Sunday, June 12, 2016

PerezHilton

PerezHilton

The Hamilton Cast Refuses To Use Prop Guns During Their 2016 Tony Awards Performance Following The Orlando Nightclub Tragedy — Watch Here

Posted: 12 Jun 2016 07:48 PM PDT

Following his poignant sonnet, Lin-Manuel Miranda is making another strong statement about the Orlando massacre at this year's Tony Awards.

After two incredible introductions -- from President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama and then Common -- the Broadway star took the stage alongside his Hamilton castmates to perform a couple big numbers from their hit show.

Following a brief bit from Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story, the talented performers segued into Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down).

But, they shared a moving message during the second song.

While performing the tune about the Battle of Yorktown, the actors refused to use prop guns in the wake of the disastrous shooting at the gay nightclub in Florida that claimed the lives of at least 50 people and injured over 50 more.

The moment the cast stood on the stage, posing without weapons, was an incredibly powerful part of this amazing performance.

Check out the whole thing (above).

Gloria Estefan Does The Conga Alongside The Cast Of On Your Feet At The 2016 Tony Awards!

Posted: 12 Jun 2016 07:19 PM PDT

Gloria Estefan just spiced up the Tony Awards!

On Sunday, the singer took the stage alongside the cast of On Your Feet! to perform a medley of her hottest hits! The 58-year-old joined her Broadway counterpart, Ana Villafañe, as they sang snippets from the show centered on her journey to fame and her love story with Emilio Estefan.

The gorgeous gal and the talented cast performed a fun-filled mix of the artist's singles Rhythm Is Gonna Get You, Conga, Turn the Beat Around, Everlasting Love, and On Your Feet.

Get lost in the rhythm by watching Gloria and the cast get their groove on (above)!

Hamilton's Lin-Manuel Miranda Breaks Down Delivering Powerful Sonnet About Orlando Shooting While Accepting The 2016 Tony Award For Best Original Score

Posted: 12 Jun 2016 06:09 PM PDT

This was a truly emotional moment.

On Sunday, Lin-Manuel Miranda received the Tony Award for Best Original Score for his hit musical, Hamilton. But when he took the stage to give his acceptance speech, he delivered a powerful sonnet about the terrible tragedy that has rocked Orlando.

Admitting that he was "too old" to do another freestyle, the Broadway star instead delivered a tear-filled sonnet, in which he expressed his grief and sadness over the senseless shooting at PULSE nightclub that killed at least 50 people and injured over 50 more.

The In The Heights songsmith choked up honoring the victims of the horrific attack on the LGBT community, passionately repeating:

"Love is love."

Watch his incredibly moving speech (above).

James Corden Delivers A Touching Tribute To The Orlando Shooting Victims During The 2016 Tony Awards Opening

Posted: 12 Jun 2016 05:49 PM PDT

Sunday has been a particularly tough day, in light of the terrible tragedy in Orlando.

In New York City, James Corden opened the 2016 Tony Awards by taking a moment to honor the victims of the horrific nightclub shooting that claimed the lives of at least 50 people and injured dozens more.

Addressing the audience in a solemn speech, the Late Late Show host explained that the night's ceremony is dedicated to everyone affected by the horrible massacre, saying:

"Your tragedy is our tragedy."

He continued to encourage everyone watching to band together against the hatred that still exists against the LGBT community, adding:

"Hate will never win. Together we have to make sure of that."

The English actor donned a white ribbon on the lapel of his suit jacket, which the show created in remembrance of those who were senselessly killed in the truly awful act of violence.

But after that moving moment, the comedian worked to lighten the mood by putting on a funny opening montage.

The set began with a hilarious parody of Hamilton's opening number, introducing the famous father as the show's host.

And after joking about Donald Trump's infamously controversial comments, and mentioning that this Broadway recognition is "like the Super Bowl for the people who don't know what the Super Bowl is," the 37-year-old dove right into a magnificent montage about how he got into theater in the first place.

The funny man perfectly parodied shows like Les Misérables, Grease, The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Sweeney Todd, and many more.

After asking Oprah Winfrey for confirmation that he didn't ruin the Tonys with the performance, James closed the number alongside the 2016 Acting nominees.

Check it out (below):

The Gunman Bound For Los Angeles' Gay Pride Parade Has Been Identified — Had Criminal History

Posted: 12 Jun 2016 04:19 PM PDT

That's the face of James Wesley Howell.

He's the 20-year-old Indiana man who was placed under arrest Sunday morning after Santa Monica police discovered his vehicle was loaded with an arsenal of guns and explosives.

A concerned community member had sent in a tip about Howell prior to the arrest.

The armed gunman told authorities he was heading toward Los Angeles' annual Gay Pride Parade in West Hollywood and "wanted to harm" the celebration. According to reports, this isn't his first act of attempted gun violence.

Related: ISIS Claims Responsibility For Orlando Nightclub Shooting

We're now learning Howell was arrested just last October after pulling a gun out on his neighbor during an argument. He went with a plea deal that involved the firearms charge dropped, pleading guilty to intimidation, and one year probation.

As for what motivated today's attempted tragedy, officials are still working on sorting out his motives -- although it's hard not to assume this was based on hate for the LGBT community.

We'll keep you updated as this story develops.

[Image via Santa Monica Police Dept.]

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Donald Trump Congratulates Himself After Orlando Nightclub Shooting — And Announces He'll Deliver A Speech About It Tomorrow

Posted: 12 Jun 2016 02:39 PM PDT

This is precisely what we DO NOT need right now.

Donald Trump has been tweeting all morning about the tragic Orlando, Florida nightclub shooting -- and it isn't pretty.

Related: Shooter's Father Claims Religion Not A Motive

The Republican presidential candidate often tweets disgusting things, but his messages were especially despicable this morning, as when he actually congratulated himself for predicting the terror attack (below):

As if that wasn't enough, Trump continued... and continued... and continued.

The real estate mogul demanded that President Barack Obama resign if he couldn't mention the words 'radical Islamic terrorism':

And just minutes ago, he tweeted again (below):

But that's not all, unfortunately.

Related: Christina Grimmie's Manager Speaks About Her Death

The Donald released a statement about the attacks on his website on Sunday afternoon, writing in part (below):

"Last night, our nation was attacked by a radical Islamic terrorist. It was the worst terrorist attack on our soil since 9/11, and the second of its kind in 6 months. My deepest sympathy and support goes out to the victims, the wounded, and their families.

In his remarks today, President Obama disgracefully refused to even say the words 'Radical Islam'. For that reason alone, he should step down. If Hillary Clinton, after this attack, still cannot say the two words 'Radical Islam' she should get out of this race for the Presidency.

If we do not get tough and smart real fast, we are not going to have a country anymore. Because our leaders are weak, I said this was going to happen – and it is only going to get worse. I am trying to save lives and prevent the next terrorist attack. We can't afford to be politically correct anymore.

The terrorist, Omar Mir Saddique Mateen, is the son of an immigrant from Afghanistan who openly published his support for the Afghanistani Taliban and even tried to run for President of Afghanistan. According to Pew, 99% of people in Afghanistan support oppressive Sharia Law.

We admit more than 100,000 lifetime migrants from the Middle East each year. Since 9/11, hundreds of migrants and their children have been implicated in terrorism in the United States.

Hillary Clinton wants to dramatically increase admissions from the Middle East, bringing in many hundreds of thousands during a first term – and we will have no way to screen them, pay for them, or prevent the second generation from radicalizing.

We need to protect all Americans, of all backgrounds and all beliefs, from Radical Islamic Terrorism - which has no place in an open and tolerant society. Radical Islam advocates hate for women, gays, Jews, Christians and all Americans. I am going to be a President for all Americans, and I am going to protect and defend all Americans. We are going to make America safe again and great again for everyone."

Ugh.

Come on, Donald!!!

Below that, his campaign team included another important little piece of information about The Donald's plans moving forward (below):

"Tomorrow Mr. Trump will deliver a major speech to further address this terrorist attack, immigration, and national security. The speech will be delivered at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at St. Anselm's College."

Oh boy.

Let's not make a truly terrible situation worse by involving someone as ignorant as Donald Trump.

[Image via Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/WENN.]

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ISIS Claims Responsibility For Orlando Nightclub Shooting As Police Release Shooter's Photo

Posted: 12 Jun 2016 01:54 PM PDT

This is tough to read.

According to authorities, ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attacks at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida last night -- and apparently, gunman Omar Mateen called 911 during the shooting to pledge his allegiance to the terror organization.

Related: Shooter's Father Claims Religion Not A Motive

Orlando police officials told reporters that they believe Mateen called 911 about 30 minutes after he started opening fire at the Orlando club, announcing that he was shooting up the club and warning police about having explosives along with him there.

A federal official told PEOPLE that after Mateen hung up, 911 dispatchers called him back:

"The 911 operator, using reverse-call technology, called back the gunman and it was then that he pledged allegiance to [ISIS leader] Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi."

Soon thereafter, ISIS officially claimed responsibility for the attack.

Related: Christina Grimmie's Manager Speaks About Her Death

The Islamic State's news agency, Amaq, released a statement on the attacks and very clearly said this was an incident straight from ISIS' orders:

"The armed attack that targeted a gay night club in the city of Orlando in the American state of Florida which left over 100 people dead or injured was carried out by an Islamic State fighter."

As we previously mentioned, the FBI had investigated Mateen for ties to terror organizations, but those investigations were shuttered at the time for reasons currently unknown.

A federal official said simply:

"The FBI was aware of this guy before today. He was on their radar."

Yikes.

This also comes on the heels of Orlando Police releasing the first full photograph of Mateen, seen below in an undated snap:

Police are currently digging through more lines of inquiry regarding Mateen's background, his sympathies and ties to ISIS, and whatever else may be applicable here.

So scary.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all the victims and their family, friends, and loved ones.

[Image via AP Images/Orlando Police.]

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Witnesses Reveal More Details Of Christina Grimmie's Tragic Death After Friday Night Performance

Posted: 12 Jun 2016 01:12 PM PDT

It's still so tragic, and so needless.

Christina Grimmie's death is one awful story in a horribly tragic weekend, but we are now learning more about it as we grapple with such a tragic, scary, heartbreaking incident.

Related: Christina's Longtime Manager Speaks Out After Her Murder

A woman named Destiny Rivera has posted a long message on Facebook claiming to have witnessed the shooting after standing in line for autographs right behind Kevin James Loibl, the man who fired the fatal shots.

Sources can't yet confirm Rivera was at the venue, but she does write some very specific things and includes details that indicate her story may, in fact, be correct.

She writes, in part:

"I was talking to the girls behind us and there was a guy directly in line in front of us who I could've very easily started a conversation with. But I didn't, he just didn't look like he was up for a conversation. He did look a little bit nervous, but he was by himself and he was dressed as any other concertgoer. He didn't seem up for a conversation whatsoever, and he was kinda – he just kept looking around and was moving his body. He also looked like he wanted to be by himself."

And she continued, heartbreakingly revealing that Christina moved to hug the man who would turn out to be her killer as he opened fire on her:

"[Christina had] her arms open wide ready to greet him, as she would any of her other friends with such enthusiasm. I just saw Mark, her brother, kinda jump over the merch table. And once I saw him jumping over the merch table, it kinda hit me and was like, 'this is a very serious serious situation.' And I finally registered, like, Christina is not laying on the floor – she was shot and fell to the ground. So I instantly started running, I was the third one out, and I heard another gunshot. I assumed that the shooter was running out of the venue with us."

Ugh.

Read her entire sad post (below):

Brutal.

RIP, Christina.

[Image via Guillermo Proano/WENN.]

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Five People — Including Four Children — Killed In New Mexico Home As Police Search For Suspect

Posted: 12 Jun 2016 12:39 PM PDT

What is going on with this horrible day?!

Five people, including four children, were found this morning shot to death in a home in Roswell, New Mexico.

Police say the suspect is unaccounted for and at large.

Related: Christina Grimmie's Manager Speaks Out After Her Murder

According to Roswell Police Chief Todd Wildermuth, a relative checking on the house late Saturday night discovered the bodies, with the shooting likely occurring much earlier in the day.

Wildermuth also indicated that police are looking for a 'male' suspect, identifying the man as Juan David Villegas-Hernandez, a 34-year-old male.

Police say they believe he shot and killed his 34-year-old wife, as well as his four daughters, ages 3, 7, 11, and 14.

Villegas-Hernandez is believed to be driving a red Ford pickup truck with New Mexico license plate KJS 479.

So, so sad.

It's been a very tough day.

[Image via Roswell Police.]

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Selena Gomez Breaks Down While Performing Tribute Song To Close Friend Christina Grimmie

Posted: 12 Jun 2016 11:24 AM PDT

This is so awful.

Selena Gomez performed on Saturday night, and in doing so, she dedicated a song to her close friend Christina Grimmie, after Grimmie's horrifying murder the night before.

Related: Christina's Brother Speaks Out

As we reported, Selena's stepfather was Christina's manager, so this was extremely personal for Selena -- and you could see it on her face and in her performance as she broke down to tears during the tribute.

Gomez sang Nobody to Christina, and was obviously overcome with sadness, as you can see (below):

And in a separate angle of the tribute, (below):

So sad.

Related: Celebs React To Christina's Death

Our hearts ache. For Selena, for Christina's fans, and especially for Christina's friends, family, and loved ones.

RIP, Christina.

[Image via Nicky Nelson/WENN.]

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