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La La Anthony Was A Masquerader for Halloween and Trinis are Livid. Carnival Tribe Comes Under Fire.
While for major mas producer, Carnival Tribe, the optics surrounding international celebrity, La La Anthony donning a Carnival costume for Halloween may have seemed great, many of Trinidad and Tobago’s nationals did not seem to share the sentiments.
“Never been to carnival so I brought carnival to me,” wrote La La beneath a photo she shared of herself on Sunday, ahead of Halloween. A feathery, dazzling costume, showed off the curves of the American TV personality but despite the beauty, many commented shrewdly, arguing that Anthony had chosen the culture of Trinidad and Tobago as a Halloween costume, and citing cultural appropriation.
Tribe Carnival, obviously unbothered by the social influencer’s post, took the opportunity to invite La La to T&T for Carnival. “You need to come to Trinidad for Carnival,” their post read, followed up with four fire emojis and Trinidad and Tobago flags. Anthony did not respond, however Tribe would soon be called out by some Trinbagonians in the comment section for choosing to ignore the apparent issue and instead choosing to market the business of carnival. “This is very disrespectful to our culture. Do you even know the significance of carnival and our costumes,” one person wrote. Another person channeled their disdain and toward the mas band saying, “@carnivaltribe ya’ll are so (expletive) thirsty. Instead of trying to inform her that carnival costume should not be used for Halloween, y’all over here begging for invite. Y’all should be ashamed.”
In June 2021, Black Panther actor, Michael B Jordan was criticized heavily after he labeled his rum, ‘J’ouvert Rum.’ He was also accused of cultural appropriation, with Trinidad and Tobago’s nationals condemning the actor and his team for the move. The anger raged further after news emerged that a trademark application for the word J’ouvert for use on the product had been made with the World Intellectual Property Organisation. Jordan’s team later made the decision to change the name of the rum.
Separately, LaLa’s decision to don the Carnival costume was lapped up by many of her cohorts in the entertainment industry internationally. Celebs like Chloe Bailey, Kim Kardashian, Vanessa Bryant, Khloe Kardashian, Bia, Bernice Burgos and Ciara all stamping their approval beneath the images shared on Instagram.
Around the World
Rihanna’s Net Worth Drops 29% According to Forbes.
According to Forbes, Rihanna’s net worth has taken a significant hit, dropping by 29% since 2024. The singer-turned-business mogul, who previously reached billionaire status with an estimated fortune of $1.4 billion, now holds an estimated $1 billion. Her fall in valuation was one of the most notable shifts in Forbes’ 2025 list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women, where she now ranks at No. 35.
The outlet notes that the decline is attributed largely to stalled growth across her business empire. Although the Fenty Beauty expanded into China last year, LVMH cited a “challenging environment” that has affected global sales.
Adding to the turbulence, the CEO of Rihanna’s lingerie brand, Savage X Fenty, stepped down in August 2024 to take over at Victoria’s Secret. The departure marked a leadership shakeup during a period when profits were already under pressure.
A companion article by Forbes explored broader structural issues impacting celebrity-run brands, especially in fashion and beauty, where evolving market trends and consumer fatigue have led to tighter margins—even for mega-celebrities like Rihanna.
NEW BRIDAL LINGERIE COLLECTION LAUNCHED
The 37-year-old superstar remains focused. Savage X Fenty launched a new Bridal Collection in April 2025, and Fenty Beauty brought back its cult-favorite Body Lava luminizers just in time for summer. The brand also introduced a mascara line and a Roblox-based digital experience to expand its reach.
Beyond business, Rihanna made headlines with a personal milestone: the announcement of her third pregnancy at the 2025 Met Gala. Appearing on the red carpet with longtime partner, the singer revealed her baby bump, engaging the world, particular across social media.
THE LOSS OF HER FATHER
Tragically, Rihanna has also faced personal loss this year. Her father, Ronald Fenty, passed away recently. While she has not commented publicly, sources close to the family say the two had maintained a complicated but evolving relationship in recent years.
Despite the financial setback and personal challenges, Barbados born Rihanna continues to shape her legacy—both as a cultural icon and an entrepreneur, navigating a shifting business landscape and keeping true fans engrossed in all that she becomes involved in.
Around the World
Sean Paul Protested While on Tour. This is How He Did It.
Each time he hit the stage during his ‘Bring It’ tour, one of dancehall music’s most renowned artistes, made a very powerful statement. He protested what he felt in his heart and soul, was the continued injustice meted out to the real creators of the music listened to, and enjoyed around the world. Sean Paul is now speaking up, telling fans via social media why he chose to wear the T-shirts that he did.
On Tuesday, the ‘Gimme de Light’ singer explained that he feels the real creators of the music we all enjoy, often receive the least monetary benefit. He used the platform that he had at the time – the tour stage, to showcase his discontent with the continued injustice experienced by artistes.
“I wore t-shirts with some of my musical heroes on the front with a ‘likkle’ quote from that artist on the back,” he wrote on social media. “I feel we as the creators of the music get the least monetary benefit from it and this was just my small protest to the labels and streaming services who take so much of the pie, as well as to just big up the creators of music I revere, honoring the fight they have fought for our music throughout the years,” said Sean Paul.
Among the artistes showcased by Sean Paul were Jimmy Cliff, Ray Charles and Bob Marley.
Last year, during his appearance on the Drink Champs podcast, globally loved reggae and dancehall artiste, Buju Banton spoke out on the new music business model, lamenting that artistes receive “pennies on the dollar” for their music.
