Jayson Tatum Addresses 2028 Olympic Participation

 

The Paris Olympics were a trying experience for Jayson Tatum. It’s one he labeled “challenging and humbling.”

However, getting benched twice against Serbia and playing a smaller role than anticipated in the United States men’s basketball team’s run to a gold medal may prove to be moments he’s forever grateful for if they help fuel the ascent of a 26-year-old star entering the peak of his powers as he builds his legacy.

Regarding how it might impact his decision whether to participate in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, the three-time All-NBA First Team selection stated, “It was a tough personal experience on the court, but I’m not going to make any decision off emotions,” per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.

“If you asked me right now if I was going to play in 2028 — it is four years from now, and I [would have] to take time and think about that. So I’m not going to make any decision based off (of) how this experience was or how I felt individually.”

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

With Team USA facing the prospect of losing LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry, not having Tatum back in the fold would be a significant blow, even with the abundance of top-tier talent they have to choose from.

If the Celtics star returns, he could play a leading role — like he did as Team USA’s second-leading scorer at the Tokyo Olympics — in leading the U.S. to the top of the podium for a sixth straight time.

Doing so would move Tatum one gold medal from matching Durant, who just became the first player to win gold four times in men’s Olympic basketball.

Jason Kelce Shuts Down Rumors of Returning to the NFL: ‘My Days of Playing Are Just Done’

The retired football star is dropping weight and plans to add new career highlights

Jason Kelce on July 14, 2024. Photo: Isaiah Vazquez/Getty

Jason Kelce is losing weight — and not looking back.

As the retired NFL star moves forward with his post-football career, he is putting an end to any “un-retirement” talk after trimming 20 pounds from his frame and aiming for more.

“They’re not going to call me to come back and play center at 260 pounds, and I’m moving on to the next thing and I’m excited to watch Cam [Jurgens],” Kelce, 36, told the Associated Press, referring to the Philadelphia Eagles’ new center.

Kelce added, “And for me personally, my days of playing are just done and I do not foresee any scenario taking place other than maybe medicine inventing a way to get rid of arthritis that I would ever entertain coming back at all anymore.”

Jason Kelce Says He Wanted to Retire Every Year for the Last 4 Seasons but ‘Still Had It in Me’ (Exclusive)

Now, the Monday Night Countdown star is starting a new chapter as a broadcaster — even if he still spends time at his former team’s training camp, whether it’s taking his annual family picture with wife Kylie and daughters Wyatt, Elliotte and Bennett, or offering words of wisdom to his football family.

In an emotional and enthusiastic speech last month, Kelce shared his perspective on what it takes to succeed in the league.

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“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence — talent will not,” he told the team in a video posted to X (formerly known as Twitter) on Monday, July 22. “I was a walk-on coming out of high school. They told me I wasn’t good enough. So I got drafted and everyone said I was too small, I didn’t have what it takes.”

In June, the New Heights co-host revealed in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE that retirement had actually been on his mind for quite awhile.

“I’ll be very honest, the last four years I’ve wanted to retire at the end of seasons,” Kelce told PEOPLE.

And as for his plans this year on any given Sunday?

“I’ve played in the NFL for a very long time,” he told PEOPLE. “I have not been able to experience it as a fan for the most part. So obviously I’ll be working Monday nights, but that means Sundays are open, Thursdays are open. So I got some time to potentially take in the actual game-day atmosphere from a different lens now that the playing days are behind.”

It was a different world back in the early 1990s — literally. On this morning’s episode of The View, the cast of ’90s hit A Different World recalled recruiting Whoopi Goldberg for a controversial episode that tackled the topic of AIDS.

Debbie Allen, who was a showrunner and producer on the hit sitcom, revealed why she asked Goldberg to guest-star in the April 1991 episode titled “If I Should Die Before I Wake.”

“I remember especially the degree of difficulty of doing a show about AIDS,” she said on The View. “And Whoopi Goldberg was our secret weapon. She was someone that I knew, we were friends. We all knew she was gonna win that Oscar that year.”

(Editor’s Note: The View is currently on hiatus; contrary to what you may have heard, The View was not canceled today. This article was originally published on April 17, 2024 when this episode first aired. The View will return with new episodes in September.)

Allen continued, “When we were the first network television show to address AIDS, after Magic Johnson made his announcement, I had to do something.”

The actress said she and the show’s lead writer and producer Susan Fales-Hill knew they had to bring on a “big gun” like Goldberg to help make the episode happen.

“Whoopi — I called her — and she said, ‘Yeah. I’ll do it,’” Allen said. “She was down. And it made it possible to save millions of lives that you said yes, Whoopi Goldberg!”

But despite bringing on Goldberg, they weren’t exactly out of the woods.

“The advertisers were pulling out. We had never had to show a script to an advertiser,” Allen said, noting that it ultimately became their “highest-rated episode.”
Photo: ABC
As a spinoff of The Cosby Show, A Different World ran for six seasons between 1987 and 1993. The series follows a group of students at a fictional historically Black college in Virginia. In the episode Allen brought up on The View, Whitley (Jasmine Guy) considers losing her virginity to Dwayne (Kadeem Hardison) — but has second thoughts when one of her classmates reveals she has AIDS.

Goldberg concluded the conversation by revealing why she agreed to make an appearance on the sitcom.

What do you think? Be the first to comment.

“This was also a unique opportunity that didn’t present itself,” she said. “And you know that because you only saw one show full of characters who were brown — about a school, a college, someplace you didn’t see us on television. It’s just a reminder.”

The moderator cheekily added, “And anytime Debbie asked me to do something, I just said yes.”

 

Joy Behar may have confessed that she once (literally) cozied up to the Trump family, but her distaste for them clearly hasn’t changed one bit, photo op or not. On this morning’s episode of The View, Behar ripped Donald Trump for allegedly sleeping with another woman while his wife Melania Trump was pregnant with their son.

While discussing the possibility of Melania taking the witness stand in Donald’s hush money trial — in which he was accused of falsifying business records to conceal stories about his sex life before the 2016 election — Behar couldn’t hide her disgust.

“Allegedly, he was cheating while Melania was pregnant,” Behar said.

(Editor’s Note: The View is currently on hiatus; contrary to what you may have heard, The View was not canceled today. This article was originally published on April 17, 2024 when this episode first aired. The View will return with new episodes in September.)

Resident legal expert Sunny Hostin swiftly reminded her, “that’s not going to come in front of the jury, though, the judge has ruled that won’t come up,” but Behar retorted, “We’re on television now,” earning a big laugh from the table.

She continued, “After Melania gave birth to the baby, he found Stormy [Daniels] to shtup around with, right? It’s like, people should look at him and say, you know, what kind of an insecure jerk are you?

“You know what I mean? It’s like, ‘Oh, my wife’s pregnant. I’m not attracted to her big belly or something. And now she’s paying attention to the baby and not me,’” she said. “That whole area where all this took place bespeaks of the insecure male that he is.”
Photo: ABC
Sara Haines, though, had a different take, insisting that Melania was likely not upset her husband had “meandered,” but was irritated that his disloyalty became public.

“She knew what she was signing up for,” Haines said, adding, “She knew what she was getting into. The part she’s upset about is that it went public. It went public, he chose a porn star, then had Michael Cohen be his big fixer. It was like, sloppy, sloppy, more sloppy. So I think she’s embarrassed by the smear of everyone getting it, and not being upset herself. It’s not a scorned woman.”

While Melania did not appear as a witness in Donald’s trial, we did get some insight on how she felt about the legal proceedings, thanks to a New York Times report published April 16.

The Times reports that Melania has privately called the trial “a disgrace” and thinks it’s equivalent to election interference.

The Paris Olympics women’s basketball final was expected to be a showcase of the best talent in the world, but it turned into a highly scrutinized event for Cheryl Reeve, the head coach of the USA Women’s National Basketball Team. Reeve, who has had an illustrious coaching career in the WNBA, faced intense criticism after the team’s performance in the final, where the USA narrowly lost to a resurgent European team. The loss not only marked a rare defeat for USA Basketball but also led to an outpouring of opinions from fans and analysts alike, many of whom believe that Reeve was “exposed” in the most crucial game of her coaching career.

Critics pointed to several tactical decisions made by Reeve during the game, arguing that her strategy failed to adapt to the European team’s style of play. The USA team struggled with defensive adjustments, allowing their opponents to capitalize on mismatches and execute plays that ultimately cost them the game. Additionally, some fans felt that Reeve’s rotations were questionable, as key players were either overused or underutilized at critical moments. The loss was a stark contrast to the dominance that USA Basketball has enjoyed in previous Olympics, and many are now questioning Reeve’s future with the team.

One of the more interesting aspects of the fallout from this game has been the reaction from fans of Caitlin Clark, the young basketball sensation from the University of Iowa. Clark, who had a stellar collegiate career and is widely regarded as one of the future stars of the sport, was controversially left off the final roster for the Paris Olympics. Her exclusion was a topic of debate leading up to the games, with many fans and analysts arguing that her dynamic scoring ability and competitive spirit could have been a game-changer for the USA team.

In the aftermath of the loss, Caitlin Clark’s fans took to social media to express their satisfaction with the outcome, feeling vindicated by the USA team’s struggles without her. Many fans believe that Reeve’s decision to exclude Clark from the roster was a major oversight, and the team’s defeat only fueled the narrative that Clark should have been included. Social media platforms were flooded with posts and memes celebrating Clark’s potential, with some even suggesting that the outcome might have been different if she had been on the court.

This sentiment among Clark’s supporters also highlights a broader conversation about the future of USA Basketball. As the team prepares for the next Olympic cycle, there is a growing chorus of voices calling for a new direction, one that embraces the next generation of talent, including Caitlin Clark. Fans are eager to see Clark take on a central role in the team’s future, believing that her skills and leadership could help restore USA Basketball to its dominant position on the global stage.

In conclusion, while Cheryl Reeve faced significant criticism following the Paris Olympics final, the attention has also shifted toward what the future holds for USA Women’s Basketball. The debate over Caitlin Clark’s exclusion has only intensified, with many fans now convinced that she represents the future of the sport. As the team looks ahead to the next Olympics, it will be crucial to integrate fresh talent like Clark to ensure that USA Basketball remains at the forefront of international competition. The Paris loss may have been a wake-up call, but it also presents an opportunity for growth and renewal within the program.

Diana Taurasi, one of the most celebrated figures in women’s basketball and the WNBA, has recently found herself at the center of a heated controversy. The five-time Olympic gold medalist and Phoenix Mercury star has been accused of what some are calling “Gold Medal Fraud.” These allegations suggest that Taurasi’s selection and participation in past Olympic teams may have involved unfair advantages or favoritism, sparking outrage among fans and critics alike.

The term “Gold Medal Fraud” has been trending on social media, with many questioning the legitimacy of Taurasi’s accomplishments. Critics argue that her longstanding presence on the USA Basketball team might have overshadowed other deserving players, and that the selection process may have been influenced by her established reputation rather than her current performance. Taurasi, who has been a dominant force in the WNBA for nearly two decades, is now facing intense scrutiny as fans demand transparency and fairness in the selection process for national teams.

The backlash has also opened a broader conversation about the future of USA Basketball, especially with the 2028 Olympic Games on the horizon. Many fans and analysts are already speculating about the next generation of stars who could represent the United States. Among the most talked-about names is Caitlin Clark, the sensational guard from the University of Iowa. Clark has been making waves in college basketball with her extraordinary scoring ability and leadership on the court. Her style of play, characterized by deep three-point shooting, sharp court vision, and clutch performances, has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players in the history of the game.

Caitlin Clark’s potential inclusion in the 2028 USA Olympic team is seen as a fresh start for the national program. Her presence could bring a new era of excitement and dominance to USA Basketball, as she represents the next wave of talent poised to take the world stage. With her ability to change the course of a game single-handedly, Clark is viewed as a player who could lead the United States to continued success in international competitions.

The speculation surrounding Clark’s future on the Olympic team also highlights a generational shift in women’s basketball. As legendary players like Taurasi near the end of their careers, there is a growing anticipation for the new faces who will carry the torch forward. Fans are eager to see how this transition will unfold and whether the next crop of talent can live up to the high standards set by their predecessors.

In conclusion, while Diana Taurasi grapples with the backlash over allegations of Gold Medal Fraud, the focus is gradually shifting towards the future of USA Basketball. Caitlin Clark’s emergence as a potential star for the 2028 Olympics is a beacon of hope for fans who are excited to see a new chapter in women’s basketball. The coming years will be crucial in shaping the legacy of the USA Women’s Basketball team, as it transitions from one generation of legends to another, with the hope that the future will be just as bright, if not brighter, than the past.

The hit 2000 song was featured in the film alongside Madonna’s 1989 hit “Like A Prayer” and the Goo Goo Dolls’ 1998 song “Iris”

Kevin Mazur/Getty

Lance Bass (left), Joey Fatone, JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick and Justin Timberlake
*NSYNC is back on top of the music charts worldwide— all thanks to Deadpool & Wolverine.

The band’s hit song “Bye Bye Bye,” which was featured in the beginning of the blockbuster film that has gone on to gross over $1 billion at the global box office, broke into the Top 10 of Billboard’s Global Excl. U.S. chart, according to the outlet.

The song re-entered the music charts and moved up to the No. 8 position on Billboard’s Global Excl. U.S. chart, up from No. 16 last week, per the publication. It is currently in the No. 45 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, which includes U.S. plays.

Deadpool & Wolverine has also been having a stellar run, topping the box office for three weekends in a row. It has garnered $494.3 million domestically and over $1 billion globally as of its third weekend, per Variety.

*NSYNC’s ‘Bye Bye Bye’ music video
Related: No, That’s Not Really Ryan Reynolds Dancing to ‘Bye Bye Bye’ in Deadpool & Wolverine

*NSYNC members JC Chasez, Lance Bass, Chris Kirkpatrick and Joey Fatone previously celebrated the release of Deadpool & Wolverine at its New York City premiere alongside stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. The band members, who wore neutral outfits except for Kirkpatrick, who wore Deadpool red, posed alongside Reynolds, 47, and his wife Blake Lively, 36, at the premiere.

The Deadpool actor showed some love to the group at the premiere of the movie, writing on social media, “These guys had such a huge hand in making a particular Deadpool & Wolverine sequence one of my all time favorites. Can’t thank them enough for their kindness, talent and good fellowship.”

Notably missing from the event was group member Justin Timberlake, who was touring in Europe at the time. However, Reynolds made sure to send him a shoutout on social media, writing, “Justin Timberlake not pictured but no less appreciated.”

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Reynolds previously discussed the opening sequence of the film featuring the song, which shows choreographer Nick Pauley dressed in a Deadpool suit dancing while taking out a bunch of Time Variance Authority guards seeking to capture the title character.

“He’s doing a lot of the moves that have been established previously by *NSYNC,” Reynolds said of the dance scene, per With Ashley and Company. “If it looks like the person who’s dancing doesn’t have arthritis, that’s him.”

Related: Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively Go Head-to-Head at the Box Office — Here’s Who Won!

Though he indicated there are some moments of him in Deadpool’s suit on camera during the sequence, particularly the scenes where “there’s a bit of a pop and lock.” Though he added, “I will hang on Nick Pauley’s talent. I will hang my hat on his talent there and thank him for his contribution and services.”

The film also featured several throwback songs including Madonna’s 1989 hit “Like A Prayer,” the Goo Goo Dolls’ 1998 song “Iris” and even “The Greatest Show” from Jackman’s 2017 film The Greatest Showman.

Deadpool & Wolverine is now in theaters.

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Read the original article on People.

Emma McIntyre/WireImage via Getty
Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake attend the Los Angeles premiere FYC event for Hulu’s “Candy” at El Capitan Theatre on May 9, 2022 in Los Angeles.

You can’t stop the feeling when it comes to Justin Timberlake’s birthday tribute to wife Jessica Biel.

To celebrate the “Sinner” actress turning 42, the “SexyBack” singer shared a sweet montage of family photos, including rare images of their sons Silas, 8, and Phinneas, 3, set to the late Tina Turner’s 1989 hit “The Best.”

One of the pics the Grammy winner posted was a 2018 photo of Biel kissing their eldest son during a family vacation to Paris. Timberlake also posted a more recent video of his wife hugging Phinneas.

The actress is also shown in the “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” singer’s montage working out, going boating, dancing with her husband onstage and appearing with him on a few date nights.

“There ain’t no other way to say it. You’re the best,” Timberlake captioned the March 3 Instagram post. “I love you. Happy birthday, ya [goat emoji]!

Biel, who has been married to Timberlake since 2012, had also shared a sweet tribute to her husband for his 43rd birthday back in January.

“I ALWAYS got you. Happy birthday, babe,” she captioned an Instagram video featuring videos and photos of the couple, paired with Boom Forest’s cover of Sonny & Cher’s 1965 hit “I Got You.”

The two have occasionally offered their Instagram followers glimpses of their family life with their children.

“My kids make my life totally insane and so fun,” Biel told E! News’ Francesca Amiker last June, “and so full of love.”

Stylish at any age! Jessica Biel just proved that the ’90s really are back. The actress and producer poked fun at her Y2K-era fashion with a fun Instagram post this week, showing off the attire she wore to events such as the “American Pie” premiere in 1999. Though more than 20 years have passed, Biel noted that she may have been ahead of her time with those now-vintage ensembles. “I hear all of these outfits are cool again. Love that for me because I was worried they were questionable the first time,” she joked in her caption. Fans loved seeing her throw it back to her younger days and at least one famous follower dropped in the comment section to share their approval, too – her husband, Justin Timberlake. “Teenage me just started sweating,” he teased.

A new waxwork figure of Taylor Swift was unveiled at the Panoptikum museum in Hamburg, Germany on Wednesday. 

The life size figurine has been in the works for seven months, carefully crafted by Berlin artist Lisa Büscher.

Dressed in a blue, sequinned one-piece, similar to an outfit the songstress, 34, wore to the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards, her outfit is completed with knee-high boots.

Taylor is seen holding her hands in a heart shape, a symbol which is well known amongst her fans.

‘Achieving the perfect likeness is particularly challenging when it comes to a wrinkle-free, flawless beauty,’ said artist Lisa in a statement.

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A new waxwork figure of Taylor Swift was unveiled at the Panoptikum museum in Hamburg, Germany on Wednesday

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Dressed in a blue, sequinned one-piece, similar to an outfit the songstress, 34, wore to the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards, her outfit is completed with knee-high boots

She added: ‘A particular challenge was designing her hands in the typical heart pose. Coordinating so that the hands meet well at the front was not easy

‘The same goes for the painting of the head. After all, a wax figure shouldn’t look ‘waxy.”

Panoptikum CEO Dr Susanne Faerber revealed the museum’s latest edition and posed for photos with the artist.

Taylor’s waxwork will join several other figures in the museum including replicas of Ed Sheeran Angelina Jolie, Queen Elizabeth II, Karl Lagerfeld and Henry VIII.

Ed was revealed last summer and bears a strong resemblance to the singer, complete with a guitar over his shoulder.

Last month, a Dublin museum promised to ‘do better’ and vowed to create a more accurate waxwork of Sinéad O’Connor – after their sculpture, which was unveiled to commemorate the one year anniversary of her death – was slammed by fans.

‘In response to the public’s feedback regarding the wax figure, we acknowledge that the current representation did not meet our high standards or the expectations of Sinéad’s devoted fans,’ a spokesperson for the National Wax Museum in Dublin said.

‘We have listened closely to the reactions and agree that the figure does not fully capture Sinéad’s unique presence and essence as we intended.’

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‘Achieving the perfect likeness is particularly challenging when it comes to a wrinkle-free, flawless beauty,’ said artist Lisa (R) in a statement (Panoptikum CEO Dr Susanne Faerber, left)

They added that her impact on Ireland and the global music community ‘is immeasurable’, and their goal ‘has always been to honour her in the most fitting and respectful manner’.

‘With this in mind, we are committed to creating a new wax figure that better reflects Sinéad O’Connor’s true spirit and iconic image,’ they revealed.

‘Our team of skilled artists will begin this project immediately, ensuring that every detail is meticulously crafted to celebrate her legacy appropriately.

‘We extend our gratitude to everyone who provided their feedback and assure you that your voices are heard. We look forward to unveiling a new figure that truly honours Sinéad O’Connor and her extraordinary impact.

The legendary musician, who died on July 26, 2023, aged 56, was presented in a waxwork earlier today – but unimpressed visitors have taken to social media to hit out at the sculpture, stating that it looks like ‘they just found an old mannequin in a skip and said, yep that will do’.

Even more bizarrely, the work was placed next to Liam Neeson in character as Qui-Gon Jinn and Darth Vader – both in Star Wars regalia.

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Taylor’s waxwork will join several other figures in the museum including replicas of Ed Sheeran (pictured) Angelina Jolie, Queen Elizabeth II, Karl Lagerfeld and Henry VIII.

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Last month, a Dublin museum promised to ‘do better’ and vowed to create a more accurate waxwork of Sinéad O’Connor – after their sculpture was slammed by fans

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Elsewhere, a waxwork figure of Beyoncé, which was unveiled at the Grevin Museum in Paris two weeks ago, sparked outrage among fans who claimed she had been ‘whitewashed’

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Onlookers watched as the statue depicting the legendary American singer, 42, was revealed for the first time (left)

Elsewhere, a waxwork figure of Beyoncé, which was unveiled at the Grevin Museum in Paris two weeks ago, sparked outrage among fans who claimed she had been ‘whitewashed’ and like ‘anything but’ the singer.

The actor, 52, took to social media to reveal he would be contacting The Musée Grévin in Paris after the controversial waxwork under heavy criticism from fans.

It has joined the likes of Ryan Gosling, Angelina Jolie, and Christiano Ronaldo at the popular French museum, which is home to more than 500 famous figures.

The Texas Hold ‘Em singer’s wax self is wearing a busty sequin silver dress complete with a long cape and silver heels.

While the figure bears many glamorous similarities to the star, there has been a lot of backlash on social media about certain features, including the colour of her skin.

Outraged X (formerly Twitter) users penned: ‘So according to the Grevin Museum in Paris That’s Beyoncé’; ‘Well it’s not her’; ‘Ma’am that’s Jade from Little Mix’; ‘Beyoncé at the Grévin Museum, she’s white.’

It comes just nine months after Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson asked for ‘important changes’ to be made after his figure was displayed there in October 2023.

Dwayne and his fans have commented on the waxwork’s seemingly lighter skin tone, with the star telling how he will be asking for the skin color to be ‘updated’.

The Rock commented on his controversial figure shortly after it was revealed last year, by sharing an Instagram to poke fun at it.

On a more serious note, he added that he was going to reach out to the museum to have the artwork ‘updated’ with some ‘important details and improvements’.

The Jumanji star wrote: ‘I knew my boy @jamesjeffersonj had this Rock wax statue in his roasting crosshairs. Legit belly laughed at this.

‘For the record, I’m going to have my team reach out to our friends at Grevin Museum, in Paris France so we can work at “updating” my wax figure here with some important details and improvements – starting with my skin color.’

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It comes just nine months after Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson asked for ‘important changes’ to be made after his figure was displayed in October 2023

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The Rock commented on his figure shortly after it was revealed last year, by sharing an Instagram to poke fun at it – but added that he seeks to reach out to the museum to have the artwork ‘updated’ with some ‘important details and improvements’

He concluded, ‘And next time I’m in Paris, I’ll stop in and have a drink with myself,’ adding a wink emoji.

The post, which received over 150,000 likes, saw fans express both their disappointment and confusion at the waxwork.

The Grévin Museum has since unveiled the updated figure, which is open to the public. The Rock is yet to comment on the changes.

A spokesperson for The Grévin Museum told MailOnline: ‘These criticisms are due to the photo taken by a flash photo press agency thus distorting the real skin color of the character who is absolutely not white.’

Novak Djokovic is the second player with 596 top-2 weeks

Alongside many other achievements, Novak Djokovic secured another massive ranking record on Monday. The 24-time Major winner joined Rafael Nadal at the top of the list with 596 top-2 weeks, following his most significant rival on a notable accomplishment.

Djokovic is skipping this week’s Cincinnati Masters, losing 1000 ATP points and putting his top-2 streak in danger. If Carlos Alcaraz reaches the quarter-final, he will pass the Serb, preventing him from taking the record away from Nadal.

Novak is the defending US Open champion, having to defend 2000 ATP points in New York if he wants to stay in touch with Alcaraz and Sinner. At 37 years and two months, Djokovic is the second-oldest top-2 player, passing Roger Federer and standing only behind Ken Rosewall.

Novak cracked the top-3 in July 2007, standing as the closest rival of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The Serb had a couple of chances to enter the top-2 and make another step on the list.

Novak Djokovic, 2024 Paris Olympics

However, he wasted them and waited until February 2010 to finally separate Federer and Nadal and start his top-2 journey.

Djokovic had three top-2 runs that year, still finishing third on the year-end ranking list. Novak made a perfect start to the 2011 season, leaving everyone behind and settling in the top-2 in March. The era of the mighty Serb became, and he embraced 325 consecutive top-2 weeks, staying there until May 2017 and almost breaking Federer’s record.

Struggling with an elbow injury, Novak could not challenge the rivals from the top in the next 12 months, dropping out from the top-20 and showing return signs in May 2018. Djokovic conquered Wimbledon and the US Open in the upcoming months, performing an incredible comeback and embracing another top-2 streak in October.

Novak was a player to beat in the forthcoming years, adding 169 consecutive top-2 weeks to his tally until June 2022 and moving closer to Nadal and Federer. Novak Djokovic, 2024 Paris Olympics© Clive Brunskill / Staff – Getty Images Sport

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal share the record with 596 top-2 weeks.

Djokovic embraced another incredible season in 2023, stopping the clock and lifting three Major titles from four finals.

The Serb secured his eighth year-end no. 1 honor, keeping much younger opponents behind and writing history. Novak could not keep that pace in 2024, although he did enough to add more top-2 weeks to his tally and match Rafa. Djokovic lost the Australian Open title to Jannik Sinner, suffering the only Melbourne loss following the quarter-final.

Sinner outplayed Djokovic in the semi-final, offering the legend no break points and sealing the deal in four sets after a rock-solid display. Novak fell to Luca Nardi in Indian Wells and suffered the semi-final loss to Casper Ruud in Monte Carlo, still seeking his first top-10 triumph of the season.

Djokovic did not improve his level in Rome and Geneva, falling to lower-ranked opponents and gathering dark clouds over his Roland Garros campaign. As it turned out, Novak felt the pain in his right knee, which worsened following two marathons on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Novak Djokovic, 2024 Paris Olympics© Clive Brunskill / Staff – Getty Images Sport

Djokovic ousted Lorenzo Musetti and Francisco Cerundolo before withdrawing ahead of the quarter-final duel with Casper Ruud, experiencing a setback and undergoing surgery on June 5.

The legend started the battle against time ahead of Wimbledon, hitting the gym a week later and traveling to London. Novak entered the draw with a protection on his knee and wished for the best. Djokovic passed a couple of challenging rivals in the opening week, avoiding five-setters and preserving his knee.

The veteran outplayed the young guns, ousting Holger Rune and Lorenzo Musetti for a place in another Wimbledon final. Like a year ago, Carlos Alcaraz proved too strong for the Serb in the title clash, earning a 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 victory and keeping Novak away from his 25th Major crown.

Novak was pleased with his result, given all the circumstances. He took a couple of days off in Montenegro and started preparations for the most important tournament of the season at the Olympic Games. Carlos Alcaraz & Novak Djokovic, 2024 Paris Olympics© Matthew Stockman / Staff – Getty Images Sport

Djokovic made a strong start against Matthew Ebden and Rafael Nadal before ousting Dominik Koepfer for a place in the quarter-final.

Novak faced Stefanos Tsitsipas in a battle for the semi-final and felt the pain in his knee in the second set. The Greek led 4-0 and 5-2, missing three set points on serve before the Serb performed a comeback and sealed the deal in straight sets, taking necessary rest and preparing for the semi-final duel versus Lorenzo Musetti.

Djokovic broke Musetti five times in a row from the end of the opening set, scoring a 6-4, 6-2 victory and arranging the title clash versus Carlos Alcaraz. Two great competitors embraced two tie breaks and fought for two hours and 50 minutes in the match of the tournament.

They saved all 14 break points, 13 in the opening set, and stayed neck and neck from start to finish. Novak Djokovic, 2024 Paris Olympics© Matthew Stockman / Staff – Getty Images Sport
Djokovic survived eight break points in the opening set, passing all the challenges and saving his best tennis for the tie break.

The Serb gathered a boost and pushed his young rival in set number two. Alcaraz saved a break point in the early stages and remained competitive until the second tie break, a must-win one for him. However, Novak fired up his forehand and clinched it 7-2, sealing the deal and starting a massive celebration of the only notable title missing in his collection. Djokovic took a well-deserved rest after Paris, missing Montreal and Cincinnati ahead of the US Open.