Lil' Wayne Talks Mental Health, Childhood Suicide Attempt
During an appearance on the "Uncomfortable Conversations" podcast, Lil' Wayne discussed his struggles with mental health, which date back to childhood, in hopes of inspiring others who may be grappling with their own challenges. The Grammy Award-winning rapper admits that he attempted suicide at age 12 after getting into trouble for skipping school and being told he could no longer rap. "[I] aimed for my heart," said Wayne, who called police to give them a heads up before turning the gun on himself. "How I knew I had mental health problems was I pulled the trigger." While Wayne speculates that a lack of openness in his family ultimately contributed to his suicide attempt, he also believes that the experience marked a turning point in his mother's parenting style. Prior to the incident, Wayne says that she was a heavy disciplinarian. "The mom that I knew before that day, on my life and everyone's life, I have never met or seen or heard that lady again in my life," he explained. "So I didn't die that day, but somebody was gone."
Nicki Minaj & Husband Accused of Harassing Sexual Assault Victim
Nicki Minaj and her husband, Kenneth Petty, were named in a lawsuit Friday filed by Jennifer Hough – a woman who Petty sexually assaulted over twenty years ago. According to NBC News, Hough is accusing the rapper and Petty of harassing her in an attempt to get her to recant the rape allegations. Hough says the alleged harassment began last year after Petty was arrested for failure to register as a sex offender in his new home state of California. Hough alleges that after a conversation with a mutual friend, Minaj called her and told her that she could have her publicist draft a statement recanting the rape. "Within days of this conversation, Plaintiff and her family suffered an onslaught of harassing calls and unsolicited visits," the lawsuit states. On multiple occasions, Hough says her loved ones were offered $500,000 if she recanted the allegations. Further, she says she was offered $20,000 to sign a prepared statement retracting her statements about Petty. As a result of the alleged harassment, Hough says that she had to change her number and relocate three times.
Taliban Takes Over Afghan Capital
Taliban forces have regained control of Afghanistan two weeks before the United States was set to complete the process of withdrawing all troops from the Middle Eastern country, The Associated Press reports. Many are seeking to flee the country out of fear that the group will seek revenge on those who worked with the United States and the Afghan government. Taliban leaders insist that they will not seek revenge, but many remain skeptical. President Biden addressed the crisis in Afghanistan Monday afternoon.
Food Stamps Benefits to Increase by 27%
A new plan by the Biden Administration will permanently boost food stamps benefits by 27 percent, CBS News reports. The increase comes after a temporary 15 percent increase was scheduled to expire in September. The boost will go into effect on October 1.
