Selena Quintanilla the Barbie Doll? Fans Launch Petition After Mattel Announces Major Change

Will Selena Quintanilla get her own Barbie doll?

Fans of the Tejano music queen, one of the most popular late music icons, have launched a Change.org petition to have Mattel produce one made in her likeness. The initiative was started after the toy manufacturer announced last week plans to release Barbies bearing three new body shapes, including a curvy one, following years of consumer demands for changes to the iconic doll's slim figure. 

"There has yet to be any curvy Hispanic barbie dolls in any Barbie line and we think Selena is a perfect candidate for that kind of representation," the text reads. "Selena was truly a person to be admired and I think young girls and boys would appreciate having a Selena doll in their collection."

Mattel has not responded. More than 2,900 people have signed the Change.org petition as of Thursday afternoon. 

 

"Selena is a fashion icon not only within the Latin community but in American culture," one supporter wrote. "Her style has influenced many, many of today's biggest stars. It's time that we now look back at who 'started it all' and honor her legacy by imprinting her style on a Barbie, which is a symbol of modern pop culture.

"Because ANYTHING FOR SELENAS!" another supporter wrote.

A Selena doll made by ARM Enterprise was released in 1996 and later discontinued. Several are on sale on eBay.

Selena, who went by just her first name professionally, was born in Texas and rose to fame in the late '80s and early '90s. She was known for her sexy, flashy stage outfits, many of which contained bedazzled bustiers, and maintained a huge fan base. She died at age 23 in 1995 after a former employee shot her.

Jennifer Lopez played Selena in a now-cult 1997 film. J.Lo received her own Barbie doll in 2013. Other celebrities who have gotten their own Barbies include Katy Perry, Hilary Duff, Shakira and Beyoncé.

Last July, it was announced MAC Cosmetics will honor Selena with a limited edition makeup collection, set to launch later this year.

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Passenger Catches Fire and Is Sucked From Plane at 14,000 Feet

An explosion ripped a hole through the fuselage of Daallo Airlines Flight D3159 just minutes after takeoff. (Photo: AP)

It’s like something out of a horror movie: A passenger caught fire and was sucked out of a hole in the side of an airplane at 14,000 feet.

Hassan Mohamed Nur, a survivor on that Daallo Airlines Flight D3159 from Mogadishu to Djibouti, told the Daily Mail: “I saw the passenger, a man in his early 60s, get sucked out of the plane. There was a huge bang. A big hole appeared in the side of the jet and the elderly passenger disappeared through it. One minute he was sat in his seat; the next he was gone. 

He’d been sucked out of the plane. People were screaming. We all thought we were going to die.”

Nur also reported that the man caught fire before he was sucked from his seat, and eerily, the burned body of an elderly man was found in Balad, 18 miles from Mogadishu. It’s uncertain whether this was the same man.

The Airbus 321 took off from Mogadishu airport on its way to Djibouti, and within five minutes, a blast ripped a hole in the fuselage measuring 6 feet by 3 feet. Officials do not yet know the cause of the explosion, though the aircraft’s pilot was quoted as saying, “I think it was a bomb. Luckily, the flight controls were not damaged so I could return and land at the airport.”

A passenger reported that an elderly man was torn from his seat and sucked out the hole in the side of the aircraft. (Photo: Awale Kullane via AP)

Apart from the elderly man who fell from the plane, only one other passenger was injured — a Finnish man who is reported to be in stable condition.

Seventy-four passengers we on board, including Awale Kullane, Somalia’s deputy ambassador to the U.N. He said on Facebook that he “heard a loud noise and couldn’t see anything but smoke for a few seconds.” He also posted a video — taken minutes after the explosion, as passengers sat terrified, some with oxygen masks on — but it has since been removed from his page.

Somalia is dealing with an insurgency by the Somali Islamic extremist group al-Shabaab, which has been responsible for many deadly attacks over the years.

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Florida Couple Arrested for Allegedly Holding Woman Hostage For 5 Days While Man Raped Her

 

Florida police have arrested a man and woman who allegedly held a woman hostage over a five-day period, during which the man raped her, PEOPLE confirms.

Brandon Forbes, 34, was arrested on Jan. 23 and faces sexual battery, battery and false imprisonment charges for his role in keeping a 33-year-old woman bound in a North Lauderdale home where he allegedly raped her repeatedly, a Broward Sheriff's Office spokesperson tells PEOPLE.

Twenty-three-year-old Raiza Rosado was arrested more than a week later on two kidnapping charges.  Police say Rosado met the woman at a beach in Miami on Jan. 16 and invited her back to her home with her and Forbes, according to a police report obtained by PEOPLE.

The woman spent the night and, the next day, Rosado allegedly told her that she and Forbes "commonly meet people and commit robberies." The police report states that the woman tried to leave that day, but Forbes "aggressively told her not to leave."

"[Forbes]' actions, combined with the knowledge hat they commonly commit robberies, placed the victim in fear to leave the residence," police say.

The woman told police that Forbes tried to have sex with her while Rosado was asleep. Forbes allegedly put a condom on and tried to assault her, but the woman fought him off, the report states. However, the next day, Forbes allegedly told Rosado that he had sex with the woman and the two argued. Both Forbes and Rosado allegedly then beat the woman, bound her with a cloth belt.

"[Forbes and Rosado] then carried the victim upstairs, placed a sock in her mouth and covered her head with a black sheet," the report states. [They] placed the victim in a bedroom where she remained throughout the night."

On another occasion, Forbes allegedly forced the woman to perform oral sex on him before he raped her. The woman told police that she believed Forbes had a gun and, at one point, she allegedly heard Rosado say "want me to get the silencer?"

On Jan. 22, Rosado allegedly took the woman to a train station and let her leave. She then contacted the police. Investigators say the woman's injuries were consistent with her claims. The woman later identified both Forbes and Rosado in a double-blind photo array.

Forbes is being held on $35,000 bail and Rosado on $15,000 bail, the spokesperson says. Both are being held at Broward County Jail.

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The case against Bill Cosby

Attorney Gloria Allred, who is representing 29 alleged victims of comedian Bill Cosby, joined Yahoo News and Finance Anchor Bianna Golodryga to discuss a Pennsylvania judge’s decision to proceed with the first criminal case against the comedian, in the alleged sexual assault of Andrea Constand. The judge found that prosecutors are not bound by a deal that a past prosecutor made with Cosby in 2005 not to charge him. Cosby’s attorneys say they will appeal that decision.

While she does not represent Constand, Allred said that her clients are looking forward to seeing Mr. Cosby face justice. She said: “Those I’ve spoken to were very relieved and very happy that, in fact, Andrea Constand is going to have her day in court for the criminal case, and they are looking forward to Mr. Cosby being before a jury and letting the jury decide whether he’s guilty or if, in fact, he should be acquitted.”

Allred also said that her clients hope to testify against Cosby in the Pennsylvania criminal case. She said, “I do think that there is a high likelihood that that could happen, because in Pennsylvania there is law that talks about prior bad acts. In other words, if there are witnesses who can testify to prior bad acts that have been inflicted on them that are the same or similar to what is being alleged by the alleged victim in the criminal case, then their testimony is considered relevant by the prosecutor and admissible by the court, then they should be permitted to testify. I have no doubt that Mr. Cosby’s attorney will attempt to exclude them.” She continued, “Such testimony could be devastating to Mr. Cosby, depending on what it is and how the cross-examination goes.”

 

Allred also weighed in on the deal former District Attorney Bruce Castor made with Cosby in 2005 not to prosecute the comedian if he agreed to give a deposition in Ms. Constand’s civil suit. Allred told Golodryga, “Such a so-called agreement to decline to prosecute was never made into a court order in which the court would grant immunity from prosecution to Mr. Cosby. One has to ask that if this was so important to the defense, why didn’t Mr. Cosby’s attorneys make sure it was reduced to a court order or at least an agreement signed both by the prosecutor and by the defense? That never happened.”

On whether or not that deposition will be admissible in the criminal case, Allred said, “The court is going to have to rule on that issue whether it should be included. Interesting that Mr. Cosby, who supposedly told the truth in that deposition when he said that he gave quaaludes to some women and that he did so with the intent to have sex with them, is now saying that what is supposedly this truthful testimony should be excluded from the criminal case. We will just have to wait and see what is in and what is out.”

Allred also discussed her client Judy Huth’s California civil suit against Cosby. Huth is alleging Cosby sexually assaulted her at the Playboy Mansion in 1974 when she was only 15 years old. A judge ruled this week that Allred will be able to depose Cosby for a second time. She indicated that the judge will decide on or around March 11 whether or not to make these depositions public.

Allred concluded, “I will say that Mr. Cosby has just failed in his latest legal maneuver to avoid facing a jury in the criminal case, and I’m glad that he’s failed in this maneuver. It should be for a jury to decide his guilt or innocence.”

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Scandal's Taking on the 2016 Election Because Shonda Rhimes Can't Ignore That "Supreme Entertainment"

When Scandal finally returns next week, we might see a little bit of art imitating life. Picking up six months after the momentous events of November's midseason finale, Mellie Grant will be gearing up for her presidential run and, as star Bellamy Young tells it, it's no mere happenstance that creator Shonda Rhimes is taking the show on the campaign trail during such a newsworthy election year. 

"I think there is no way not to be inspired by life as it is right now in the race because it's such supreme entertainment in its own right. Also Shonda's never shied away from giving her perspective on current events, and this is a very current event," Young exclusively told E! News' Kristin Dos Santos during a visit to the Scandal set. "This election is incredibly important. It's no coincidence that she's set up a platform to respond."

In other words: Brace yourself for the Shondaland Donald Trump.

"It's going to be such an interesting—I can't wait for you to see the candidates., the presidential field," Young added. If her miming afterwards is any indication, it'll be nothing short of mind-blowing.

Young admitted that the road ahead for Mellie ahead won't be an easy one, especially when it comes to finding the best person to manage her bid for presidency. "She's a smart woman, and she knows the best person to run her campaign is Olivia," she said. "So she has a bit of a mountain to climb there to convince Olivia because they have so much water under the bridge." We can hardly wait to see how that conversation goes.

While Mellie will be busy trying to win over Olivia (Kerry Washington)—and Scandal's version of America—there's no doubt that she's won over fans in the real world who hope to see the beleaguered former First Lady rise to power. But has she won over the woman who plays her? "Mellie will be a great president. She wouldn't run my agenda," Young revealed. "I might not be in her party, but Mellie will be a boss president. Really, she'd be completely capable. She'd be incredible if she got that job."

Are you looking forward to Mellie's presidential campaign? Sound off in the comments below!

Scandal returns Thursday, Feb. 11 at 9 p.m. on ABC.

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How Kim Richards' Family Is Coping With Monty Brinson's Death: They're "Completely Devastated"

 

Kim Richards and her family are still mourning the loss of Richards' ex-husband, Monty Brinson, who died at age 58 following a battle with cancer. Although Kim and Monty were divorced, they still maintained a "very special relationship," a source tells E! News. "Rarely can exes be friends but they truly adored each other and were the best of friends."

Their close relationship has made it hard for Kim and her family to try and move on. The insider tells us that Kim is having an "incredibly tough time" coping with Monty's death, so she called in some emotional support. "[Monty's other ex-wife] Terri Lynn Doss is staying with her at her house in L.A. to lean on each other for emotional comfort," the insider explains. "Kim's daughter Brooke is completely devastated by the loss as well, as she was very close with her father."

Even though Monty was diagnosed with lung cancer two years ago, a fact that was "very tough on the family," his rapid decline in health happened out of nowhere, which has left Kim and her family even more shocked. "It spread to his brain and although he has been in the hospital for quite some time, his death was very sudden," the source adds. In fact, his turn happened all in one day.

According to our insider, Kim had been visiting Monty every day when he went into a coma one morning, which prompted Kim and Terri Lynn to call everyone into the hospital. When everyone arrived Monty briefly opened his eyes and "looked at everyone around the room," but then he took his last breath and died in front of his family.

"That was extremely traumatizing for Kim and her daughter," the source adds.

Fortunately, the family has been sticking together to help each other get through this sad time. "Her sister Kyle [Richards] and Terri Lynn have been by her side, grieving together," our source explains. Both Kim and Kyle attended the memorial together.

Kim broke her silence following Monty's death with a touching Instagram post. "Yesterday I said goodbye to the best friend I've ever had in my life…Monty was an amazing person with an amazing soul," she wrote.

"We shared over 30 years of love & happiness and brought a beautiful daughter into the world. I am so grateful for all that we shared. I know we will be together again one day. I love you Monty."

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Bristol Helicopter crash

 

The helicopter crashed into the ocean yesterday with 11 people on-board. All 11 survived.

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American Society of Mag Editors name Caitlyn Jenner's Vanity Fair cover as Cover of the Year 2015

 

Bruce Jenner officially came out as a transgender woman named Caitlyn Jenner on the June cover of Vanity Fair shot by legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz and now, The American Society of Magazine Editors has named it Cover of the Year 2015.

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Super Eagles climb up three places in FIFA rankings

The Super Eagles have climbed up three places in the latest FIFA ratings for the month of January. According to FIFA's rankings released yesterday, the Super Eagles of Nigeria now occupy the 63rd position, while in the continental ranking they are in 12th place. Ivory Coast, Cape Verde Islands, Algeria, Ghana and Senegal are the top five teams in Africa respectively.

Egypt, Chad and Tanzania - are placed 55th, 113th and 125th in the global ranking. The top five teams on the planet had no change, with Belgium leading the way followed by Argentina, Spain, Germany and Chile.

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Ciara Joins Darey For ‘Love Like A Movie 3’

 

This year’s edition of Love Like A Movie holding on Friday 28 February 2016 at Eko Hotel Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos is set to feature a guest performance from award-winning international R&B artiste and actress Ciara.

Coming after the two well-received editions that featured some of Nigeria’s finest artistes including 2face Idibia, Praiz, Kaffy, Tiwa Savage and Zaina in addition to global superstars Kim Kardashian and Kelly Rowland, Love Like A Movie 3 promises to redefine the concert series and take it into the future.

The dance diva will be performing at the Love Like a Movie 3 alongside the biggest names in Nigerian music including Omawumi, Yemi Alade, Iyanya, Olamide, Sound Sultan, Vector, Simi, Adekunle Gold, Tolu, Zaina, Sammy, Blackky, Styl Plus, Jazzman Olofin, Weird MC and many more.

Commenting on the upcoming concert, Darey recently remarked,

“Love Like A Movie 1 set a new standard for a show of its kind in Nigeria. Love Like A Movie 2 last year took that standard to the sky. Love Like A Movie this year will be the edition that redefines the concert experience in Nigeria and takes it into the future. I am extremely excited to explore new ground and I look forward very much to sharing the experience with fans at the Eko Convention Centre on February 28. Be there!”

Love Like A Movie is a futuristic dance party that uses choreographed dance, dynamic lasers, symphonic lights, sound and high energy performances to tell the great story of Love. This year’s edition will feature performances from some of Nigeria’s best music and dance performers as well as a surprise international act.

Love Like a Movie took Nigeria by storm in 2013 when it's red carpet fashion police was co-hosted by international superstar Kim Kardashian. Featuring the talents of Banky W, 2baba, Ice Prince, Waje, Timi Dakolo, Cupid, Tolu, MoEazy and Darey, the show set a new bar for live music performance and event production in Nigeria, catching a lot of attention in national and international media for weeks and months afterwards. The following edition recorded even greater success featuring the talent of former Destiny's child member Kelly Rowland.

You can join the conversation online using the hashtag #LLAMNaked

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