TV personality Joan Rivers has been brought out of a medically-induced coma after she stopped breathing during a routine throat procedure Aug. 28.
Credit: Courtesy of MCT
This is part of a weekly series called “Pop Opinions” where The Lantern offers its take on the week’s pop culture news.
Joan Rivers on life support after surgery complications
Joan Rivers, 81, was undergoing a routine throat procedure last Thursday when she stopped breathing during the surgery and went into cardiac arrest. She was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, where she was unconscious and kept on life support as of Tuesday night. Doctors brought her out of a medically-induced coma to assess her brain, and they will be checking for brain function and damage.
Rivers’ only child, Melissa, is asking the public for prayers and support.
Joan Rivers is one of the hosts on E!’s “Fashion Police” and a stand-up comedian. During the 1980s, she became the “permanent” guest host for “The Tonight Show” during Johnny Carson’s tenure.
Many fans and celebrities have publicly offered well wishes and support for Rivers, including Kelly Osbourne, DJ Pauly D and Ellen DeGeneres.
Celebrity weddings
Still reeling over Brangelina’s surprise nuptials? This past weekend was filled with even more celebrity weddings.
On Saturday, Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade wed actress Gabrielle Union in Miami, and celebrity guests included John Legend and Carmelo Anthony. Wade and Union had been dating on and off since 2009 before becoming engaged December 2013.
This is the second wedding for both Wade, 32, and Union, 41.
That same day, actor Evan Ross, 26, son of legendary singer Diana Ross, married singer Ashlee Simpson, 29. Family and friends, including Ashlee’s big sister Jessica — who was the matron of honor — were in attendance. The ceremony took place at Diana Ross’s Connecticut home. The couple announced their engagement on Jan. 13 via Twitter.
This is the first marriage for Ross and the second for Simpson. Simpson was previously married to Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz, and the two had a son, Bronx, now 5 years old.
Elevator beat-down a fake?
Mathew Knowles, father of Beyonce and Solange Knowles, claimed on a Houston radio station that the physical quarrel between Solange and Jay Z in an elevator was a ‘Jedi mind trick.’
Credit: Courtesy of MCT
Have you forgotten about the elevator beat down between Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s little sister, Solange? Leave it to Mathew Knowles, Beyoncé and Solange’s father, to remind you. He did an interview with a Houston radio station last week when he claimed the whole situation was a “Jedi mind trick.” He believes the video in question was staged to promote the couple’s co-headlining On The Run Tour, which became the second most successful tour of all time based on gross revenue per show.
Mathew Knowles’ logic makes complete sense. Since the tape of the elevator fight “leaked,” the couple has received press like never before regarding their relationship. It would prompt people to go out and see the couple potentially sharing the stage for the last time.
But personally, I do not feel that Jay-Z and Beyoncé would be that desperate to sell tickets. These are two of the most successful acts in hip-hop and R&B music. Their names alone can sell out arenas, and they have. I also think it is in very poor taste that a parent is publicly speaking out against their child. Keep in mind that Beyoncé fired her father as her manager a few years ago. That would be a blow to any parent, he has even publicly acknowledged that it has damaged their relationship. I think he’s looking for every chance to speak out against his daughter. He still manages Destiny’s Child and has recently hinted at a reunion tour and album. It would be interesting, though, to see Beyoncé and him work together after this.
Carrie Underwood pregnant
On Monday night, Carrie Underwood announced via Twitter that she is expecting her first child with the help of her dogs, Ace and Penny. This will be the first child for Underwood and her husband Mike Fisher, who wed in 2010.
