Sam Smith’s music video with nipple pasties and corsets breaks Twitter: 'Degenerate Hollywood culture'

Sam Smith set Twitter ablaze over the weekend after releasing a music video featuring hyper-sexualized scenes, including the British singer-songwriter wearing nipple clasps while having liquid blasted in their face. 

Smith, who identifies as non-binary and used “they/them” pronouns, released a new album titled “Gloria” on Friday. The new music video for the album single “I’m Not Here to Make Friends” was released that night.

In one scene, Smith is undressed down to a glittery corset and underwear complete with nipple pasties and a tiara. Back up talent dances around the singer in similar attire, with the addition of pants with the back cut-out in the shape of a heart. Smith squats over the dancers planking on the ground and pats their behinds.

Shortly thereafter, clear liquid begins shooting out of the walls soaking the dancers and the singer. Smith at one point sticks his tongue out and begins drinking the fluid. 

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Another scene shows dancers in leather underwear and BDSM gear moving suggestively along a row of beds, contorting themselves into flexible positions and rolling their bodies atop one another. 

The scenes sparked intense debate online, with some praising Smith for their confidence and others condemning the sexual material. Some called for an overhaul to age restrictions on music videos. 

Political commentator and broadcaster Dominique Samuels slammed Smith over the video and claimed the artist is a “perfect example” of what “degenerate Hollywood culture” can do to people. 

“It makes celebrities vulgar, hyper-sexualized and obsessed with wearing their sexuality like a costume and shoving it in everyone’s face,” she said. “And to make matters worse, kids look up to this man!”

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Many others also slammed the content. 

However, a large swathe of Twitter users also defended Smith and the music video.

Music presenter and DJ Jordan-Lee said he had no time for the “nonsense” conversation surrounding Smith and said there was “no issue” with the content. 

The conversation about the new music video even made it onto the news, with a discussion on ITV’s Good Morning Britain Today. During the segment, journalist Alex Philips said the music video was “unhealthy” for society and contributed to a culture in which pornography is normalized. 

“I don’t think it is a coincidence that the reporting of things like sexual assaults and sexual attacks, relationships falling apart, the swipe left and swipe right generation,” Philips said. “It is bad, it is unhealthy, it is not good for society, and this is a symptom of it,” he said. 

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Non-binary radio host Shivani Dave pushed back and defended Smith, asserting that biological female pop stars would not have received the same criticism for the music video.

Miley Cyrus has done this, Nicki Minaj has done this, – so many people have done this. What I think the difference here is that Sam Smith was assigned male at birth, and we are not used to seeing people who are assigned male at birth dancing around in lingerie and corsets and things like that,” Dave said.

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On this day in history, Jan. 30, 1933, 'The Lone Ranger' debuts, trotting into American cultural lore

Champion of justice “The Lone Ranger” and trusty steed Silver rode across the Wild West and into American lore for the first time on this day in history, Jan. 30, 1933.

Lone Ranger was soon joined by Native American sidekick Tonto to become the original crime-fighting dynamic duo of multimedia fame.

The program debuted on WXYZ in Detroit — the first of more than 3,000 radio episodes over the next two decades.

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“‘The Lone Ranger’ was an instant success, and the character became known for his black domino mask, code of honor, signature silver bullets, and horse Silver,” the Smithsonian Institution notes. 

“According to his moral code, the Lone Ranger attempts to avoid violence, shooting only to disarm, not kill, and using silver bullets as a reminder of the value of human life.”

The Lone Ranger rides again and again — as generations of Americans recognize the familiar theme and hearty "Hi-yo, Silver!" of the famous masked man. Over the years, some 18 actors portrayed the larger-than-life hero on radio and TV.

The Lone Ranger rides again and again — as generations of Americans recognize the familiar theme and hearty “Hi-yo, Silver!” of the famous masked man. Over the years, some 18 actors portrayed the larger-than-life hero on radio and TV.
(Getty Images)

The radio show soon found a nationwide audience of millions of listeners. Meant for children, it enjoyed equal appeal among adults.

“During the next 80 years, ‘The Lone Ranger’ would appear in comic strips, television shows and movies, not to mention a vast array of merchandise including action figures, costumes, books and toy guns,” writes Indian Country Times, a news site of indigenous American culture. 

“He’s a vigilante lawman … a hero made for radio audiences of the Great Depression.” — NPR

“The show also helped define the TV Western, inspiring dozens of other titles.”

“The Lone Ranger” made its television debut in 1949 and was an early TV-era hit for ABC before ending in 1957. Other TV adaptations followed. 

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Lone Ranger and Tonto spawned several series of novels, the first in 1935, and appeared in comic book form for the first time in 1939. 

Arnie Hammer starred as Lone Ranger and Johnny Depp played Tonto in the latest of several Hollywood versions of the duo’s adventures in 2013. 

"The Lone Ranger Rides Again," lobby card, from left: Robert Livingston, Chief Thundercloud in "Chapter 1: The Lone Ranger Returns," 1939. 

“The Lone Ranger Rides Again,” lobby card, from left: Robert Livingston, Chief Thundercloud in “Chapter 1: The Lone Ranger Returns,” 1939. 
(LMPC via Getty Images)

Numerous voice and screen actors played the roles over the years. 

Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels are most closely associated with Lone Ranger and Tonto for their years of playing the characters on television.

A dramatic back story brought together the masked lawman and his Comanche friend. 

“It’s obvious to the child listener that great men have no racial or religious prejudice.” — Fran Striker Jr.

Lone Ranger was one of six Texas Rangers ambushed and gunned down by outlaws.

“After the shooting was over, an Indian man happened upon the scene of the ambush. The ranger, who was wounded but still clinging to life, had saved that Indian from outlaw raiders a few years earlier, when the two were just boys,” writes NPR in a history of the landmark program. 

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“The Indian recognized his boyhood companion, carried him to a nearby cave and nursed him back to health. Four days later, the surviving Ranger came to. And he asked his savior what had happened to his comrades. The Indian showed him the graves of the other five Rangers … ‘You only Ranger left … You Lone Ranger.’”

Armie Hammer, Gore Verbinski and Johnny Depp attend the U.K. premiere of "The Lone Ranger" at Odeon Leicester Square on July 21, 2013, in London.  

Armie Hammer, Gore Verbinski and Johnny Depp attend the U.K. premiere of “The Lone Ranger” at Odeon Leicester Square on July 21, 2013, in London.  
(Karwai Tang/WireImage)

The experience steeled their friendship and commitment to fight crime and proved foundational to the program’s appeal. Lone Ranger wore a mask to help fool arch-enemy Butch Cavendish into believing he was killed in the ambush. 

The Lone Ranger was created for radio by George W. Trendle and Fran Striker.

Trendle owned WXYZ and produced the show. Striker created the characters and wrote the script. 

They devised the ambush origin story after 10 episodes of the series, when the masked ranger riding alone needed a sidekick to add dialogue to the show 

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The main characters presented racial unity in action rather than words — or without the social media grandstanding that prizes preaching over practice that’s so common today. 

“If the Lone Ranger accepts the Indian as his closest companion, it’s obvious to the child listener that great men have no racial or religious prejudice,” the creator’s son, Fran Striker Jr., told NPR.

“The Lone Ranger,” among other influences, gifted the nation with several additions to American English.

Clayton Moore (1914-1999), U.S. actor, in costume as he sits on his horse, Silver, which rears up in a publicity still issued for the television series, "The Lone Ranger," circa 1950. The series starred Moore as Lone Ranger.

Clayton Moore (1914-1999), U.S. actor, in costume as he sits on his horse, Silver, which rears up in a publicity still issued for the television series, “The Lone Ranger,” circa 1950. The series starred Moore as Lone Ranger.
(Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)

“Kemosabe,” Tonto’s affectionate word for Lone Ranger, is a colloquial phrase for “friend.” 

The word originated in the Ojibwe language. 

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Lone Ranger’s yelp of “Hi-yo, Silver!” — heard in each episode — might be uttered before any jaunty, fearless charge into action. 

The term “lone ranger” itself is a common American idiom for anyone pursuing something alone. 

“I believe in my Creator, my country, my fellow man.” — Lone Ranger creed

“The Lone Ranger” also helped popularize for generations of Americans “The William Tell Overture,” used as its theme song

The program’s creators spun off another masked hero, The Green Hornet, who likewise became a superhero of radio, TV, comic books and film. 

"The Lone Ranger" (1949-57), the adventures of masked hero, The Lone Ranger (Clayton Moore) and his Native American partner, Tonto (Jay Silverheels).

“The Lone Ranger” (1949-57), the adventures of masked hero, The Lone Ranger (Clayton Moore) and his Native American partner, Tonto (Jay Silverheels).
(ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)

They gave the vigilante lawman a moral code, commonly known as the Lone Ranger creed, meant to exemplify for troubled Great Depression-era listeners faith in foundational American values. 

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“I believe,” Striker wrote on behalf of Lone Ranger, “that to have a friend, a man must be one; that all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world; that this government ‘of the people, by the people and for the people’ shall live always.”

Lone Ranger’s creed of 10 values ends with “I believe in my Creator, my country, my fellow man.”

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Houston police say ‘sharp dressed man' in hat and dark suit wanted in 2 bank robberies

Houston police are looking for a “sharp dressed” man caught on camera in two bank robberies this month. 

The latest robbery occurred Tuesday afternoon, Houston police say. Around 2 p.m. a man entered a bank at the 1700 block of Fountain View. The man walked up to a bank employee, presented a “threatening note” demanding cash, gave the employee a bag to put the money in, and displayed a handgun. 

Surveillance of a "sharp dressed" bank robber in Houston, Texas. 

Surveillance of a “sharp dressed” bank robber in Houston, Texas. 
(Houston PD)

Police say the employee complied with the suspect’s request and fled in an unknown direction. 

The suspect is believed to be the same man responsible for another bank robbery on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023 at the 5800 block of San Felipe, in Houston, Texas. Police say the suspect committed the robbery in a “similar manner.” 

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Police say the suspect is a Black male, around 35 to 45 years old, around 200 pounds, and just shy of 6 feet tall. He was wearing a dark sports jacket, dark pants and a dark blue mask, and had a black umbrella. 

Crime Stoppers is up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, charging and/or arrest of the suspect in this case. 

The FBI shared photos of the first robbery, dubbing the suspect the “Pocket Square Pillager.” 

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The Houston Police Department shared video footage of the second robbery, accompanied by ZZ Top’s 1983 song, “Sharp Dressed Man.” 

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Chiefs finally take down Joe Burrow, Bengals to advance to Super Bowl LVII

This budding rivalry produced yet another classic playoff game, but this time, the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes were finally able to take down Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals to win the AFC Championship, 23-20.

Super Bowl LVII will be between the Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles on Feb. 12 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and can be seen on FOX.

After forcing the Bengals to punt the ball with less than a minute to play in the game, rookie returner Skyy Moore got just the right blocks to take it back 29 yards to the Kansas City 47-yard line to set up Mahomes to get yards enough for Harrison Butker to kick it through for the win.

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Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with teammate Marquez Valdes-Scantling #11 after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 29, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with teammate Marquez Valdes-Scantling #11 after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 29, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.
(David Eulitt/Getty Images)

Mahomes scrambled out to try to pick up those yards and the Bengals’ Joseph Ossai hit him late out of bounds, a critical penalty to gave the Chiefs more than enough for Butker to finish the game. 

From 45 yards, Butker was perfect and sent his team to the Super Bowl. 

Playing on that high-ankle sprain, Mahomes’ mobility was certainly diminished, but he did whatever it took to move the ball and it worked. He finished the game with 326 yards on 29 of 43 with two passing touchdowns. 

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Meanwhile, Burrow was 26 of 41 for 270 yards with one passing touchdown and two interceptions, as he finally took a loss to the Chiefs in his early career.

It wasn’t the best of starts for the Bengals, but they started the second half how they wanted, forcing a three-and-out on the Chiefs and immediately tying the game with an eight-play drive that saw Tee Higgins rise above his defender to catch the ball at its high point in the end zone for a 27-yard, highlight-reel snag. 

Chris Jones #95 of the Kansas City Chiefs sacks Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 29, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Chris Jones #95 of the Kansas City Chiefs sacks Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 29, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.
(David Eulitt/Getty Images)

Mahomes was quick to respond to Burrow, as his 11-play drive had some magic that resulted in Marquez Valdes-Scantling falling into the end zone with a touchdown to put the Chiefs back ahead. 

A crucial fumble, though, turned the game around toward the end of the third quarter. Mahomes was sacked and the ball came out, and though he scrambled to recover it, the Bengals came away with the ball and Burrow wasn’t going to make it all for naught. 

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On an aggressive 4th-and-6 call by head coach Zac Taylor, Ja’Marr Chase tried to one-up Higgins, leaping and hauling in a pass from Burrow over two defenders to set up a Samaje Perine rushing touchdown to tie the game. 

In the first half, the Chiefs got on the board first after Harrison Butker knocked through a 43-yard field goal after referees determined Kadarius Toney bobbled what would’ve been the first touchdown of the game on a deep pass down the left sideline from Mahomes. 

The Bengals had issues with the Chiefs’ defense to start this one, as Burrow was sacked three times in the first two drives of the game. Kansas City collected one more before the half ended as well. 

Jan 29, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) covers his ears to receive a play in the first quarter of the AFC championship NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.

Jan 29, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) covers his ears to receive a play in the first quarter of the AFC championship NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.
(Sam Greene-USA TODAY Sports)

However, Burrow battled and found his way with a 13-play drive that went 63 yards to tie the game at three apiece.  

Mahomes responded with the first touchdown drive of the game, and he used Marquez Valdes-Scantling to get down the field. He found No. 11 on back-to-back plays, one going for 11 yards and the other for 29 yards to get into Bengals’ territory. 

Then, after buying some time, the Mahomes-Kelce connection resulted in six points yet again on a 14-yard pass. 

Kelce finished the game with 78 yards on seven catches, though he was a game-time decision with a back injury that occurred at practice on Friday. It didn’t seem to bother him. 

Valdes-Scantling was the leading receiver with 116 yards on six receptions, while rookie Isiah Pacheco added 59 receiving yards on five catches. 

Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 29, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 29, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.
(David Eulitt/Getty Images)

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For the Bengals, Higgins had 83 yards on six receptions, while Chase finished with 75 yards on six as well. Burrow led the rushing attack for Cincinnati with 30 yards on four carries. 

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Texas police chief on leave after SWAT raids wrong house in search of suspect falsely accused of murder

A Texas police chief is on leave after a SWAT team raided the wrong home earlier this month while searching for a teenager who was falsely accused of murder.

Galveston Police Chief Doug Balli was placed on a 10-day administrative leave while an internal investigation is conducted. The City of Galveston is doing a separate investigation into the lapse of communication that led to the raid.

A family was alarmed on Jan. 22 by the sound of rubber bullets flying through their doors and windows in the middle of the night. The family began panicking as the Galveston Police SWAT team was standing outside their door. 

Home security footage shows the four family members walking out of the home slowly with their hands up. They were detained by officers without knowledge of why SWAT had even shown up.

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Galveston Police Chief Doug Balli was placed on a 10-day administrative leave while an internal investigation is conducted.

Galveston Police Chief Doug Balli was placed on a 10-day administrative leave while an internal investigation is conducted.
(City of Galveston)

“I literally kept asking my son, ‘What is going on? What is going on?’ I had no idea,” Erika Rios told FOX 26. “And he’s like, ‘Mom, I don’t know, I don’t know.’ We were just in a panic.” 

Rios’ daughter Chelsea was put in the back of a patrol car by herself. 

“I was in there for a couple minutes,” Chelsea said. “I was still having anxiety attacks, and I needed to throw up. They let me step out, and they then told me they were only looking for Cameron, nothing else.”

The suspect was 17-year-old Cameron Vargas, who had an arrest warrant in connection with the Jan. 20 murder of Malik Dunn. But since the raid was executed at the wrong home, Vargas was not there.

A Texas police chief is on leave after the SWAT team raided the wrong home earlier this month in the search for a murder suspect.

A Texas police chief is on leave after the SWAT team raided the wrong home earlier this month in the search for a murder suspect.
(Galveston police)

Vargas was later arrested and held on a $250,000 bond. Investigators eventually realized Vargas was not the murderer, and his charges were dropped on Jan. 25.

“We are completely disappointed in our police department and in their investigative process,” Vargas’ mother, Terry Borrell, wrote in a statement to FOX 26. “This has been a traumatizing experience that no one should ever go through. We are glad our son’s innocence was proven, but he should have not spent one second in jail. Cameron is an amazing and respectful young man and did not deserve to be slandered and wrongfully accused or even seen as a suspect.” 

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The raid was executed at the wrong home, and the suspect SWAT was looking for was not there.

The raid was executed at the wrong home, and the suspect SWAT was looking for was not there.
(Galveston police)

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“The police wasted valuable time and resources on the wrong person,” she continued. “I hope that for the victim’s sake, and his family, they find the real murderer and go after the real criminals who lied to police and wrongfully accused my son.”

No further arrests have been made in connection with Dunn’s murder.

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Russia to require basic military training in schools in 'evocation of the Soviet Union,' UK says

Russian students will start training with assault rifles and hand grenades under new guidelines from the country’s education ministry, an addition to the curriculum that is reminiscent of the Soviet Union, the UK Ministry of Defense said Sunday. 

The “Basics of Life Safety” course, which will become mandatory in secondary schools this September, includes military drills, salutes, and weapons training.

A Russian military truck drives past an unexploded munition during Ukraine-Russia conflict in the Russia-controlled village of Chornobaivka, Ukraine July 26, 2022.

A Russian military truck drives past an unexploded munition during Ukraine-Russia conflict in the Russia-controlled village of Chornobaivka, Ukraine July 26, 2022.
(REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko)

The Ministry of Science and Higher Education also announced plans last month for a “military training basics” program at colleges

“The initiatives highlight the increasingly mila in wartime Russia, as well as being a (likely deliberate) evocation of the Soviet Union: similar training was mandatory in schools up to 1993,” the UK Ministry of Defense said. 

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Russian Education Minister Sergey Kravtsov told the state-run news agency TASS that the curriculum would start being tested in January ahead of the full rollout next school year. 

Russian self-propelled artillery vehicles roll during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, on Monday, May 9.

Russian self-propelled artillery vehicles roll during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, on Monday, May 9.
(AP/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a partial mobilization of 300,000 reservists in September amid heavy losses from its invasion of Ukraine. 

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Russian officials are also mulling increasing the age for routine military conscription from 27 to 30 in an effort to bolster the country’s fighting force, according the UK Ministry of Defense. 


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Congressional black caucus requests meeting with Biden on police after Memphis killing

The Congressional Black Caucus requested a meeting with President Biden to discuss policing and other justice reforms Sunday amid a national outcry over the police killing of Tyre Nichols.

The CBC calls on Biden to meet with the groups sometime this week, and urges the House and Senate to “jumpstart negotiations.” The request comes days after police in Memphis, Tennessee released footage of five officers brutally beating Nichols during a traffic stop earlier in January, leading to his death in the hospital.

“[The] CBC is requesting a meeting with the President this week to push for negotiations on much needed national reforms to our justice system–specifically, the actions and conduct of our law enforcement,” the group wrote.

“No one in our nation should fear interacting with the police officers who serve our diverse communities, large and small. We all want to be safe,” the group added. “Many Black and brown people, however, and many young people in general, are justifiably afraid to interact with law enforcement officials.”

TYRE NICHOLS: AL SHARPTON CONDEMNS VIOLENT PROTESTERS FOR ‘HELPING THE POLICE’ AFTER TIMES SQUARE ARRESTS

Memphis Police Department Officers Demetrius Haley, Tadarrius Bean, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills and Justin Smith were terminated on Jan. 18 for their role in the arrest of deceased Tyre Nichols.

Memphis Police Department Officers Demetrius Haley, Tadarrius Bean, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills and Justin Smith were terminated on Jan. 18 for their role in the arrest of deceased Tyre Nichols.
(Memphis Police Department)

This photo provided by the Nichols family shows Tyre Nichols, who had a passion for photography and was described by friends as joyful and lovable.

This photo provided by the Nichols family shows Tyre Nichols, who had a passion for photography and was described by friends as joyful and lovable.
(Courtesy of the Nichols family via AP)

Officials released footage of Nichols’ beating on Friday. It shows five officers punching, kicking, and hitting Nichols with batons as he lies prone on January 7. He died of his injuries in the hospital three days later.

 The five former officers — Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr., Emmitt Martin III and Justin Smith — were all terminated on Jan. 18. They are each facing seven counts: second-degree murder; aggravated assault, act in concert; two counts of aggravated kidnapping; two counts of official misconduct; and official oppression.

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Police Director Cerelyn “CJ” Davis, who became the first woman to lead the Memphis department just 20 months ago, also permanently disbanded the city’s so-called Scorpion unit on Saturday. The Unite included the five officers and was focused on preventing and punishing street crime.

President Biden delivers remarks during a meeting with Democratic congressional leaders in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023. 

President Biden delivers remarks during a meeting with Democratic congressional leaders in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023. 
(Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., arrives for the start of the House Ways and Means Committee hearing on releasing former President Donald Trump's tax returns on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., arrives for the start of the House Ways and Means Committee hearing on releasing former President Donald Trump’s tax returns on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

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The five officers are scheduled to be arraigned on Feb. 17.

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Tyre Nichols beating by 5 Black cops reveals America's 'biased police culture,' Crump, ex-Ferguson chief say

Both George Floyd’s family attorney and the former police chief of Ferguson, Missouri, argued Sunday that the fatal caught on camera beating of Tyre Nichols allegedly at the hands of five Black Memphis, Tennessee, police officers demonstrate America’s racially biased and “institutionalized police culture.”  

Ben Crump, the civil rights attorney who notably secured the record $25 million civil settlement for the Floyd family from the city of Minneapolis while the trial for ex-officer Derek Chauvin was ongoing, appeared on ABC’s “The Week” Sunday as he’s newly representing the Nichols’ family. 

Reacting to the recently released video footage, host Martha Raddatz noted how police reforms are already in place in Memphis requiring officers to intervene or de-escalate if another officer is using excessive force. Nichols and the five since-fired Memphis officers now charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault and other offenses, are all Black. 

“As I’ve said, I believe it’s part of the institutionalized police culture that makes it somehow allowed that they can use this type of excessive force and brutality against people of color,” Crump said. “And it doesn’t matter if the officers are Black, Hispanic, or white, it’s part of the culture, this biased culture that said this is allowed. And so just as much as those officers are responsible for the death of Tyre Nichols, so is the implicit, biased police culture that exists in America.” 

TYRE NICHOLS: AL SHARPTON CONDEMNS VIOLENT PROTESTERS FOR ‘HELPING THE POLICE’ AFTER TIMES SQUARE ARRESTS

Memphis Police Department Officers Demetrius Haley, Tadarrius Bean, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills and Justin Smith were terminated on Jan. 18 for their role in the arrest of deceased Tyre Nichols.

Memphis Police Department Officers Demetrius Haley, Tadarrius Bean, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills and Justin Smith were terminated on Jan. 18 for their role in the arrest of deceased Tyre Nichols.
(Memphis Police Department)

“It is not the race of the police officer that is the determinant factor whether they’re going to engage in excessive use of force, but it is the race of the citizen. And oftentimes, it’s the Black and Brown citizens that bear the brunt of the brutality,” Crump added. “You don’t see videos of our White brothers and sisters who are unarmed having this type of excessive force levied against them.” 

Crump said he has spoken to Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi about possibly reintroducing to Congress the George Floyd Justice in Police Act, which sought to eliminate qualified immunity for police officers. 

Jason Armstrong, who formerly served as Ferguson’s sixth chief in seven years following the 2014 police killing of Michael Brown, also appeared on “This Week.” Now the current police chief of Apex, North Carolina, Armstrong was asked whether he believes the 2020 reforms implemented in Memphis could have prevented Nichols’ death. 

The screen at the Smoothie King Center honors Tyre Nichols before an NBA basketball game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Washington Wizards in New Orleans, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023. 

The screen at the Smoothie King Center honors Tyre Nichols before an NBA basketball game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Washington Wizards in New Orleans, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023. 
(AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

“I do believe reforms and training can prevent this, but the number one deterrent to this is when police officers around the country see what’s going to happen to them when they participate in behavior such as this, and so these individuals were fired. These individuals were charged appropriately for their actions,” Armstrong said. “Similarly, what we saw happen in Minneapolis with Derek Chauvin and his actions, and officers around the country seeing that this type of behavior is not going to be tolerated by law enforcement. It’s not going to be tolerated by the communities that they serve.” 

“But they have already seen what happened to a Derek Chauvin, and this happened. And they were wearing body cameras, yet they still behaved this way,” Raddatz countered. 

From left, Desmond Mills, Demetrius Haley, Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin and Tadarrius Bean. Each of the Memphis Police Department Officers were terminated on Jan. 18 for their role in the arrest of deceased Tyre Nichols.

From left, Desmond Mills, Demetrius Haley, Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin and Tadarrius Bean. Each of the Memphis Police Department Officers were terminated on Jan. 18 for their role in the arrest of deceased Tyre Nichols.
(Shelby County Jail)

To that, Armstrong admitted, “no matter what piece of equipment you give an officer, no matter if you have a body camera on them or people are watching, at the end of the day, you know, these are people.” 

“Unfortunately, violence is what was natural for these individuals in this instance,” he added. “And that’s what we have to do as a better job as law enforcement leaders is identifying these individuals that are inside our organizations and our police departments, and getting them out of the profession before something like this happens. And that’s where the reforms really have to take place, and that’s where the reforms can really have an impact.” 

Flanked by Rodney Wells and RowVaughn Wells, the stepfather and mother of Tyre Nichols, civil rights attorney Ben Crump speaks during a press conference on January 27, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. 

Flanked by Rodney Wells and RowVaughn Wells, the stepfather and mother of Tyre Nichols, civil rights attorney Ben Crump speaks during a press conference on January 27, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. 
(Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Asked about racial bias, Armstrong argued even Black officers can be biased toward Black people. 

“We see that racial bias across all forms. It’s not just in policing,” he said. “That’s just something that our society deals with, unfortunately in this country. There have been plenty of studies, there are plenty of bias tests that — that people can take. And when you look and analyze the data from those tests, it shows that most people have a – a bias and a bias in particular towards Black and Brown individuals in this country, no matter if you’re White, Black, Hispanic, just like Mr. Crump alluded to.” 

Ferguson Police Chief Jason Armstrong speaks to media as volunteers help cleanup from an overnight clash between protesters and law enforcement at the Ferguson Police Department on May 31, 2020, in Ferguson, Missouri. Major cities nationwide saw demonstrations over the death of George Floyd.

Ferguson Police Chief Jason Armstrong speaks to media as volunteers help cleanup from an overnight clash between protesters and law enforcement at the Ferguson Police Department on May 31, 2020, in Ferguson, Missouri. Major cities nationwide saw demonstrations over the death of George Floyd.
(Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images)

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“And so, knowing that we have these biases that we all carry around with us, and when we talk about the implicit bias trainers and things, it’s not — no training is going to – to completely dissipate someone’s bias that they have in them,” Armstrong added. “You know, what we’re hoping individuals can learn is identifying their biases, so they learn better to work within them to whether they’re not having a negative impact on somebody else. And we have to take that emotion that we’re all dealing with right now, and we have to turn that into fuel and fuel that will lead us to see some change in this country.”

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Snapchat video in Alex Murdaugh double-murder trial is the 'strongest evidence' for prosecution: Nancy Grace

One detective who testified in the Alex Murdaugh double-murder trial claimed there was no visible blood on him the night his son and wife were tragically shot and killed in the family’s hunting lodge back in 2021. 

But Fox Nation host Nancy Grace was quick to note that, although there may not have been enough blood on him visible to the naked eye, further testing revealed otherwise on “Fox & Friends Weekend.”

“I see where the defense is headed, because when you look at Alex Murdaugh, the night of the murders, when the SLED South Carolina law enforcement division and other law enforcement got there, it looked like he was wearing a clean shirt, a clean t-shirt, although he was sweating profusely, but there was no sweat on the shirt,” Grace told Will Cain on Sunday. 

BUSTER MURDAUGH LIVING IN SOUTH CAROLINA AHEAD OF FATHER’S MURDER TRIAL: EXCLUSIVE PICS

“But then when you take the shirt for testing under a microscope, there appears to be very fine blood spatter, which is invisible to the naked eye, and that’s why we do ballistics and blood spatter test,” she continued.

Murdaugh is accused of killing his wife, Maggie, and his 22-year-old son Paul on June 7, 2021, at the family’s “Moselle” estate. 

His lawyer, Jim Griffin, questioned a detective who was at the scene that night during the trial testimony, asking her if she believed he was capable of gunning down his child. 

“In your mind’s eye that night on June 7th, did he look like someone had just blown his son’s head off, spatter going everywhere?” he asked. 

ALEX MURDAUGH’S SON PAUL MURDAUGH SUSTAINED GRISLY FATAL INJURY: EXPERT

“Again, I can’t say that for sure,” Laura Rutland, with the Colleton County sheriff’s office, responded. “A lot of it, a lot of things would come into play to affect that.”

This comes after a South Carolina judge ordered the state to overturn communications related to the blood-spatter analysis last month, in which the defense alleges the findings were changed to provide “false testimony.”

Oklahoma-based forensics expert Tom Bevel concluded that the T-shirt is “stained with high-velocity blood spatter resulting from shooting Maggie and Paul.”

In a Feb. 4, 2022, draft report, Bevel allegedly wrote that “the stains on the white T-shirt are consistent with transfers and not back spatter from a bullet wound,” according to the filing.

Under pressure from investigators, Murdaugh’s lawyers allege that Bevel changed his findings and concluded that there was no “possible way those stains could have been created other than spatter from shooting Paul with a shotgun.”

ALEX MURDAUGH CHARGED WITH TAX EVASION AHEAD OF SC MURDER TRIAL

Grace, who will be in the courtroom during the murder trial this week, will be providing live coverage and offering new details on the grisly case.

Her Fox Nation special, ‘Murdaugh Family Murders: A Timeline,’ which is now available for streaming, details the timeline and key details in the tragic case. 

“I really want to look at the witnesses in person because I can always tell a lot, and I think the jury can, too, when you gauge the witness in person – the way they’re acting, the way they’re looking, a million little things,” Grace said. “He also told cops that he took the pulse, that he touched the victims, but the shirt was clean, his hands are clean, yet they were covered in blood. So how does that happen?” 

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Grace added that the real key to cracking this case is a mysterious Snapchat video that his son Paul took shortly before he was killed. 

“I think the strongest evidence for the state so far is a Snapchat video his son took about 4 minutes going toward the window of the murders, and Alex Murdaugh was in that Snapchat video,” she said. 

The prosecution asked the judge to summon a Snapchat representative to testify in the trial, alleging the video has critical clues to unravel the investigation. 

“Amongst other things, critical to the case is a video sent out to several friends at approximately 7:56 p.m. on the night of the murders,” wrote Senior Assistant Deputy Attorney General Creighton Waters in a petition to secure the attendance of a Snapchat witness. “The contents of this video is [sic] important to proving the State’s case in chief.”

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Murdaugh, who has pleaded not guilty to the slayings, could face life behind bars if convicted. The trial is set to resume Monday. 

Fox News’ Rebecca Rosenberg contributed to this report.

Fox Nation programs are viewable on-demand and from your mobile device app, but only for Fox Nation subscribers. Go to Fox Nation to start a free trial and watch the extensive library from your favorite Fox News personalities.    

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Stetson Bennett, Georgia standout quarterback, arrested on public intoxication charge

Stetson Bennett, the Georgia quarterback who led the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships and became one of the best stories in college football, was arrested on Sunday morning.

Bennett was arrested on a public intoxication charge in Dallas around 6 a.m. local time, police confirmed to Fox News Digital. Officers responded to a call about a man “banging on doors” and authorities determined Bennett was intoxicated.

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Quarterback Stetson Bennett of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after a touchdown against the TCU Horned Frogs at the CFP National Championship game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Jan. 9, 2023.

Quarterback Stetson Bennett of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after a touchdown against the TCU Horned Frogs at the CFP National Championship game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Jan. 9, 2023.
(Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)

Bennett, 25, was taken to City Detention Center, police said. It’s unclear whether he was released.

The quarterback became a hero for the Bulldogs after leading the team to a blowout victory over TCU in the national championship earlier this month. Georgia coach Kirby Smart gave time for Bennett to get a curtain call in the fourth quarter as they led 52-7.

Stetson Bennett of the Georgia Bulldogs is presented with the most outstanding player award after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Dec. 31, 2022, in Atlanta.

Stetson Bennett of the Georgia Bulldogs is presented with the most outstanding player award after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Dec. 31, 2022, in Atlanta.
(Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

CAR IN FATAL CRASH INVOLVING GEORGIA FOOTBALL PLAYERS, EMPLOYEES WAS ‘NOT FOR PERSONAL USE,’ OFFICIALS SAY

He wrapped up his collegiate career with two national titles. He also had 8,428 passing yards and 66 touchdown passes in his collegiate career.

The University of Georgia didn’t immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Stetson Bennett runs the ball for a touchdown versus the TCU Horned Frogs on Jan. 9, 2023, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Stetson Bennett runs the ball for a touchdown versus the TCU Horned Frogs on Jan. 9, 2023, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
(Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Bennett’s performance in the 2022 season appeared to increase his draft stock going into the spring event. It’s unclear whether the reported arrest would have an effect on that moving forward.

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