Sean Penn Says Movie Stars 'Ran Out Around Jennifer Lawrence. She's Probably the Last Movie Star.' As for Timothée Chalamet: 'I Haven't Seen His Movies Yet'New Foto - Sean Penn Says Movie Stars 'Ran Out Around Jennifer Lawrence. She's Probably the Last Movie Star.' As for Timothée Chalamet: 'I Haven't Seen His Movies Yet'

Sean Penn appeared on"The Louis Theroux Podcast"and declared Jennifer Lawrence to be "probably the last movie star." Penn and the eponymous podcast host were discussing an array of different celebrities, with the Oscar winner giving his opinion on each. "I think the movie star manufacturer ran out around Jennifer Lawrence time or something," Penn said about movie stardom. "She's probably the last movie star." More from Variety Sean Penn Says 'I Would Work' With Woody Allen Again in a 'Heartbeat': The Allegations Are 'Told by People I Would Not Trust With a Dime' Sean Penn Says Donald Trump 'Might Try to Destroy the World' Timothée Chalamet to Be Honored at David di Donatello Awards One undisputed movie star in Penn's mind is Tom Cruise, who is back in theaters this month with "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning." Penn praised the A-lister as "a guy who pursues excellence on a very high level." "Certain kind of movies people appreciate more than others… but this is a very good actor who is also an incredibly extraordinary craftsman," Penn said about Cruise. "Those movies don't get made on those level without somebody extraordinary behind them. He's the common link behind many of them. It's no accident. He does his own stunts. He's probably the best stuntman in movie world. He's the most experienced guy." When Penn noted later that "I see some performances from some young actors where I feel like I should quit and become an accountant because they are so good," Theroux wondered who the actor might be talking about. Perhaps Timothée Chalamet? "I haven't seen that movie yet," Penn said, referring to Chalamet's Oscar-nominated turn as Bob Dylan in last year's "A Complete Unknown." The actor added: "I haven't seen his movies yet." But Penn has clearly seen Jennifer Lawrence movies, thus naming her "probably the last movie star." Both Lawrence and Cruise will be attending the Cannes Film Festival this year with new movies. Cruise is bringing the latest "Mission: Impossible" sequel, which is being billed as his final outing as Ethan Hunt, while Lawrence teams with director Lynne Ramsay and co-star Robert Pattinson on the psychological drama "Die My Love." Whether or not movie stars still exist in Hollywood remains an ongoing topic of debate among talent. Some A-list directors like Quentin Tarantinohave claimedthat the rise of Marvel has contributed to the death of the movie star, as actors like Chris Evans are more associated with their superhero characters than they are as movie stars. Actors like Harrison Ford disagree. He was asked about the death of Hollywood movie stars byGQ magazinelast year and responded: "Oh, I think it's rubbish." "I don't think the question is whether or not there are any movie stars. There's wonderful actors coming up every day," Ford said at the time. "Whether or not they become movie stars is really not the point. If movies need stars, they will find them. I've never fucking understood being a movie star. I'm an actor. I tell stories. I'm part of a group of people who work together, collaborate on telling stories. I'm an assistant storyteller. That's what I am." Listen to Penn's full interview on"The Louis Theroux Podcast" here. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.

Sean Penn Says Movie Stars ‘Ran Out Around Jennifer Lawrence. She’s Probably the Last Movie Star.’ As for Timothée Chalamet: ‘I Haven’t Seen His Movies Yet’

Sean Penn Says Movie Stars 'Ran Out Around Jennifer Lawrence. She's Probably the Last Movie Star.' As for Timothée Chalamet: ...
Stars Who Love Their Plastic SurgeryNew Foto - Stars Who Love Their Plastic Surgery

Presley Ann/Getty for Spotify; Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Body confidence can come in many forms — whether it's "I woke up like this" total acceptance, the endorphins you feel after hitting the gym, highlighting a favorite feature with clothing choices or, for some, making the decision to undergo plastic surgery to augment (or de-emphasize) certain features. Celebrities are no stranger to cosmetic procedures, but for these stars — including Meghan Trainor, Jessie James Decker, Kaley Cuoco and more — they're so happy with the results, they're sharing that joy with the world, encouraging others to do whatever they need to do to feel like the best version of themselves. Presley Ann/Getty for Spotify; Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty How much does Meghan Trainor love her new implants? Shechanged the lyrics of her song "All About That Bass"to be "I guess it's pretty clear, I got some new boobs!" The singer flaunted her body at the Wango Tango concert in May 2025, after revealing earlier in the year that, after having her two children, she had beenlosing weight with the help of Mounjaro, andhad gotten a breast lift and implants. "I feel so girly and I love it, and it makes me so much more confident and it's like the best decision I ever made," she told PEOPLE after the surgery. "I smile every time I shower." Lindsay Arnold/TikTok In January 2025, the formerDancing with the Starpro shared that she had undergone a breast lift and augmentation and was "sooo happy with the results already," showing fans the before and after shots. "I appreciate the respect that this is something that I wanted to do for myself," she added. Michael Loccisano/Getty; kaitlynbristowe/Instagram FormerBacheloretteKaitlyn Bristowe is an open book to fans, sharing the before and after details of all her procedures (includinga recent blepharoplasty that had an unfortunate encounter with her dog, torecently welcoming "twins" — breast implants – and telling all her friends). And most of all, she's open about the fact that she's doing it for herself, and not looking for any input from the internet. "Believe it or not I've done more work on the inside. You can't physically see that, but I've never felt it more,"she said on Instagram in December 2024. "To the people who always wanna comment, 'You were so much prettier before all the work you've had done,' I suggest you do the important work on the inside before judging what's on the outside." samisheen/Instagram The eldest daughter of Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards cried tears of happiness upon seeing the results of her nose job,as captured onDenise Richards & Her Wild Thingsin March 2025. "I've wanted this for so long. Oh, my God, it looks so good," she said. "I feel so pretty now. Now I feel like I can finally get my headshots done to start modeling. This was the one thing holding me back. Now I got a good nose." In March, the singer shared that she was going to get a breast augmentation "because I want to,"she said, adding, "bottom line, I'm choosing myself, I'm choosing my size, I'm doing what's right for me. I know a woman's body is beautiful no matter what shape or size but I want this." Months later, the starposted another Instagramconfirming that she was thrilled with the choice and the way she feels in her body now. "Since my breast augmentation I have felt more empowered about my decision. I'm proud that I have made choices for me." Jim Spellman/Getty; Teresa Giudice/Instagram TheReal Housewives of New Jerseystar got a nose job in February 2021 and "no one even noticed,"she said onWatch What Happens Live.According toThe Sun, she had previously discussed the procedure at an event in New Jersey, saying fiancé Luis Ruelas supported her decision. "I asked Louie, I'm, like, 'Babe, should I get my nose done?' " she said. "And he's like, 'Is it going to make you feel better?' And I said, 'Yes.' So he said, 'Do it.'" The singer and Kittenish designershared with fansthat she decided to "go big or go home" after she and husband Eric Decker were done having kids, opting for a breast augmentation. "They were so big and perky before children and I wanted them back ... plus some,"she explained."I feel great; I'm super happy with them." The star, whooften shuts down critics on her Instagram, went on to say "it's not for everybody but it was certainly for me! I always say, you do you and do what makes you feel confident and sexy." Johnny Nunez/WireImage; Denise Truscello/WireImage "It s hard to be a woman in 2015 with social media … There's a lot more pressure to look beautiful," the rappertoldSeventeenat the time about her decision to get a nose job, shortly after admitting toVogueshe'dgotten breast implants. But her number one rule for cosmetic surgery: come clean. "I'm not denying it. Denying it is lame," she said. In 2023,Azalea revisited the conversation around plastic surgery on Emily Ratajkowski's podcast, saying she was happy to show off her body because she was in control of the narrative — and proud of the way she looked. "I like my breasts. They're fake and they look f---ing good and I like them. I'm happy with them and I like my body," she said. "I liked my body before. I liked my face before and I like it now. I like myself, I never didn't. I never hated myself." Dolores Catania/Instagram FellowReal Housewives of New Jerseystar Delores Catania said that another procedure of Teresa's, her breast implants,inspired her to go under the knife herself. "I was looking around at boobs all the time, to see which ones I liked best, and I really felt thatTeresa Giudice's were best," shesaid. "My breasts weren't really on my priority list until I saw how good hers looked and realized how much of an improvement I could have. It really lit a fire under my ass because I knew that I could get a better result with different implants." Two weeks after sharing a photo of herself about to undergo breast augmentation surgery, theSouthern Charmstarshowed off the results in a baby-blue crop top, captioning the Instagram post "blooming." The star had opened up about her desire for a bust boost before the surgery, writing "If life gives you lemons 🍋 , Dr O'Neill can turn them to melons. Thanks to his excellent team for making this momma feel like herself again," and then clarifying, "Just because I'm having an implant does not mean that I'm coming with boobs as big as my head ... we are going to stay as natural as possible." Just how happy was the formerJersey Shorestar withher decision to get a breast augmentation? So happy, it warranted an Instagram post and several Instagram Stories segments about her new look. "My boobies are my fave part of my body now," she wrote. "I never had one surgery in my life until this and let me tell you I would do it again because [Dr. John Paul Tutela] is that amazing." The multi-hyphenate star always keeps it real, and that includes uncovering the "big secret" that celebrities get liposuction in their armpits. But she only has good things to say about that now decade-old decision. "I had an armpit sucked out, which was one of the best things,"the model told Refinery 29 in 2017. "It was so easy. It made me feel better in dresses; I felt more confident. It was the dumbest, stupidest thing I've ever done. The dumbest, but I like it, whatever. I have no regrets, honestly." While Zolciak-Biermann and her daughterBrielle Biermann'slip injectionsare a frequent topic of discussion, Biermann revealed a different type of injections that her mom has gotten:ear lobe fillers. The 21-year-old startweetedabout her mom's treatment on on Twitter, "My mom gets filler in her ears because her diamond earrings are too heavy….. #richpeopleproblems." The actress initially thought that getting a breast augmentation would be "caving into the man," but was delighted with the "f---ing awesome" results after deciding to undergo the procedure after her 30th birthday,she told Women's Health."It came down to a really simple thing: I wanted to fill out a bikini." To celebrate her 10th season on theReal Housewives of Orange County, the 49-year-old TV star revealed that she got a lower facelift and eye tuck - and showed off the results just two weeks after undergoing surgeryonWatch What Happens Live.She wrote onInstagramthat she got an "overwhelming amount of messages" after the news broke and decided to share photos of the healing process. "I'm open and honest about it because I want women to know that everyone gets old even people on TV and there is nothing wrong with growing old gracefully if that's what you want...... It's jut not for me! 😂. I like to keep it real!" She's keeping it so real, she even provided her email address for women to reach out to her directly with questions. TheReal Housewives of New Jerseystar revealedexclusively to PeopleStyle in Februarythat she got her fourth boob job - a cup size reduction and breast tissue reduction in December 2016. She opted for Ideal Implants, which she explained to us were safer than silicone, and two months later, she confirmed on aBest Products Facebook livethat she'sstillthrilled with the results. "They have the softness and naturalness of silicone but don't ripple or slosh around," she told PeopleStyle. "You don't have to do MRIs anymore, and if it ruptures you know immediately because it will collapse." Andrei Jackamets/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty; Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Real Housewives of New JerseystarMelissa Gorgacame clean about getting a nose job after co-star Jacqueline Laurita called her out for having the procedure done four times. "Let's be honest, it's the worst-kept secret that I've had a nose job, but it's my secret to tell, not hers," Gorga toldThe Daily Dish. But she's not ashamed of the procedure - and she'd like to set the record straight about Laurita's accusation while she's at it: "Four nose jobs? I would look pretty deranged." John Lamparski/WireImage; Snooki/Instagram The formerJersey Storestar has a reputation for being totally candid with fans about her weight, personal life and more - and that extends to any facial modifications she might undergo, including her lips, which she wrote abouton Instagramin August. "First session of lip plumps and it's just fabulous. I've always hated my thin lips and never thought I had the balls to get needles in my lip to perfect them but I did! Trust me girls, I was terrified to get my first 'procedure' ever done, but it wasn't terrible at all! And I hate needles! I love my 'natural beauty' but being able to enhance my lips to make me feel better about myself is life." Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage; Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic The actress has called the implants she got during her run on8 Simple Rules"the best decision I ever made," and shetoldRedbookwhy: "I had no boobs! I always felt ill-proportioned. My implants made me feel more confident in my body. It wasn't about trying to be a porn star or wanting to look hot and sexy." Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty; Gregg DeGuire/WireImage The star got a breast augmentation in 2008 after really thinking about the decision - and she never looked back. "I'm so happy. I feel complete," she told PEOPLE. "I was hesitant about talking about it … I was sick of not fitting into my tops … It is a decision I made for myself. I like it, and that's all that counts." Justin Lloyd/Newspix/Getty At 16, the trainer decided to undergo rhinoplasty after being bullied for her nose in her youth. "I'll be honest, it did change my life," shetold PEOPLE. "Not to say you should let your physicality define you, but there are some things that can make people feel really insecure. So, if there is something you want to fix that allows you to feel a little bit more confident, I support it." Eugene Gologursky/WireImage for Niche Media; Alexander Tamargo/Getty for SOBEWFF Another star who learned the art of being super-candid from her reality show, Bethennyopened up on her short-lived talk showabout her fluctuating cup size, which she said stemmed from implants she didn't like and had removed. "I went again like a couple of years ago when I could afford it to get them taken out and then lifted and I did feel much better," she said. "I felt like I was a little hotter, you know, a little perkier." Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage; Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty TheReal Housewives of Atlantastar told PEOPLE in 2010 that she used time off between seasons to undergo a breast lift, liposuction and nose job. "I'm very comfortable and confident in myself. I just wanted a tune up,"she said. "I still wanted to look like NeNe, the black woman that I am, but a better version." Gregg DeGuire/WireImage Another star who tweaked her nose as a teen, Kudrow says she's thrilled with the decision. "I went from, in my mind, hideous, to not hideous," shehas said. "I did it the summer before going to a new high school. So there were plenty of people who wouldn't know how hideous I looked before. That was a good, good, good change." Jim Spellman/WireImage; JWoww/Facebook; JWoww was never one to try to hide her breast augmentation (literally or figuratively), and a few months after having her daughter, the star wasback on social mediato discuss her new implants. "Ten years later and with the birth of my angel baby Meilani, [my implants] had changed a bit, especially with breastfeeding. I wanted them really badly," she wrote. "They are so amazing right now and still have a soft, natural look to them thanks to my amazing doctor." Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty; Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage for Turner TheMiddleactress opted for a breast reduction and tummy tuck in 2002, andtold PEOPLEit all came down to one thing: "Vanity. I mean it. Vanity," she said. "I had four C-sections and my stomach looked like the map of the world. My breasts were hanging down to here from breastfeeding those babies, and my nipples were like platters. I wanted to fit into the gowns that I finally got to wear." Read the original article onPeople

Stars Who Love Their Plastic Surgery

Stars Who Love Their Plastic Surgery Presley Ann/Getty for Spotify; Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Body confidence can come in many fo...
BIBI releases sophomore album 'EVE: ROMANCE' with philosophical edgeNew Foto - BIBI releases sophomore album 'EVE: ROMANCE' with philosophical edge

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean artist BIBI released her highly anticipated sophomore album "EVE: ROMANCE" on Wednesday, delivering a project that blends her signature genre-defying sound with philosophical twists. The singer, songwriter and actor, who moves fluidly between pop, R&B, hip-hop and electronic music, has built a reputation for her bold, unapologetic presence in an industry often defined by careful image management. Her latest album features 14 tracks, including six new songs alongside previously released hits like "Bam Yang Gang" and "Derre." In an interview with The Associated Press, BIBI explained the meaning behind the album's lead single "Apocalypse," which carries a more poetic Korean title meaning "The Apple Tree of the End Times." "I thought, if there was the fruit of knowledge of good and evil at the beginning, then this would be the apple tree at the end of times," BIBI said. "You know that saying — when asked what you'd do if the world ended tomorrow, some say they'd plant an apple tree, others say they'd have an orgy. ... But to me, they felt like the same thing. Both are, in essence, acts of planting seeds." Her interpretation, merging ideas of creation, pleasure, and existential finality, may come across as provocative in a conservative South Korean society where open discussions about sex remain rare and often taboo. "In reality, everything has an end, and what each person chooses to do in that moment is their own," she added. "It can't be labeled as good or bad. After all, isn't the very idea of good and evil ambiguous?" One of Korea's fastest-rising stars with a growing international presence, BIBI reflected on the surprising success of "Bam Yang Gang." The song, which means a chestnut jelly snack in Korean, became a viral sensation in South Korea last year while she was too busy to notice. "I was filming two dramas simultaneously, so I was really busy," she said. "I couldn't really feel it at that time. Actually, I felt it more this year because people introduce me saying, 'Last year was the year of Bam Yang Gang.'" Despite her growing popularity, BIBI aspires to maintain an element of "ambiguity" in her artistry. "I want to be a mysterious artist. Like 'Gacha!' — that kind of feeling. Like you don't know what you'll get from a Gacha machine," she explained, referencing the Japanese toy vending machines known for their randomized collectibles. The album includes "Pygma girl," a track that reimagines the Greek myth of Pygmalion by reversing traditional muse-artist dynamics, suggesting the subject is the art itself rather than merely inspiring the creator. "Midnight Cruise," another standout track, was written after she dreamt about her late grandfather before her Coachella performance in 2024. BIBI will kick off her first global tour in Seoul on May 16, before heading to the United States and Canada. She will then continue across Asia, with stops including Hong Kong and cities in Japan. The tour will conclude in Australia and New Zealand this October. "EVE: ROMANCE" is out now.

BIBI releases sophomore album 'EVE: ROMANCE' with philosophical edge

BIBI releases sophomore album 'EVE: ROMANCE' with philosophical edge SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean artist BIBI released her...
What's the best temperature to set your thermostat this summer? What experts sayNew Foto - What's the best temperature to set your thermostat this summer? What experts say

Astemperatures begin to rise, it's nearly time (if not already) to turn on that air conditioning. But what's the best temperature to set the thermostat to during summer months? And what are some key ways to keepelectricitybills down? TheU.S. Department of Energyrecommends keeping indoor temperatures comfortable, at a level that provides humidity control, all while aiming to keep the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures low to save the most money. With summer right around the corner, here are some tips for how to efficiently cool your living space. The ideal temperature to keep your thermostat at during the summer is 78 degrees Fahrenheit, various energy companies, including Missouri'sAmeren, Maryland'sConstellation Energyand Florida'sCarrier Global, state. TheDepartment of Energyrecommends keeping a home warmer than normal when away to avoid unnecessary air conditioning use. On average, a difference of 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for about eight hours a day can save as much as 10% a year on cooling and heating bills, theDepartment of Energystates. TheDepartment of Energyadvises that homeowners schedule regular maintenance to ensure their cooling systems and appliances are working efficiently. For some do-it-yourself maintenance, vacuum air intake vents regularly to remove dust buildup. Make sure furniture isn't blocking airflow registers, and avoid placing electronics near air conditioning thermostats, as the thermostat senses heat from these appliances and may cause air conditioning to run longer than necessary, theDepartment of Energystates. Checking and sealing air leaks should also be a part of regular maintenance. TheDepartment of Energyrecommends checking for indoor air leaks around baseboards, windows, doors, light fixtures, appliances, switches and electrical outlets. If sealing do-it-yourself style, plug holes with the appropriate caulking and/or weather stripping. Here are some more tips for how to save money on your air conditioning bill this summer: Install window coverings to prevent heat gain through windows during the day. Turn off ceiling fans when you leave a room. Fans cool people, not rooms, theDepartment of Energystates. When taking a shower or bath, use a bathroom fans to remove heat and humidity. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her atgcross@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:What the best temperature to set your thermostat to this summer?

What's the best temperature to set your thermostat this summer? What experts say

What's the best temperature to set your thermostat this summer? What experts say Astemperatures begin to rise, it's nearly time (if ...
'Root out DEI': Why red states are enlisting in Trump's war on 'woke'New Foto - 'Root out DEI': Why red states are enlisting in Trump's war on 'woke'

When he took office in January, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey issued an executive order eliminatingdiversity, equity and inclusionin state government. Last week, he signed a bill making that order the law in his state. "I pledged to root out DEI," Morrisey said at a ceremonial bill signing. "Now I can report to you that we are following through with that promise and that's a wonderful reason to be here today. DEI is dead in the Mountain State." With PresidentDonald Trumpleading the charge, diversity initiatives have emerged as a new front in the nation's culture wars. Now Republican-led states are joining the fight. While most anti-DEI bills target higher education, 25 states from Louisiana to South Carolina are considering 101 measures that would limit DEI in state and local governments and other publicly funded institutions, according to Bill Kramer, vice president and counsel of state and local government relations firm MultiState. In response, blue states are rolling out bills defending DEI. "I definitely think state lawmakers have been emboldened by the actions on the federal level," said Kramer, whose firm tracks legislation for hundreds of clients. So far this year, nine states have enacted anti-DEI laws and nine more have passed a bill through at least one chamber. Just this week Iowa sentlegislation barring DEIactivities and offices to Gov. Kim Reynolds for her signature. The aim of state legislation mirrors the president's agenda, tothrottle DEIacross the public sector and increase pressure on the private sector. In April, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a Republican, signed a bill banning DEI offices, officers, policies or practices in local government. "Governor Sanders was proud to sign this legislation because government should be focused on serving the people and saving taxpayer dollars, not wasting time and money on woke nonsense," her spokesman Sam Dubke told USA TODAY in a statement. Last week Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, a Republican, signed an "unlawful discrimination" bill prohibiting public institutions from taking actions based on an individual's identity such as race or religion. Braun signed an executive order in January banning DEI initiatives in state government. For years diversity initiatives have comeunder firein red states, either as "DEI" or "critical race theory." In 2022, those terms appeared for the first time in bills introduced in 12 states, according to a USA TODAY analysis of data compiled by bill-tracking firm Plural. Dozens of bills targeting universities and state governments drafted by anti-DEI think tanks and foundations are part of a broaderbacklashagainst theDEI initiativesembraced after George Floyd's 2020 murder to redress historic patterns of discrimination and exclusion in the workplace. Critics likeRussell Vought, andStephen Miller– both now Trump officials – assailed diversity targets and other DEI strategies as anillegal form of discriminationthat prioritizes race and gender over individual merit. Trump seized on the wedge issue during his 2024 presidential campaign, vowing to defeat"anti-white" racism. Just hours after taking the oath of office on Jan. 20, Trump issued executive orders todismantle DEI programs. Wade Miller, senior adviser for the Center Renewing America, applauded states for lining up to help Trump. "We welcome all bills aimed at dismantling DEI," said Miller, speaking for the conservative think tank Vought founded in January 2021. The momentum of these bills in red states is unlikely to slow, according to Republican pollster Whit Ayres. "The top four reasons people voted for Trump were to bring down inflation, juice the economy, stop illegal immigration and to get away from woke culture," said Ayres, president of North Star Opinion Research. Democrats warn the new wave of anti-DEI legislation could have sweeping implications for local and state government workers and the communities they serve. "The best way to make sure that the government is working for all versus just the few is to have people working in government who understand the experiences of the people they are serving and who have the skills to be excellent in their jobs," said Eliza Leighton, who advocates for DEI as executive director of Deliver the American Dream, part of the American Pride Rises network. "DEI work at the state level is ensuring those things." In Indiana, Senate Democratscondemned a new anti-DEI lawas "a step backward" for diverse communities within the state who face discrimination. "When we introduce legislation that claims that we want everyone to be treated equally, I love that. I have yet to meet a person on this Earth who said we should not treat people equally," said state Sen. Fady Qaddoura, a Democrat. "But what this legislation ignores is that people have different starting points in their lives." Last week, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed into law the "Dismantling DEI Departments Act" banning DEI offices and departments in the Tennessee government. Also on the governor's desk is the "Dismantle DEI Act." If signed, it would bar state and local governments, public colleges, and school systems from considering race, sex or other demographic characteristics in employment decisions. On the House floor last month, Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, a Republican and the senate sponsor of both bills, said Tennessee is aligning itself with the priorities of the Trump administration. House sponsor Rep. Aron Maberry said diversity will "happen naturally through fair hiring practices." DEI isn't about giving unfair advantages because of gender or skin color, but making sure qualified candidates are not denied equal access to opportunities because of their identity, Tennessee Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari responded. "It is unfortunate that diversity, equity and inclusion has become this ugly political tool to divide people," Akbari said on the House floor in April. "What diversity, equity and inclusion principles do is that they make sure that folks who are different but who are equally qualified get a fair shake." Tennessee "deserves a government that reflects the people it serves, not one that turns back the clock on progress," she told USA TODAY. In a state where 17% of the population is Black, Akbari and Sen. London Lamar, another Democrat who spoke out against the "Dismantle DEI Act" on the House floor, are two of three Black Americans in the Tennessee Senate. "As a Black woman, a state senator, and lifelong advocate for equity, I'm deeply disturbed by the Tennessee Legislature's continued attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion," Lamar told USA TODAY in a statement. "These efforts aren't about fairness or accountability, they're about silencing progress and pushing marginalized voices out of spaces we've fought hard to enter." Voicing his opposition to the "Dismantling DEI Departments Act" in March, Rep.Larry Miller, a Democrat, retired fire fighter and the longest-serving member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, spoke in personal terms. "I am the product of DEI. Chances are I would not be sitting here today if I were not. And what your bill is saying (is): 'We want to dismantle and do away with that history. My history, my personal history," Miller said. "DEI helped build this country." In blue states, pro-DEI legislation is also on the rise. Of the 426 DEI bills tracked by American Pride Rises so far in 2025, 221 favor DEI and 205 oppose it. In April, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, vetoed a bill from the Republican-controlled legislature that would have banned DEI hiring practices in state and local governments. "The state does not mandate any composition of its workforce and already has a merit-focused hiring system in an effort to recruit the best possible talent into the ranks of public service," she wrote in a letter to the state Senate vetoing the bill. This week Hobbsvetoeda second bill that would have wiped out DEI offices and activities in state agencies, colleges and universities and local governments. Is a piece of legislation pro-DEI or anti-DEI? Sometimes it depends on who you ask. A bill in Michigan House of Representatives that would require state agencies to hire employees based on objective factors such as relevant work experience and education was sponsored by pro-DEI Democrats but appeared to have been originally crafted and introduced by Republicans in the previous term. While the term "DEI" does not appear in the bill that promotes merit-based hiring, House Republicans said the legislation would eliminate it. "Merit-based hiring and promotion is simple: You do a good job, and you'll be rewarded. Why any other metric matters is a mystery," GOP Rep. Joseph Pavlovsaid. "There is no place for DEI in our government." According to Benjamin Ries, Pavlov's director of legislation, the Legislative Services Bureau made a clerical error and gave this bill to Rep. Erin Byrnes, a Democrat, who then sponsored it, receiving "overwhelming Democrat co-sponsorship." "The representative is hopeful that his Democrat colleagues have seen that DEI doesn't help the people it aims at helping," Ries said. Byrnes told USA TODAY the bill gave her the opportunity to flip the script. Decreasing the influence of personal connections in the hiring process creates a more equal playing field for all workers, she said. Her bill sailed through the Michigan House of Representatives with near unanimous support. Only one representative opposed it. "House Republicans in Michigan voted yes on a DEI bill. I love that for them," Byrnes told USA TODAY. "House Democrats know that merit-based hiring and diversity, equity and inclusion practices are not mutually exclusive. That is a false narrative that Republicans have been pushing for years now. Just because Republicans say something doesn't make it fact." Contributing: Jayme Fraser This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:'DEI is dead': Trump war on 'woke' jumps to red states

'Root out DEI': Why red states are enlisting in Trump's war on 'woke'

'Root out DEI': Why red states are enlisting in Trump's war on 'woke' When he took office in January, West Virginia Gov....

 

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