene hard. “I remember it hit my wife and me like a ton of bricks, because, first of all, it was just a word we had heard about,” he said.
Autism was much less understood in the early ’90s, and Joe recalled, “You were afraid to walk in puddles and stuff because nobody even knew how you got it, and there was no cure for it. So it was a little like that.”
Joe, Mia, and Gia Mantegna with Arlene Vrhel at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach, California, in 2017. | Source: Getty Images
Determined to support Mia in every way possible, the Mantegnas enrolled her in a special education program and encouraged her musical gifts. Mia developed a nearly perfect sense of pitch, using music as her preferred form of expression.
Arlene often marveled at her daughter’s ability, noting that the little girl covered her ears if anyone sang off-key, a testament to her extraordinary talent. Over the years, Mia’s interests extended beyond music to makeup artistry, an area where she thrived.
Mia and Joe Mantegna with the Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters PR Director Sharbie Higuchi at The Festival of Arts Celebrity Benefit Event on August 26, 2017, in Laguna Beach, California. | Source: Getty Images
Alongside her younger sister, Gia, Mia completed a professional makeup course, becoming the first autistic graduate of the Mudd School. Now, as a makeup artist for Inclusion Films, she continues to find purpose and joy in her work.
Reflecting on life with Mia, Joe shared that he could not imagine a world without her unique spirit, adding, “I don’t know what it’s like not to have a daughter with autism.”
Actress Kirsten Vangsness with Joe and Mia Mantegna onstage during the 2018 Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards on February 24, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Through every step, Joe, Arlene, and their family embraced Mia’s journey, grateful for each milestone she reached and hopeful for the future. “She’s wonderful. She’s pursuing her art. […] It’s quite incredible. She’s 36 years old but a child at heart,” the actor revealed in 2023.
Mia and Joe Mantegna at the opening night of “Footloose: The Musical” on March 2, 2024, in Burbank, California. | Source: Getty Images
Meet Gia Mantegna
Three years after Mia’s birth, Joe and Arlene welcomed their second daughter, Gia. From a young age, Gia showed a unique understanding of her sister’s needs and became Mia’s steadfast protector.
“Gia understood that her older sister was a lot different than the other kids,” Joe revealed. He recalled the pride he felt watching Gia take on the role of both sister and mentor, recognizing Mia’s differences with empathy beyond her years.
Mia’s autism taught Gia patience and compassion, shaping her perspective on life and relationships. Growing up alongside Mia gave the Mantegnas a clearer view of typical developmental milestones, helping them distinguish between what stemmed from Mia’s autism and what reflected her individuality.
Joe often said that Gia, in many ways, felt like an older sibling, developing a maturity that came from supporting Mia and guiding her in everyday life. Beyond her role as Mia’s sister, Gia pursued her own path, exploring both acting and real estate.
The “Criminal Minds” star admired his daughter’s tenacity, noting how she handled challenges with the same resilience she showed in supporting her sister. “She’s like the son I never had,” Joe remarked, impressed by her ability to tackle practical problems with confidence.
Joe and Gia Mantegna at the 21st Annual Movieguide Awards on February 15, 2013, in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images
While Gia’s interest in acting seemed natural, Joe admitted he initially questioned whether his daughter truly had the talent or was merely influenced by his career. But as he observed her work, he realized that Gia had an innate ability that couldn’t be taught — a gift she could build upon.
Joe and Gia Mantegna at the grand opening of Sugar Factory Hollywood on November 13, 2013. | Source: Getty Images
“You can see the kids that have the kind of natural ability they can improve upon. And then there are the kids that, well, it’s not their cup of tea. Gia does have it. I’m not kidding myself because she’s my daughter,” he shared.
Joe and Gia Mantegna at the Festival of Arts Celebrity Benefit Event on August 28, 2021, in Laguna Beach, California. | Source: Getty Images
Arlene and Joe Mantegna’s journey as parents has been marked by both joy and resilience. Through the challenges of Mia’s autism and the growth of Gia’s compassion and talents, they’ve built a family grounded in support and love.
Leyla Durmus lost her 21-year-old son Kaya after he died from an opioid overdose in 2016.
Kaya is buried at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Leyla visits his grave every day and is on a mission to spread awareness about opioid addiction.
However, her time and attention has been taken away because of an unexpected issue. One day while visiting her son’s grave site, Leyla noticed a flyer for a social gathering being held on the cemetery grounds. Read the full story here ▶
August Miklos Friedrich Hermann, during a Safari adventure in Kenya.
The image showed the mother-son duo in a four-by-four vehicle, with Mariska donning Safari attire, shades, and a hat while seated in the front passenger seat.
August, proudly beaming next to his mother, sat behind her, prompting observers to comment on his striking resemblance to both of his parents.
The online response was divided, with some pointing out the uncanny likeness between August and his mother. One person commented: “You really said copy and paste with August’s face!”
Others said that August resembled his father, actor and producer Peter Hermann, with one netizen expressing: “August really just went and took Peter’s entire face. ❤️”
August, born on June 28, 2006, has always shared a close bond with Mariska. As the firstborn child of Mariska and Peter, he has been a constant presence in his mother’s life. Mariska has even brought him with her while she works, revealing that August accompanied her on flights as early as six weeks old.
Sharing an anecdote about August’s adventurous spirit on a plane after learning to walk, Mariska explained to She Buys Travel: “He’s such a curious and social little guy. I think he was going stir crazy sitting in a chair…” and that he even had to be told to sit down by the pilot!
Mariska Hargitay and son August Hermann pictured in 2012. Credit / Desiree Navarro / WireImage / Getty.
Beyond his inquisitive nature and exploration skills, Mariska says that August is a fantastic big brother to his younger siblings, Amaya Josephine Hermann and Andrew Nicolas Hermann. Mariska told People how August took on a protective role when Amaya, his little sister, was adopted. According to Mariska, August called Amaya “his baby” and spoke about his commitment to protecting her.
August even believed that his expressed desires for younger siblings influenced the family’s decision to adopt. Mariska told Good Housekeeping: “He said, ‘I want a baby sister,’ and Amaya came. Then he said, ‘I want a baby brother,’ and Andrew came.” August was apparently delighted with the new additions to the family.
What do you think about Mariska Hargitay’s son? Let us know in the comments!
Lee and Michelle Yates of Liverpool, England were horrified to find that their five-month-old daughter had been bleeding when they changed her diaper one morning.
According to the MailOnline, the culprit would turn out to be jagged bits of metal embedded in the diaper itself.
Michelle Yates, took to Facebook with photos and accusations that her daughter, Gabriella, was cut by the metal bits they found in her diapers, Mirror reports. Discover the whole story here ▶
According to the court documents, the father, later identified as 38-year-old Jose, was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility for parole in the killing of his 7-month-old daughter Valeria.
Prosecutors said the father regularly beat the baby so severely that he regularly broke her legs, leaving the child where she could no longer fight and heal from these injuries.
Jose was found guilty on one count of injury to a child resulting in serious bodily injury or death, court records say. According to the court documents, on Dec. 28, 2021, the father pulled up in front of the local county jail and flagged down a pair of maintenance workers. The father then told them that his infant was unconscious, and one of them called 911 to report the problem.
First responders arrived on scene and discovered that the child was limp and cold to the touch. The baby was rushed to the hospital, but, unfortunately, doctors could never get a cardiac rhythm. The baby was pronounced dead shortly after. The medical examiner discovered that the baby suffered bruising throughout her body and had multiple broken bones. The poor infant also had numerous bruises and hemorrhages to her head, face, neck, chin, shoulder, torso, right hand, and left leg.
Forensic Pathologist Dr. Gwin told investigators that the infant’s body simply could no longer fight and heal from these injuries. During an interview with investigators, the baby’s father reportedly attempted to cast blame on the child’s mother, the child’s pediatrician, her nieces and nephews, and even on the baby itself. Doctors later revealed that the baby’s injuries required a greater level of force to be inflicted than any of his stories could explain. Investigators also said that the baby’s injuries began just as the baby’s mother returned to work and left Jose as Valeria’s sole caregiver.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office arrested a woman who allegedly drove head-on into oncoming traffic intentionally on Saturday.
20-year-old Anessia Caitlyn Jines, of Baker, is charged with aggravated battery – use of a deadly weapon and resisting law enforcement – obstructing justice.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies responded to a crash on Highway 98 near Hurlburt Field around 1 p.m. Read the full story here ▶
In a captivating episode of “The Voice Kids,” a 7-year-old prodigy named Chelsea took the stage, delivering an outstanding rendition of Alicia Keys’ hit, “Girl On Fire.” Chelsea’s performance immediately grabbed the attention of the judges and the audience alike.
Judges Quickly Turn for Chelsea
Within the first few notes of her performance, Chelsea impressed two out of the three judges. They swiftly pressed the red button, signifying their desire to have her on their teams and advancing her to the next stage of the competition.
A Standing Ovation and Kneeling Judges
By the end of her song, Chelsea had not only captivated the audience but also earned immense respect from the judges. In a gesture of admiration, the two judges who turned for her knelt down, acknowledging her unique talent and exceptional performance.
Viral Sensation and Acclaim
Chelsea’s audition on “The Voice Kids” went beyond just impressing the judges and audience in the studio. Garnering over 68 million views, her performance stands as a testament to her incredible and amazing talent.
To witness Chelsea’s breathtaking performance on “The Voice Kids,” watch the video below.
A disabled girl who doesn’t have a prom date is in for a surprise when her dad decides to take her. The reward he receives the next day, recognizing his love for his daughter, changes their lives forever.
“Molly, look! Your dad’s here!” someone said to the 17-year-old girl, who was grieving beside her mother Daisy’s coffin.
Molly’s parents, Danny and Daisy, had divorced ten years ago. Since then, Molly had only heard bad things about her father—like that he was a “drunk” and other negative things.
Source: Pexels
Though Molly didn’t hold any bitterness toward Danny, she often missed having a father-daughter bond. But after her mom’s funeral, things were about to change for her…
“Hey, sweetheart!” Danny greeted Molly, hugging her before he placed a wreath on his ex-wife’s coffin.
Source: Pexels
“Sir, is that truck yours? It’s blocking half the parking. Could you move it?” a guest asked Danny, who worked as a truck driver.
“Yeah, that’s my truck. Gimme a second. I’ve just met my daughter. Thanks!” Danny said.
Danny was thrilled to meet Molly. For years, the only connection he had with her was through the child support payments he sent. Her mother, Daisy, never allowed him to visit Molly, fearing he would be a bad influence.
Source: Pexels
Once the funeral was over, and everyone had left, Danny packed Molly’s things and told her she would be coming to his house.
“A package? Who sent it?” he wondered, seeing a parcel in his mailbox. It had a card on it saying, “For Dad of the Year.”
“But why, Dad? I can’t leave this house. Mom and I lived here. It holds all our memories,” Molly said.
Molly frowned, but Danny wouldn’t budge. He didn’t want to leave her alone, especially since she sometimes needed a wheelchair when she wasn’t using crutches. Due to an issue with her left leg since age six, Molly walked with a limp.
Source: Pexels
Two days later, Molly moved in with her dad. Though the house was small and a bit messy, she felt comforted, loved, and welcome.
Danny struggled to care for Molly since he hadn’t been around as she grew up. He wasn’t sure how to handle some things, like braiding her hair, so he learned by watching online videos.
He even gave up his own bedroom so Molly could have a comfortable space, complete with a new, fluffy bed. Danny did everything to make her feel at home, though he kept his late-night absences a secret.
Molly didn’t know where her dad went each night after she fell asleep, though she guessed he might be out with friends, just as her mother used to say.
Source: Pexels
A few days later, Molly came home from school crying. She found the door locked with a note saying, “The keys are under the pot. I’ll be back soon. See you! – Dad.”
Molly scowled, remembering her mom’s stories about her dad’s “odd” evening habits. She assumed he’d gone out drinking.
Hours passed, but Danny didn’t return. Molly made herself some pasta and saved some for him, then went to bed, crying.
“If only I were normal, I wouldn’t be left out. I could have found a date for the prom,” she thought.
Source: Pexels
Her teacher had announced the upcoming prom, and all her classmates had found dates—except for her. She thought, “Who would want to dance with someone who has a limp?”
Molly cried so loudly that Danny heard her as soon as he got home.
“What’s wrong, honey? Why are you crying?” he asked.
Molly explained that she had no prom date. “I even asked a few boys if one would dance with me, but they just laughed. I don’t want to go to prom, Dad. I just want to be alone.”
She turned away, pretending to sleep as her tears soaked her pillow.
Danny couldn’t bear to see his daughter so sad. The next day, he bought her a beautiful prom dress. And on prom day, Molly was in for a touching surprise: her dad was taking her to prom.
As seniors and their parents gathered outside the hall, Danny arrived in his truck, catching everyone’s attention. He stepped down, set up a wheelchair on the red carpet, and helped Molly out, pushing her into the hall as everyone watched in admiration.
Danny took Molly to the dance floor and swirled her around in sync with the music. For a moment, Molly forgot about her limp as she laughed and danced in her dad’s arms.
“My dad is my hero. I love him more than anything. I feel blessed to be his daughter,” she told her friends afterward.
Danny was the center of attention, with parents gathering around to praise him. He shared a bit about his life with Molly, unaware that this night would soon change everything for them.
Later, as they returned home, they talked about their amazing night. Danny put Molly to bed and quietly slipped out of the house.
Danny had been working a second job as a caregiver at a nursing home. Besides his truck-driving job, he worked overtime to save for Molly’s treatment. When Molly was diagnosed with her disability, doctors had said she might never walk, but one specialist had given him hope, promising treatment to help her walk.
Source: Pexels
Danny stopped going to bars with his friends and took on two jobs to save for her surgery. Daisy misunderstood and assumed he was out drinking. Her doubts and arguments led to their divorce. But Danny stayed focused on saving for Molly’s surgery.
That night, while driving to work, Danny couldn’t stop thinking about the past and Daisy’s misunderstandings. He finished his shift and returned home to a surprise waiting for him and Molly.
That morning, Danny found a package in his mailbox.
“A package? Who sent this?” he wondered. A card on it read, “Dad of the Year!”
Inside, Danny found a check for $10,000 and a note:
“Dear Danny, we hope this helps improve your daughter’s life. Best of luck with her surgery, and we hope you spend more time with her. Best Wishes, Your Prom Friends.”
Danny realized that the parents he’d met at prom had sent the money. He burst into tears of joy and shared the news with Molly.
“Really?! Oh, my gosh, Dad…This is incredible!” she laughed and cried in his arms.
With the savings and the $10,000 check, Molly got her surgery, which was a success. Slowly, she began to walk without crutches.
Danny quit his second job to spend more time with Molly. She earned a scholarship to study architecture in another state and was leaving in three months.
In those months, Danny taught her how to cook, dance, ride a bike, and even run. He wanted her to live a happy life and never look back on her days in a wheelchair or with crutches.
