Entertainment
Celebrities, newsmakers pay tribute to broadcasting legend Larry King
Celebrities and newsmakers have paid glowing tribute to an iconic US radio and TV host, Larry King, who died on Saturday after battling coronavirus.
The celebrities were those mostly interviewed by the broadcasting legend on his Larry King Live on CNN.
Former President Bill Clinton stated via Twitter @BillClinton that he was interviewed by King more than 20 times and remembered him as having “a great sense of humour and a genuine interest in people.”
He said, “I enjoyed my 20+ interviews with Larry King over the years. He had a great sense of humor and a genuine interest in people. He gave a direct line to the American people and worked hard to get the truth for them, with questions that were direct but fair. Farewell, my friend.”
Singer and actress Bette Midler said King was “a great interviewer and a great listener.”
“He always made me feel as though I were the only person in the room,” Midler added.
Midler said via @BetteMidler, “Goodbye and Godspeed to Larry King; a great interviewer and a great listener, and they are not the same thing. He always made me feel as though I were the only person in the room. Condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world.”
Actress and producer Reese Witherspoon recalled being “lucky enough to be interviewed by him and see his unique interview style first hand.”
“He was a deeply thoughtful, intelligent, kind man,” Witherspoon said.
“So sad to hear the news about Larry King today. I was lucky enough to be interviewed by him and see his unique interview style first hand. He was a deeply thoughtful, intelligent, kind man… Sending love to his family & all of his many fans.”
Basketball legend Earvin Magic Johnson said he loved being interviewed by King, who was “always well prepared, asked intelligent questions, & always made the interviews fun, serious, & entertaining!”
He also said, “I’ve known Larry King since I arrived in LA 42 years ago. Larry King Live changed CNN in the 80s blending entertainment with news & I loved being on the show.
“Larry was one of the best interviewers on TV.”
CNN Chief International Anchor Christiane Amanpour (@camanpour) posted a remembrance of King, who hosted “Larry King Live” on CNN for 25 years. Amanpour called King “a giant of broadcasting” whose “name is synonymous with CNN.”
Her words: “Larry King was a giant of broadcasting and a master of the TV celebrity/statesman-woman interview.
“His name is synonymous with CNN and he was vital to the network’s ascent. EVERYONE wanted to be on Larry King Live. May he Rest in Peace.”
Fellow CNN colleague Wolf Blitzer (@wolfblitzer) called King “an amazing interviewer and a mentor to so many of us.”
“Larry King was my @CNN colleague and good friend. He was an amazing interviewer and a mentor to so many of us. He loved what he did and all of us loved him. My deepest condolences to his loving family. May He Rest In Peace and May His Memory Be A Blessing.
CNN founder Ted Turner said in a statement King’s death “felt like a punch to the gut.”
“Larry was one of my closest and dearest friends and, in my opinion, the world’s greatest broadcast journalist of all time,” Turner said.
He added, “If anyone asked me what are my greatest career achievements in life, one is the creation of CNN, and the other is hiring Larry King. Like so many who worked with and knew Larry, he was a consummate professional, an amazing mentor to many and a good friend to all. The world has lost a true legend.”
Radio and TV host Ryan Seacrest, who interviews celebrities daily as co-host of “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” called King “a dear friend and mentor,” who was “an American treasure.”
“I lost a dear friend and mentor. Truly an American treasure. Rest in peace, Larry King.
Singer and actress Barbara Streisand called King, “one of a kind,” and posted a photo of the two together.
“He was one of a kind! May he Rest In Peace,”
Said Barbra Streisand.
Fellow broadcasting legend Oprah Winfrey paid tribute, saying, “It was always a treat to sit at your table. And hear your stories.”
Director, actor and comedian Kevin Smith posted a photo of himself with King and said being interviewed by him was an “honour.”
“RIP to radio/TV/digital news legend @kingsthings. It was an honor to watch you do your thing, both on @CNN and in person. My dad always asked me “Did you see who Larry King talked to last night?” Would’ve blown his mind to know that, one day, it would be his son. Thanks for that,” said KevinSmith.
Rapper and actor 50 Cent also posted a photo of himself with King, who he called a “legend.”
King’s beloved Los Angeles Dodgers honored him on Twitter. King was a fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers growing up and he continued to support the MLB team when it relocated across the country to California.
He was frequently spotted at games in Dodger Stadium, sitting in seats behind home plate.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are saddened by the passing of Larry King and offer their deepest condolences to his family and friends.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the Brooklyn-born King conducted interviews “that informed Americans in a clear and plain way.”
“Larry King was a Brooklyn boy who became a newsman who interviewed the newsmakers. He conducted over 50,000 interviews that informed Americans in a clear and plain way.
“New York sends condolences to his family and many friends,” Cuomo said.
Former GOP House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who occasionally filled in for King as a guest host, called him “a legendary radio and TV pioneer.”
He stated, “Larry King was a legendary radio and TV pioneer. I always loved doing his TV shows and occasionally he would ask me to guest host while he was on vacation. One with Jack Hanna and animals from the Columbus Zoo remains a favorite. Larry will be missed but he left fond memories.”
Entertainment
Blessing CEO Returns to Instagram, Deletes Cancer Claim Posts
Blessing CEO Returns to Instagram, Deletes Cancer Claim Posts
Controversial Nigerian social media influencer, Blessing Okoro Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has returned to Instagram weeks after deactivating her account following widespread backlash over her claim that she was battling stage four breast cancer.
A check on her verified page shows that the influencer has now deleted all posts related to the alleged diagnosis, including videos, interviews, and fundraising content that were previously used to support her claim.
The controversy began in January 2026 when Blessing CEO publicly announced that she had been diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, appealing for financial assistance from the public. She also shared what she described as a medical report to back her claim.
However, the development took a turn after Xinus Medical Diagnostics reportedly disputed the authenticity of the document, alleging that it had been altered. The medical facility claimed the report originally belonged to another individual and was not issued to the influencer.
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The alleged original owner of the medical record, a makeup artist and cancer survivor identified as Deborah Mbara, later spoke out, accusing Blessing CEO of using her medical documents without consent.
Following the controversy, Mbara’s family reportedly petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing the influencer of fraudulent fundraising, forgery, and cyber-related offences, and alleging that over ₦300 million may have been raised from the public under false pretences.
The Nigerian Cancer Society also called for a thorough investigation into the matter, urging authorities to ensure transparency and accountability in all public fundraising linked to health conditions.
Blessing CEO subsequently deactivated her Instagram account as the backlash intensified. However, she has now reactivated the account, though all cancer-related posts have been removed, leaving only a documentary-style awareness post on breast health.
As of the time of filing this report, the influencer has not issued any fresh public statement addressing the allegations or explaining the deletion of the posts following her return to social media.
The situation continues to generate debate online, raising concerns about online fundraising transparency, influencer accountability, and medical misinformation in Nigeria’s digital space.
Blessing CEO Returns to Instagram, Deletes Cancer Claim Posts
Entertainment
‘Why Are You Angry?’ — Peter Okoye Questions Critics Over Birthday Shift
‘Why Are You Angry?’ — Peter Okoye Questions Critics Over Birthday Shift
Nigerian music star Peter Okoye has strongly responded to critics questioning his decision to shift his birthday celebration from November 18 to November 30, making it clear that the move is personal and not open to public debate.
The Afrobeats star and member of the defunct duo P-Square had earlier announced that he would no longer accept goodwill messages or gifts on November 18. Instead, he urged fans, friends, and associates to recognize November 30 as his official celebration date going forward.
Reacting to the backlash on social media platform X, the singer expressed surprise at the level of outrage his decision generated. He questioned why many Nigerians were bothered by a private choice that does not directly affect them. In his words, critics were reacting “like say I cancel Christmas,” adding that even the date of Christmas itself remains a subject of global debate.
The Nigerian singer further criticized what he described as misplaced priorities, noting that the attention surrounding his birthday shift appeared to outweigh discussions about more pressing national concerns. According to him, it was “funny” that such a personal matter could spark widespread debate while serious issues affecting the country receive less engagement.
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Okoye also addressed the wave of insults trailing the announcement, stating that criticism would not diminish his success or achievements. He maintained that those who have already attained success remain unaffected by public opinion, emphasizing confidence in his career and personal journey.
Born on November 18 alongside his twin brother Paul Okoye, Peter rose to fame as part of P-Square, one of Africa’s most successful music groups in the 2000s and early 2010s. The duo achieved massive continental and international recognition before their split, with both brothers pursuing solo careers.
Although the singer has not given detailed reasons for moving his birthday, the decision has sparked conversations online, with fans speculating about possible personal motivations. However, Okoye has consistently maintained that the change reflects his individual choice and should be respected without controversy.
The Peter Okoye birthday change controversy continues to trend across social media, highlighting how celebrity decisions often attract intense public scrutiny in Nigeria’s digital space.
‘Why Are You Angry?’ — Peter Okoye Questions Critics Over Birthday Shift
Entertainment
Peter Okoye Officially Changes Birthday Date Amid P-Square Family Rift
Peter Okoye Officially Changes Birthday Date Amid P-Square Family Rift
Nigerian music star, Peter Okoye, has sparked widespread reactions after announcing that he has officially changed the date he celebrates his birthday, a move that comes amid the long-running family and music industry dispute involving his twin brother, Mr P.
In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, the singer stated that November 18 would no longer serve as his birthday celebration date and informed fans that he would now be marking a new date going forward.
“I am officially changing my birthday date. I’m making it official. November 18th is no longer my birthday celebration date. Please note that I will not be accepting any messages or gifts on that day,” he wrote.
He added that his new official birthday celebration date would now be November 30, describing the decision as personal and asking fans for understanding.
“My birthday will now be celebrated on November 30th. This is a personal decision, and I truly appreciate your understanding,” he added.
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The singer did not provide further explanation for the change, but the announcement has reignited conversations about the ongoing tensions within the P-Square family.
Peter Okoye rose to fame as one half of the iconic music duo P-Square, alongside his twin brother Paul Okoye (Rudeboy). The duo dominated African music charts throughout the 2000s and early 2010s with multiple hit songs and sold-out performances across the continent.
However, internal disputes began to surface around 2015, largely tied to disagreements over management, royalties, and creative control. Their elder brother, Jude Okoye, who previously managed the group, was also central to the business-related tensions that deepened the rift.
By 2017, the group officially disbanded, with both brothers pursuing solo careers under the names Mr P and Rudeboy. The split marked one of the most publicised celebrity breakups in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Although the twins reunited in November 2021, exciting fans across Africa and beyond, reports later emerged suggesting that underlying issues—particularly around financial transparency and business structures—had not been fully resolved.
Peter’s latest announcement has therefore been interpreted by fans as another sign of emotional and symbolic distance within the family dynamic, even as he continues his solo music career.
As of press time, neither Paul Okoye nor other members of the Okoye family have issued an official response to the development.
The announcement has continued to generate debate online, with fans expressing mixed reactions over whether the move is purely personal or linked to deeper unresolved issues within the P-Square legacy.
Peter Okoye Officially Changes Birthday Date Amid P-Square Family Rift
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