Culture Craze
A week of celebrity drama, fashion wins, and viral moments
From Paris runways to Mzansi timelines
If you felt like celebrity news was everywhere this week, you were not imagining it. Between Paris fashion ceremonies, court filings in Hollywood, and heated local debates closer to home, the past few days delivered the kind of stories that dominate group chats and timelines alike.
Here is a grounded look at the moments that mattered, why people are talking, and what sits beneath the headlines.
Victoria Beckham’s Paris honour and a quiet family question
Paris set the scene for one of the week’s softer moments as Victoria Beckham received a French cultural honour recognising her impact on fashion and entertainment. The former Spice Girl turned designer was named an Officer of the Order of the Arts and Letters by the French Ministry of Culture, a nod to her global influence and meticulous approach to design.
David Beckham was there, along with Cruz, Romeo, and Harper, making it a rare full family appearance. The absence of Brooklyn Beckham did not go unnoticed, especially given recent public tension around his relationship with his parents. Victoria later thanked her family on Instagram, singling out David as her “original investor,” a line that quickly made the rounds online.
The moment reminded many how intertwined celebrity success stories often are with very human family dynamics.
Nota Baloyi and Nando’s: a dispute that refuses to cool down
Back home, Nota Baloyi’s legal dispute with Nando’s continued to spark strong reactions. The media personality is seeking R850,000 in damages, alleging the unauthorised use of a sample from Brenda Fassie’s Kuyoze Kuyovalwa in a Nando’s advertisement.
Nando’s has firmly rejected the claim, stating it legally obtained the rights to the track through recognised rights holders and that the issue was addressed in writing as far back as November 2025. Nota maintains that his company, Urbantainment, never granted a licence.
For South Africans, the case has reopened broader conversations around music rights, sampling, and who truly benefits when iconic local tracks are reused in commercial campaigns.
Taylor Swift pulled into a growing Hollywood legal storm
In the US, a lawsuit involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni took a dramatic turn after private text messages were unsealed in court. The messages revealed that Taylor Swift had acted as a confidante to Lively during the making of It Ends With Us, including discussions around script changes.
Baldoni’s legal team is now arguing that Lively and her inner circle undermined his authority as director. With claims of a hostile work environment and alleged manipulation of public opinion also in play, the case is shaping up to be one of the year’s most closely watched celebrity trials, with proceedings expected to begin in May.
Sydney Sweeney’s Hollywood sign stunt divides opinion
Sydney Sweeney once again found herself at the centre of an online debate after footage surfaced showing her hanging bras on the Hollywood sign as part of a promotional stunt for her upcoming lingerie brand, Syrn.
While her team reportedly had a general filming permit, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce confirmed that no permission was given to interact with the sign itself. Legal questions followed briefly, although the LAPD later stated that no investigation is underway.
The incident added another chapter to Sweeney’s reputation for bold, sometimes polarising marketing moves, something fans and critics alike seem unable to ignore.
Celebrities speak out after ICE killing
A far more serious story dominated international headlines after the killing of Alex Pretti by ICE federal agents in Minneapolis. The tragedy followed another fatal ICE shooting earlier in the month, intensifying public anger.
High-profile figures, including Billie Eilish, Pedro Pascal, Natalie Portman, and Mark Ruffalo, publicly questioned official accounts and called for accountability. Social media reaction was swift and emotional, with many praising celebrities for using their platforms to amplify concerns around state violence and justice.
Georgina Rodríguez at a White House documentary screening
Georgina Rodríguez, the fiancée of football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, made headlines after attending a private White House screening of Melania, an upcoming Amazon-backed documentary about Melania Trump.
Rodríguez shared images from the event on Instagram, describing it as inspiring. The documentary focuses on the period leading up to President Trump’s 2025 inauguration and is set to premiere in theatres on January 30. The guest list, spanning fashion, business, and entertainment, underscored the crossover between celebrity culture and political storytelling.
A community rallies for Bravo Le Roux
Closer to home, the South African hip hop community came together following the death of Bravo Le Roux in Switzerland on January 22. His family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help repatriate his body and support his young daughter.
Tributes poured in online, painting a picture of a devoted father and gifted creative. The fundraiser has become a reminder of how quickly public attention can turn into tangible support when tragedy strikes.
Teyana Taylor’s awards momentum keeps building
Teyana Taylor’s winning streak continued with a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in One Battle After Another. She shared an emotional response on Instagram, thanking supporters as nominations continue to stack up.
Beyond acting, Taylor’s presence at Paris Fashion Week, including the Schiaparelli show, reinforced her growing influence across both film and fashion.
Tyla’s confident return to late-night television
South African star Tyla delivered her first televised performance of Chanel on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, marking her second appearance on the programme. Dressed in Chanel and backed by confident choreography, the performance reflected just how far her career has come since her 2023 debut with Water.
Chanel continues to gain momentum on streaming platforms and TikTok, recently peaking at number 15 on the Tyla Charts, a sign that her global rise is far from slowing down.
Rihanna fuels fresh pregnancy rumours
Finally, Rihanna once again sent fans into speculation mode after appearing at the Dior show during Paris Couture Week in an oversized black coat. The look prompted renewed rumours that the singer may be pregnant with her fourth child, especially following her recent playful comments about wanting another baby.
Nothing has been confirmed, but as always with Rihanna, a single appearance was enough to dominate headlines.
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: IOL
Featured Image: SA Hip Hop Mag
