NEWS

Grammy-winning music executive Antonio “L.A.” Reid has reached a last-minute settlement in a lawsuit filed by former Arista Records executive Drew Dixon, who accused him of sexual assault and retaliation in the early 2000s. The agreement was finalized Monday just before jury selection was set to begin. Terms were not disclosed, and Reid’s attorney said the matter was resolved amicably without any admission of liability. Dixon brought the case under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which temporarily reopened the statute of limitations for sexual misconduct claims. In a statement, Dixon said she hoped her advocacy surrounding the law would help create a safer music industry, calling the settlement “a ray of light” for survivors. She alleged Reid assaulted her twice in 2001 and later retaliated by humiliating her professionally and undermining her career after she distanced herself from him. The lawsuit detailed claims of ongoing harassment, career sabotage, and emotional distress, asserting that Dixon was ultimately forced out of the industry. The settlement avoids a public trial that was expected to feature high-profile witnesses, including John Legend. Dixon’s attorney praised her role in advancing survivor advocacy, saying her efforts have helped shift power dynamics within the music business.

Teyana Taylor’s awards season is off to a strong start after the actress, singer and dancer won her first Golden Globe on Sunday night. Taylor, 35, took home the award for best supporting actress at the 2026 Golden Globes for her role in One Battle After Another, prevailing over a competitive field that included Emily Blunt, Elle Fanning, Ariana Grande, Amy Madigan and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas. Accepting the award, Taylor opened her speech with humor, playfully turning to show off the cutout detail of her dress before growing emotional as the moment set in. “I almost didn’t even write a speech because I didn’t think I was [going to win],” she said, thanking Golden Globe voters “for seeing me and reminding me that purpose always finds its moment.” She also praised director Paul Thomas Anderson (affectionately calling him Paul “Let ’em cook” Thomas Anderson) for his vision and support of the cast. Released in September, One Battle After Another grossed $206.1 million worldwide and has already emerged as an awards-season favorite, winning best picture at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards and earning multiple honors at the AARP Movies For Grownups Awards. Taylor, who will next appear in The Rip and 72 Hours, closed her Golden Globes speech by dedicating the win to “my Brown sisters and little Brown girls watching,” underscoring the personal and cultural significance of the milestone.

A New York judge has dismissed Salt-N-Pepa’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over control of their master recordings, including their 1987 breakout hit “Push It.” Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton filed the lawsuit in May 2025, arguing that the Copyright Act of 1976 allows artists to reclaim copyrights after 35 years. The duo had submitted termination notices in 2022 seeking to end UMG’s ownership of their early recordings. UMG pushed back, claiming the termination notices were invalid because the recordings were “works made for hire” and that Salt-N-Pepa never owned the masters. The label filed a motion to dismiss the case in August. On Thursday, Judge Denise Cote granted that motion, ruling that the artists failed to state a valid claim. According to the dismissal, ownership of the master recordings was granted to Noise in the Attic (NITA) Productions, with contracts executed between NITA and Next Plateau Records, not directly by Salt-N-Pepa.  In her ruling, Judge Cote wrote that “none of the contracts identified by Plaintiffs indicate that they ever owned the Master Tapes,” adding that the Copyright Act only allows termination of copyright transfers executed by the plaintiffs themselves. Salt-N-Pepa told Variety they plan to appeal the decision, stating they “respectfully disagree” with the ruling and remain committed to reclaiming their rights as creators under the Copyright Act.

Buku Abi, the daughter of imprisoned R&B singer R. Kelly, is continuing to speak openly about her healing journey following years of public scrutiny and personal trauma. Nearly two years after first discussing the impact of her father’s actions on her mental health, Abi reflected on her experiences during a recent appearance on Reginae Carter’s show Heir Time, describing both growth and lingering challenges. Abi addressed the backlash her family faced after her mother, Drea Kelly, appeared in the Surviving R. Kelly documentary, calling the experience “bittersweet.” While she supported her mother’s decision to speak out, Abi said the public response was difficult for their family. She also shared relief that attention has shifted away from her father, allowing her to focus on healing. In the docuseries R. Kelly’s Karma: A Daughter’s Journey, Abi alleged her father molested her at age 8, leading to severe mental health struggles, including self-harm and suicide attempts. Despite the trauma, Abi emphasized that her feelings toward her father are complex, rooted in love alongside accountability. R. Kelly, who denies her allegations, is currently serving a 30-year prison sentence following convictions for racketeering, sex trafficking, and child pornography. Abi said she continues to work through mental health and substance-use struggles, leaning on faith and healthier coping tools, and urged the public to approach her family’s story with empathy and understanding.