Taraji P. Henson on 'TCP' I Almost Had to Drive Myself to Set ... Complains About Film
Taraji P. Henson is now taking shots at her own new film "The Color Purple," claiming she was relegated to second-class treatment while in production ... that is, until she fought back.
The actress gave a scathing critique over how she says she was dealt with as talent (at first) on the set of 'TCP' -- a WB film -- and how she had to demand better working conditions ... including getting a lift to and from the set itself.
In a new NYT interview, Taraji reveals she had to advocate not just for herself, but for her castmates as well ... saying, "They gave us rental cars, and I was like, 'I can’t drive myself to set in Atlanta.' This is insurance liability, it’s dangerous. Now they robbing people. What do I look like, taking myself to work by myself in a rental car?"
TPH adds, "So I was like, 'Can I get a driver or security to take me?' I’m not asking for the moon. They’re like, 'Well, if we do it for you, we got to do it for everybody.' Well, do it for everybody! It’s stuff like that, stuff I shouldn’t have to fight for. I was on the set of "Empire" fighting for trailers that wasn’t infested with bugs."
Danielle Brookes talking about how they didn't have their own dressing rooms or food until Oprah called Taraji pic.twitter.com/4pwXLL4bk4
— Maddie's Green Reading Dress (@PoeticJusticeK) January 6, 2024 @PoeticJusticeK
Taraji had more grievances to air about 'TCP' ... including the claim that the studio, apparently, wasn't interested in bringing the cast out internationally for a press run -- as well as complaints about the fact she had to audition and bust her ass for her role in the flick.
She explains ... "What else do I need to do to prove my worth? Now that I’m singing and dancing for you, and I climbed up on the table 88 times with my knobby knees and had to ice my knees in between takes, what else do I need to do?"
All this follows several weeks of Taraji and other stars of the film discussing their low pay in Hollywood ... and it's been eye-opening to watch -- especially with such big names attached to this film, including Oprah ... who's a producer and has been a key part of promotion.
Taraji says Oprah actually had to step in on her behalf a handful of times over these complaints of hers -- and eventually, everything got sorted out ... but it seems to have been an uphill battle for a while. Again, Taraji is a Golden Globe winner/Oscar-nominated actress.
If what she's been saying is true ... talk about topsy-turvy behavior toward an A-lister. 🥴
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Pánico en Alaska Airlines La ventana de la cabina explota en pleno vuelo ... el avión hace un aterrizaje de emergencia
Un vuelo de Alaska Airlines se vio obligado a realizar un aterrizaje de emergencia en Portland después de que una de las ventanas de la cabina explotara, creando un enorme agujero y succionando las pertenencias de los asustados pasajeros.
El avión comercial lleno de pasajeros despegó del Aeropuerto Internacional de Portland alrededor de las 5 PM del viernes, con destino a Ontario, California, pero tuvo que dar la vuelta rápidamente después de que la ventana estallara.
Mientras el avión regresaba al aeropuerto de Portland, se desató el caos cuando las máscaras de oxígeno cayeron sobre los 171 pasajeros y vientos parecidos a los de un tornado azotaron la cabina, causando un "problema de presurización", según la Administración Federal de Aviación.
Durante los 15 minutos siguientes, los pasajeros grabaron videos de la angustiosa experiencia y los compartieron en sus redes, donde se ve el gran agujero en el lateral del avión, por donde fueron succionados varios objetos, entre ellos teléfonos móviles.
Afortunadamente, el Boeing 737-9 aterrizó sin problemas y nadie resultó herido de gravedad. Una azafata sufrió heridas leves.
Una pasajera, Vi Nguyen, le dijo al New York Times que se despertó sobresaltada por un fuerte golpe durante el vuelo y se volvió hacia su izquierda, cuando vio que "la pared lateral del avión había desaparecido". Y añadió: "Lo primero que pensé fue: 'Voy a morir'".
Su compañera, Elizabeth Le, también habló con el NYT, diciendo que un adolescente había perdido su camisa y su piel estaba roja e irritada mientras estaba sentado con su madre en sus asientos.
Los auxiliares de vuelo intentaron ayudarlos a que se trasladaran a otra sección del avión, dijo Le y recordó: "Fue sinceramente horrible. Estuve a punto de derrumbarme, pero me di cuenta que tenía que mantener la calma".
Audio de Alaska Airlines: "Tenemos a un tipo que va por la borda"
El CEO de Alaska Airlines, Ben Minicucci, emitió un comunicado el viernes por la noche, diciendo que la compañía está dejando temporalmente en tierra su flota de 65 aviones Boeing 737-9 para una inspección y mantenimiento completo como medida de precaución.
Minicucci también pidió disculpas a los pasajeros del vuelo y confirmó que la Junta Nacional de Seguridad en el Transporte está dirigiendo una investigación sobre las causas del incidente.
Alaska Airlines Freak-Out Cabin Window Explodes Mid Flight ... Plane Makes Emergency Landing
An Alaska Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Portland after one of the cabin windows exploded, creating a gaping hole and sucking out belongings from frightened passengers.
The packed commercial airliner took off from Portland International Airport around 5 PM Friday, heading for Ontario, California, but it had to quickly turn around after the window blew out.
As the plane flew back to Portland airport, sheer chaos ensued as oxygen masks rained down on the 171 passengers and tornado-like winds gusted through the cabin, causing a "pressurization issue," according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
During the next 15 minutes, scared passengers recorded videos of the harrowing experience and posted them on social media, showing the large hole in the side of the plane, where several items, including cell phones, were suctioned out.
Luckily, the Boeing 737-9 aircraft touched down safely and no one was seriously hurt, but a flight attendant sustained minor injuries.
One passenger, Vi Nguyen, told the New York Times ... she was jolted awake by a loud bang during the flight and turned to her left, seeing "the wall on the side of the plane is gone.” She added, “The first thing I thought was, ‘I’m going to die.'"
Her pal, Elizabeth Le, also spoke to the NYT, saying a teenage boy had lost his shirt and his skin was red and irritated as he sat with his mom in their seats.
Flight attendants were trying to help them move to another section of the plane, Le said, recalling, “It was honestly horrifying. I almost broke down, but I realized I needed to remain calm.”
Alaska Airlines Audio, Pilot Went 'Little Overboard' in Attempt to Take Down Plane
Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci issued a statement Friday night, saying the company is temporarily grounding its fleet of 65 Boeing 737-9 aircraft for full inspection and maintenance as a precautionary measure.
Minicucci also apologized to the passengers on the flight and confirmed the National Transportation Safety Board is spearheading an investigation into what caused the incident.
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Ice Cube Katt's Story Mostly Checks Out ... Except the 'Friday' Rape Scene Stuff!!!
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Ice Cube has entered the Katt Williams chat days after the comedian shook up showbiz with his "Club Shay Shay" interview ... and, he's looking to clarify the allegation he tried to make light of a rape scene.
Katt accused Rickey Smiley of lying about being the OG pick for his "Money Mike" role in "Friday After Next" -- and also claimed he saved the character from a bathroom rape scene involving Terry Crews' ex-con character, "Damon."
Cube agreed that Rickey lost the part after Katt embodied the pimp schtick to make "Money Mike" an unforgettable character, but denies he ever wrote a rape scene for the film -- he says that's just not his style.
Cube says the main goal of the scene was to cancel out Katt and Terry's characters, as the film had 3 main villains, including the "Santa Claus" role Rickey ended up filling.
The hip hop legend also took some time out to address the ingrates who've groused over the years about their salaries in the 'Friday' franchise.
Cube explained actors aren't the only ones who need to get paid for movies -- producers, stagehands, even the coffee runners have to get paid every day, while most of the actors he employed were done with their scenes after a couple of days.
He's still an actor for hire ... Cubevision doesn't have to create every classic.
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ESPN Exec Calls Rodgers' Kimmel Jabs 'Dumb' ... But He'll Be Back On 'McAfee Show'
ESPN is distancing itself from Aaron Rodgers' recent comments about Jimmy Kimmel ... chalking his controversial appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" up to a bad attempt at comedy.
The New York Jets quarterback sparked an intense feud with the ABC late-night host earlier this week ... when he suggested Kimmel could be among the famous names on Jeffrey Epstein's client list.
Kimmel was furious with Rodgers ... firing back by claiming the comments could put his family in danger -- and threatening to take legal action if he continued to bark up that tree.
Mike Foss -- ESPN's senior vice president of digital and studio production -- addressed the whole issue in an interview with Front Office Sports on Friday ... and he said the comments never should have came out of Rodgers' mouth.
"Pat announced today that he’s planning on Aaron joining the show Tuesday," Foss told the outlet. "Aaron made a dumb and factually inaccurate joke about Jimmy Kimmel."
"The show will continue to evolve. It wouldn’t surprise me if Aaron’s role evolves with it."
Based on the latter part of that statement, it certainly sounds like the network won't step in and prevent Rodgers from going back on the show ... but on Friday's show, Pat accused ESPN exec Norby Williamson of sabotaging his program amid the drama.
Pat McAfee just called one of his ESPN bosses, Norby Williamson, a rat on air and said he was actively sabotaging the show. Get your popcorn! No doubt this is true, btw. Definitely some in ESPN attacking PM from inside: pic.twitter.com/TmztKuX4A5
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) January 5, 2024 @ClayTravis
Of course, the beef between Rodgers and Kimmel is complicated -- McAfee and the TV personality are both in the Disney family and wildly popular in their respective fields.
But as McAfee said on Thursday, it appears everyone involved is looking to move forward in peace -- without going to court.
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Wet n' Wild Man Performs Naked Cannonball INTO BASS PRO Pond
Talk about fishing for attention -- some guy is in serious trouble after stripping naked and jumping into a Bass Pro Shop pond -- and footage from horrified bystanders has captured everything.
You gotta see it to believe it -- the man executes a cannonball from the top floor of the store in Leeds, Alabama Thursday ... cops say the guy, 42-year-old George Owens, performed the stunt just before closing time.
The videos show Owens yelling something to officers as he shamelessly hangs on the edge ... legs spread wide apart and all -- before dramatically hurling himself over the side and onto the wet cement floor, smacking his head and ass in the process.
Cops get Owens into cuffs though he continues to put up a fight. However, he eventually calms down.
At one point, another man covers him with a blanket to spare bystanders the naked sight ... and police slide him away on his belly.
As for what led up to the erratic fish tank display, Police Chief Paul Irwin tells TMZ, Owens was driving in a car with 2 family members around 9 PM when he hit a pole in the store's parking lot.
From there, he decided to get out, strip naked and walk inside the wilderness-themed store.
Chief Irwin tells us that once he was under arrest, Owens kicked one officer in the groin ... and he later kicked in and damaged the back door of their police vehicle.
He's being charged with a hodgepodge of offenses, including criminal mischief and assault on a police officer. He also made vulgar comments to the officers. He was taken to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation.
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Mojado y loco Un hombre se lanza desnudo al estanque de una tienda
Hablando de llamar la atención, un hombre está en serios problemas después de desnudarse y saltar a un estanque de Bass Pro Shop, y las imágenes de los horrorizados transeúntes muestran todo el incidente.
Tienes que verlo para creerlo, el hombre ejecutó un salto tipo bala de cañón desde el piso superior de la tienda en Leeds, Alabama este jueves, y la policía dice que el hombre, de 42 años, George Owens, realizó el truco justo antes de la hora de cierre.
Los videos muestran a Owens gritándole algo a los oficiales mientras descaradamente se cuelga del borde, con sus piernas abiertas y todo, y se prepara para su lanzamiento.
A continuación, los policías esposan a Owens, aunque este sigue oponiendo resistencia. Sin embargo, finalmente se calma.
En un momento dado, otro hombre lo cubre con una manta para evitar que los transeúntes lo vean desnudo y la policía se lo lleva boca abajo.
En cuanto a lo que lo motivó a exhibirse de esta forma, el Jefe de Policía, Paul Irwin dice a TMZ, que Owens estaba conduciendo en un carro con 2 miembros de su familia alrededor de las 9 PM cuando chocó contra un poste en el estacionamiento de la tienda.
A partir de ahí, decidió salir, desnudarse y caminar dentro de la tienda de temática salvaje.
El jefe Irwin nos dice que una vez que estuvo bajo arresto, Owens pateó a un oficial en la ingle y más tarde pateó y dañó la puerta trasera de su vehículo policial.
Se le acusa de una mezcolanza de delitos, incluidos los de daños y agresión a un agente de la policía. También hizo comentarios vulgares a los agentes. Fue trasladado a un hospital para una evaluación psiquiátrica.
'Wild 'N Out's King Bobb'e J Katt Said What He Said ... Joke Stealers Need to Be Shamed!!!
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Katt Williams can count on at least one comedic ally after his royal roast of Kevin Hart, Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer -- "Wild 'N Out" vet Bobb'e J. Thompson cosigns everything Katt's saying!!!
We linked with Bobb'e in Hollywood to discuss Katt's super-viral sit-down on Shannon Sharpe's podcast as the numbers for the nearly 3-hour chitchat breached 15 million views in just a couple of days.
Many comedians and even rappers such as Ludacris and Trick Daddy, took Katt's unfiltered thoughts as fightin' words.
TD suggested he's ready to get physical, as he reminded Katt he's from the streets.
But, Bobb'e tells us there's never any reason to rumble over a joke ... unless you can fight, and he says Katt has no issues in the fisticuffs department. He also doesn't feel like Katt spoke out a turn, especially in the pursuit of being credited for his work.
I don’t even know why I’m surprised at
— JJ.eth (@jjrichardson_) January 5, 2024 @jjrichardson_
Steve Harvey to be honest, stealing this
Katt Williams joke too, birds of a feather him, Rickey Smiley and Cedric the Entertainer all the same
Cabal of Haters😂 pic.twitter.com/3JmFEF53m0
Katt accused guys like Steve and Ced of stealing his material over the years, and even had damning allegations for Michael Blackson ... claiming the Nigerian accent is faker than everything sold on Canal Street.
Bobb'e worked with both Katt and Michael on "Wild 'N Out" and can't confirm or deny Mike's 24/7 speaking patterns ... but does say tensions will arise if a joke gets stolen on the 'WNO' set.
In the meantime, seems like Katt reigns as the people's champ.
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Pasajera de Delta Crisis en el aeropuerto Grita sobre su periodo!!!
Una pasajera de Delta se fue en una diatriba de improperios, que incluyó comentarios sobre su período, causando no solo una escena, sino que el vuelo se retrasara en una hora.
Mira a la mujer perdiendo completamente el control en estas imágenes capturadas el lunes en el Aeropuerto Internacional Hartsfield-Jackson en Atlanta. En ellas se ve cómo irrespetuosamente apoda a uno de los miembros del personal como 'estúpida put****' después de que supuestamente fuera expulsada del vuelo con dirección a Rochester, NYC.
La mujer estaba visiblemente enfadada, golpeando repetidamente su bolsa contra el mostrador y exigiendo hablar con el gerente y ordenando que llamasen a la policía.
Después de seguir lanzando groserías descaradamente, la mujer se da la vuelta y le declara a todos que está "en pañales y sangrando" porque es su momento del mes.
Un hombre detrás de ella, entonces, llama su atención y ella da marcha atrás y le ladra: "¡Estoy con la regla! ¿Sabes lo que es un útero? Estúpido idiota, comadreja".
Continúa haciéndole preguntas sobre lo que significa tener un útero hasta que finalmente es llevada afuera por la policía, lo que provocó vítores de otros pasajeros.
No está claro por qué fue expulsada del vuelo en primer lugar.
DELTA PASSENGER AIRPORT MELTDOWN Screams About Her Period!!!
A Delta passenger went on a foul-mouthed tirade, which included remarks about her period ... not only causing a scene, but also delaying the flight for an hour.
Watch the unidentified woman completely lose it in the shocking footage captured Monday at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ... as she disrespectfully dubs one of the female staff members a "stupid b****" after she was allegedly kicked off the flight she was hoping to take to Rochester, NYC.
The woman was visibly vexed, repeatedly slamming her bag on the counter ... demanding to speak to the manager, and ordering Delta staffers to call the cops.
After continuing to hurl expletives shamelessly, the woman then turns around ... declaring to everyone in the gate area she's "in a diaper and bleeding" cause it's her time of the month.
A man behind her then grabs her attention ... and she marches over, barking: "I'm on my period! Do you know what a uterus is? You stupid little prick, you little weasel!"
She continues to quiz him on the definition of a uterus ... before finally being led out by police ... prompting cheers from other passengers.
It's unclear why she was kicked off the flight in the first place.
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B.G. Says Lil Wayne's a Bitch!!! On Finesse2Tymes Collab
B.G.'s homecoming from prison hasn't ignited the Cash Money Hot Boys reunion, and his new diss in Lil Wayne's direction probably means it's definitely not happening!!!
On Finesse2Tymes' new track "Gangstafied," B.G. unloaded on Wayne ... "My n**** Weezy steady torn/Touring ... but he's a bitch and it's showing!!!" 😱
No clue why B.G. set out to embarrass Wayne on the track, but they haven't been spotted together like fans had hoped they would after B.G.'s release.
B.G. got out of prison last September after serving 11 years for gun possession and was immediately greeted by Birdman, sparking talk of a Cash Money reunion.
Turk told TMZ Hip Hop, at the time, an HB comeback was inevitable, but addressed his followers with a completely different tone after B.G.'s Wayne slander was unleashed to the public.
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NIKKI HALEY 'I HAD BLACK FRIENDS GROWING UP!!!' Civil War Gaffe Worsens
Nikki Haley is digging a deeper hole for herself as she continues her apology tour to rectify her comments on the Civil War -- because she's playing the ol' "Black friends" card.
She was asked about her thoughts over the backlash to her blunder during CNN's town hall in Des Moines Thursday night ... the Republican presidential hopeful told host Erin Burnett she should've said slavery was a catalyst for the Civil War straight off the bat.
Nikki elaborated, though, saying she believed the slavery part of it was obvious to her, because South Carolinians grow up talking about the topic -- and not-so-subtly slipped in the line, "I had Black friends growing up ... it is a very talked about thing."
She emphasized that she's always associated the Civil War with slavery ... and with her response, she was merely trying to highlight the lesson learned going forward.
The controversy kicked off Dec 27 at a campaign stop in Berlin, NH, when Haley left out the fact that slavery triggered the bloody conflict between the Union and the Confederacy in the 1800s.
Haley was criticized by the media and pretty much everyone else -- including ex-CNN anchor Don Lemon who blasted her apology tour, saying she didn't show him any grace when he said she was past her prime during a live TV broadcast.
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Warren Moon Warns Baltimore Ravens ... Don't Rest Starters In Week 18!!!
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Warren Moon says if he were coaching the Ravens, he wouldn't sit Lamar Jackson, Odell Beckham Jr. or any other starter this week -- telling TMZ Sports he believes the moves could seriously ruin their chances at a Super Bowl.
Of course, with the No. 1 seed in the AFC already locked up, John Harbaugh revealed earlier this week Jackson and several others will take a seat on the bench against the Steelers on Saturday in order to stay healthy for the postseason.
Moon, though, doesn't think that idea's so great ... explaining that because Baltimore has a bye in the first round of the playoffs, there's now a far greater chance the squad will be rusty when it finally kicks off its divisional round game in more than two weeks.
"As a football player," the Hall of Famer said, "you want to stay within that routine and that habit of what you've been going through the whole season to make you successful."
Moon said he's by no means advocating playing Jackson and co. the full game against Pittsburgh -- he just thinks a few series could mitigate any potential problems down the road.
"That's the only thing that concerns about this team and some of the guys that they're sitting down," the ex-quarterback said. "How sharp are they going to be in three weeks after going through a season where they're used to playing week after week after week?"
In addition to Jackson ... three other starters -- Beckham, Marlon Humphrey and Kevin Zeitler -- have already been ruled out. Star rookie Zay Flowers and star defensive back Kyle Hamilton appear poised to miss the game too.
Nonetheless, Moon still believes the Ravens have done enough to show him they're the NFL's best heading into 2024.
"They dominated against some of the best teams in the league," he said.
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Polo G Mo Music, Mo Money ... That's My Resolution!!🎉
Polo G is feeling optimistic about 2024, especially if this leap year can boost the 2 things he cares about most -- making money and finally getting his delayed album off the ground!!!
We recently caught up with Polo in Bev Hills while he was doing some shopping with his sister Leia, and he made a vow to pad his discography by dropping more music.
Fans were eager for Polo G to drop last September, and he had told us he was just as excited, but legal issues put his "Hood Poet" album release on ice ... the kind that's slow to melt.
TMZ Hip Hop broke the story ... Polo and his brother Trench Baby were arrested in August 2023 following a police raid where Polo was charged with gun possession, and his bro is being accused of a drive-by murder.
Polo tells us he's still sticking with the "Hood Poet" title -- the single "Barely Holdin' On" was used as a charitable vessel for the music video's actors.
Barring any major changes, Polo says the project's coming in August '24 -- can't keep playing with the fans' emotions!!!
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Polo G lanzará su álbum "Hood Poet" en agosto
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Polo G se siente optimista con respecto a 2024... sobre todo si el año bisiesto actual puede impulsar todas las cosas que le importan: ¡el dinero y sacar adelante su retrasado álbum!
Nos encontramos con Polo en Bev. Hills, cuando estaba haciendo algunas compras con su hermana Leia, y nos dijo que próximamente va a haber más música.
Los fans estaban ansiosos el pasado mes de septiembre. El rapero dijo estar emocionado, pero que tuvo que detener el lanzamiento de "Hood Poet" por problemas legales.
TMZ Hip Hop publicó la historia, Polo y su hermano Trench Baby fueron detenidos en agosto de 2023 después de una redada policial donde Polo fue acusado de posesión de armas, y su hermano está siendo acusado de asesinato.
Polo nos dice que sigue manteniendo el título de "Hood Poet": el single "Barely Holdin' On" se utilizó como recipiente benéfico para los actores del video musical.
Salvo cambios importantes, Polo dice que el proyecto saldrá en agosto del '24 -- ¡no se puede seguir jugando con las emociones de los fans!
Jeffrey Epstein Victim Told to Name-Drop Dershowitz To Sell Her Book, According to Emails
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Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre was told to paint famed attorney Alan Dershowitz as a pedophile to make a book about her sex abuse claims more appealing to publishers ... according to newly unsealed court documents.
The docs, obtained by TMZ, include email correspondence between Giuffre and U.K. journalist Sharon Churcher from May 2011 ... Giuffre is telling Churcher she found a ghostwriter to pen her story, and says, "I wanted to put the names of these a**holes, oops I meant to say, pedo's, that J.E. sent me to."
Churcher's response ... "Don't forget Alan Dershowitz... JE's buddy and lawyer -good name for your pitch as he repped Claus von Bulow and a movie was made about that case."
Churcher added ... "We all suspect Alan is a pedo and tho no proof on that, you probably met him when he was hanging out with JE."
Attorneys for Esptein's close associate Ghislaine Maxwell -- who Guiffre is suing -- allege Giuffre only added Dershowitz to her manuscript after that exchange with Churcher ... but, even then, Giuffre did not allege she had sex with him, and only referred to Dershowitz as Epstein's business acquaintance.
According to the docs, Giuffre did not accuse Dershowitz of having sex with her until years later ... December 2014. Dershowitz has always denied that allegation.
Another email between Giuffre and Churcher includes an allegation about Bill Clinton and Vanity Fair.
Giuffre writes ... "When i was doing some research into VF yesterday, it does concern me what they could want to write about me considering that B. Clinton walked into VF and threatened them not to write sex-trafficking articles about his good friend J.E."
The unsealed documents are all related to Giuffre's 2015 civil lawsuit against Maxwell.