Metro Boomin’s rape lawsuit headed to trial after “unsuccessful” settlement negotiations, Wizkid joins lineup for Afro+ Fest in DC, Venus Williams receives a wildcard to play at the 2025 US Open. Stay in the know with our Rave News Digest, which summarizes five of the hottest global news stories you need to catch up on, saving you time and energy. Consider it your daily news fix.
Here is a rundown of five of the hottest news topics…
1. Metro Boomin’s rape lawsuit headed to trial after “unsuccessful” settlement negotiations
Atlanta-based rapper Metro Boomin heading to trial over sex assault lawsuit https://t.co/kz1mJYhyAP
— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) August 13, 2025
Metro Boomin’s rape lawsuit is officially headed to trial following unsuccessful settlement negotiations between the producer and his accuser, Vanessa LeMaistre. The civil case, filed in 2024, alleges that the acclaimed beatmaker sexually assaulted and impregnated LeMaistre in 2016 after she consumed Xanax and alcohol at his recording studio. She claims she later awoke unable to move or speak while being raped. Despite a July mediation session involving a retired judge, no agreement was reached, and both parties are now preparing for trial, scheduled to begin on September 23, in a federal courtroom in Los Angeles.
Metro Boomin has denied all allegations, with his legal team previously dismissing the lawsuit as a “pure shakedown.” The case has drawn additional attention due to references in Metro’s 2017 track “Rap Saved Me,” which LeMaistre’s suit claims may allude to the alleged assault. However, the producer denies writing the controversial lyrics. The trial looms as Metro continues to promote his new album, “Metro Boomin Presents: A Futuristic Summa,” which dropped earlier this month and features collaborations with major artists including Quavo, Lil Baby, and 2 Chainz.
2. Wizkid joins star-studded lineup for Afro+ Fest in DC
WASHINGTON DC (8/31)
Starboy is Coming !
For the next 72 hours only! Use this discount code to Afro Plus Fest.
code: wizkid at checkout 🎟 https://t.co/8f6ZQwmyed
— Wizkid (@wizkidayo) August 13, 2025
Afrobeats superstar Wizkid has officially joined the star-studded lineup for this year’s Afro+ Fest, set to take place on Sunday, August 31, at the RFK Festival Grounds in Washington, D.C. Presented by Events DC, the highly anticipated festival celebrates African music and culture by spotlighting influential artists from across the continent and its global diaspora. Wizkid’s inclusion as a special guest adds a powerful layer to the event, further cementing its status as a must-attend gathering for Afrobeats fans and global music lovers alike.
The Grammy-winning artist will perform alongside headliners Gunna and Asake, with additional appearances from Machel Montano, Shenseea, Uncle Waffles, Shatta Wale, and Wande Coal, among others. Known for his groundbreaking role in elevating Afrobeats to international prominence, Wizkid’s presence is expected to electrify the festival. As anticipation builds, organizers are promising an unforgettable day of music, unity, and cultural pride that reflects the vibrant spirit of Africa and its influence around the world.
3. Wildfire engulfs mountain near western Canada city
VIDEO: 🇨🇦 Canada wildfires burn area larger than Ireland
The country is experiencing its second-worst fire season on record, with 7.5 million hectares scorched so far. There are more than 700 wildfires burning, including 161 considered out of control, with nearly every province… pic.twitter.com/aSq9qvAEJN
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) August 14, 2025
Nearly 20,000 residents of Port Alberni in western Canada remained on alert Wednesday as an out-of-control wildfire consumed Mount Underwood, just 10 kilometers from the city. The blaze, one of many threatening communities across the country, sent thick smoke into the skies above the Vancouver Island town, prompting residents and officials to brace for potential evacuations. “I’ve lived in Port Alberni since 1956, and this is one of the biggest fires we’ve ever seen,” said 69-year-old local Russ Wetas.
Canada is currently in the midst of its second-worst wildfire season on record, with over 7.4 million hectares already scorched, surpassing the 7.1 million lost in 1995 and trailing only the 17.3 million hectares burned in 2023. More than 700 wildfires were active nationwide on Wednesday, including 161 classified as out of control. Fires are burning in nearly every province and territory, from the western coastal forests of British Columbia to the outskirts of Halifax and even parts of Newfoundland and Labrador’s capital, St. John’s. Experts warn that climate change is intensifying conditions conducive to wildfires, with rising temperatures, shorter winters, and drier landscapes now making even coastal regions, historically less prone to wildfires, vulnerable to devastating blazes.
4. Denzel Washington says he’s “not that interested” in the Award
Denzel Washington says he doesn’t do movies for Oscars & doesn’t care about them.
“Man gives the award. God gives the reward… On my last day, Oscars aren’t going to do me a bit of good”
(Source: @JakesTakes) pic.twitter.com/3pjnPB7JsH
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) August 13, 2025
Despite being a two-time Academy Award winner with 10 Oscar nominations to his name, Denzel Washington says accolades have never been the motivation behind his legendary career. In a recent interview alongside “Highest 2 Lowest” co-star Jeffrey Wright for “Jake’s Takes,” the 70-year-old actor dismissed the importance of the prestigious awards. “I don’t do it for Oscars. I really don’t care about that kind of stuff,” Washington said, reflecting on the ups and downs of award recognition. “Man gives the award, God gives the reward,” he added. With a laugh, he told host Jake Hamilton that his statuettes are simply kept “next to the other one,” emphasizing that legacy, not trophies, is what truly matters.
Washington, whose acting career spans over four decades, won his first Oscar in 1990 for “Glory” and his second in 2002 for “Training Day.” While he has been a frequent figure at the Academy Awards, most recently nominated for “The Tragedy of Macbeth” in 2022, he continues to identify first and foremost as a “stage actor.” In a separate CBS News interview, he explained, “I’m a stage actor who does film; it’s not the other way around.” Washington returns to the big screen in Spike Lee’s “Highest 2 Lowest,” out August 15 in theaters and streaming on Apple TV+ starting September 5. The ensemble cast includes Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, Ice Spice, and more, and is expected to be a major cultural moment. But for Washington, the curtain rising on stage still holds more weight than any golden statue.
5. Venus Williams receives a wildcard to play at the 2025 US Open
Venus Williams has received a wildcard to play singles at the U.S. Open.
2-time champion.
45 years old, still giving to the game she loves.
Always an honor to watch Queen Vee.
🇺🇸❤️ pic.twitter.com/TYpYZ9BuIy
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 13, 2025
Venus Williams is set to make a remarkable return to Grand Slam tennis at the 2025 US Open, having been granted a wildcard entry into the singles draw by the U.S. Tennis Association. At 45 years old, the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion will become the oldest woman to compete in singles at the US Open since Renee Richards in 1981. This marks Williams’ first Grand Slam appearance in two years, and comes after a triumphant comeback earlier this season when she won the Mubadala Citi DC Open, making her the second-oldest woman to claim a tour-level singles title.
In addition to singles, Williams will also compete in the mixed doubles event alongside 27-year-old Reilly Opelka on August 19–20. With 14 Grand Slam doubles titles alongside her sister Serena Williams, two mixed doubles titles, and a record five Olympic medals, Williams’ legacy in the sport is already cemented, but her return underscores an enduring competitive spirit. “Each week that I was training, I was like, ‘Oh, my God, I don’t know if I’m good enough yet,’” she told the press following her recent win. “It’s all a head game.” The US Open main draw kicks off August 24 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y.
Featured image: Live Nation
Our Weekday News Digest brings you a curated selection of the most compelling stories from around the globe. This week, we delve into the latest celebrity headlines, from Hollywood to Nollywood, explore trending global news, and highlight the most exciting sports developments of 2025.
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