Justin Bieber is apologizing for publicly supporting Morgan Wallen.

Bieber is retracting his words just days after the Canadian singer, 27, sent love to the controversial country singer by posting about Wallen’s album, Dangerous: The Double Album.

Bieber says he was unaware of Wallen, who was filmed using a racial slur earlier this year, and his controversial past.

RELATED: Billie Eilish Talks Live Shows And Calls Justin Bieber ‘The Sweetest Baby Ever’

“I had no idea that the guy’s music I posted was recently found saying racist comments as you know I don’t support or tolerate any sort of racism or discrimination,” he wrote to Instagram. “I had no idea, I sincerely apologize to anyone I offended.”

RELATED: Justin Bieber, Hugh Jackman Stand By Simone Biles: ‘I’m So Proud’

In a second post, Bieber wrote, “When I was a kid, I was incredibly ignorant and said some very hurtful and racist jokes that clearly were not funny. I hurt a lot of people, especially the Black people in my life but I was fortunate enough to have had them educate me on the horrifying origin of the n-word. This brings those painful memories back up. I will always take ownership for my ignorance and my past because I know I am not that person. I know that I have apologized for this before but knowing that this is such a sensitive issue.”

He added, “I believe it is important to bring this up and hopefully educate people who may be ignorant to the topic of racism and how hurtful it is.”

Wallen recently gave his first interview to “Good Morning America” since the racial slur video.

“I think I was just ignorant about it. I don’t think I sat down and was, like, ‘Hey, is this right or is this wrong?’” he said.

After the video emerged, Wallen checked himself into a rehab facility.

“For 30 days, I spent some time out in San Diego, California — you know, just trying to figure it out… why am I acting this way? Do I have an alcohol problem? Do I have a deeper issue?”

When asked about people questioning why he’s speaking now, Wallen told Michael Strahan: “I’m not ever gonna make, you know, everyone happy. I can only come tell my truth, and — and that’s all I know to do.”

© 2021 Entertainment Tonight Canada, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

A number of organizations and Hollywood celebrities are reaching out to DaBaby to help him “address the miseducation” about HIV/AIDS after his controversial statements.

The rapper has since apologized twice for his anti-gay remarks and has been dropped by numerous gigs and companies.

On Monday, he said, “I appreciate the many people who came to me with kindness, who reached out to me privately to offer wisdom, education, and resources. That’s what I needed and it was received.”

The following day, 11 organizations published an open letter in hopes that they can meet with DaBaby to teach him the correct facts so he can then pass it on to his fans.

RELATED: DaBaby Makes Instagram Apology For ‘Misinformed, Hurtful And Triggering’ Comments About AIDS And LGBTQ+ Community

“At a time when HIV continues to disproportionately impact Black Americans and queer and transgender people of colour, a dialogue is critical. We must address the miseducation about HIV, expressed in your comments, and the impact it has on various communities,” part of the letter read via THR.

It adds, “We believe you now have an opportunity to not just move past this unfortunate incident, but to use your platform and celebrity to heal not harm.”

After sharing a number of facts, the letter concludes, “You stated you now understand how and why your comments were damaging. An open conversation holds the potential for you to now create meaningful impact by transforming from an adversary to an advocate.”

Miley Cyrus added her name to those who want to help educate DaBaby.

“It’s easier to cancel someone than to find forgiveness and compassion in ourselves or take the time to change hearts and minds,” Cyrus wrote on Instagram. “There’s no more room for division if we want to keep seeing progress! Knowledge is power! I know I still have so much to learn.”

In the caption, she added, “@DaBaby check your DMS – would love to talk and see how we can learn from each other and help be part of making a more just and understanding future!”

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A post shared by Miley Cyrus (@mileycyrus)

RELATED: Lollapalooza Drops DaBaby From Lineup Following Homophobic Comments

DaBaby first faced backlash during Miami’s Rolling Loud festival in July for his factless statements about HIV/AIDS. He then addressed the comments later on with more uneducated statements. As a result, a number of gatherings including Lollapalooza, the Governors Ball and Day N Vegas dropped him.

© 2021 Entertainment Tonight Canada, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are celebrating a milestone anniversary.

During the Canadian actor’s appearance on “Good Morning America” to promote his new movie “Free Guy”, Reynolds gushed about the 10-year anniversary of his and Lively’s first date.

“We’re not quite at 10 years but we rounded up, which we are just going to do because in Hollywood years, that’s like 180 years!” he joked with the “GMA” co-hosts.

RELATED: Ryan Reynolds Unveils Super Jacked Character In New ‘Free Guy’ Clip

Ryan Reynolds talks about new film, #FreeGuy!@VancityReynoldshttps://t.co/g4wlhBOTHa pic.twitter.com/Os9F4D80rq

— Good Morning America (@GMA) August 4, 2021

And to celebrate, Reynolds says, “We went to the place that we went on our first date, O Ya, a restaurant which we love.”

RELATED: Blake Lively And Ryan Reynolds Say They ‘Wouldn’t Be Together’ Without This Restaurant

Lively also celebrated the anniversary on Instagram, sharing a selfie from their date at O Ya in Boston on her Story on Aug. 1.

“If it weren’t for this place. We wouldn’t be together. No joke,” she wrote. “No restaurant means more to us.”

Lively and Reynolds met on the set of 2011’s “Green Lantern” and later got married in 2012. The couple share three children together, daughters James, 6, Inez, 4, and Betty, 1.

© 2021 Entertainment Tonight Canada, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

It’s making Regina city streets feel like movie theatre stairs, and is causing carwash lineups like never before.

If you don’t know what “it” is, and you’re even a little bit squeamish, you may not want to read any further.

“It’s kind of like an aphid poo is the best way to put it,” says City of Regina Open Space Services Manager Russell Eirich of the syrupy substance covering sidewalks, roadways and car windows everywhere this summer.

“The aphids feed on the leaves of our elm trees. They’re kind of like a mosquito for people, only they’re sucking the juice out of the leaf, and then they create a ‘honeydew’. And all the excess honeydew isn’t getting washed out of the tree, and now it’s starting to come down itself.”

Read more:
Aphid feces causing sticky situation in Winnipeg

Eirich says the hot, dry summer is working in a number of ways to boost the Queen City’s aphid population this year.

Firstly, rainfall usually works to destroy some of the tiny pests before their “honeydew” excrement can cause a problem. The rain also works to wash away the honeydew before it becomes a problem/

“We’re seeing the honeydew is sticking around a lot more. The weather is both helping the aphids but also making the honeydew a lot more noticeable,” Eirich said.

The city would also typically release ladybugs to help control the aphid population, but Eirich says the city has been unable to source the helpful predator this season.

They typically buy them from suppliers in Ontario, which source them from California. One such supplier notes that “a ‘perfect storm’ created by the combination of a prolonged drought with the wildfires that made the news this past fall” likely destroyed many ladybug hibernation sites.

Eirich noted that the hot weather has helped ladybug predators like wasps breed locally.

Read more:
Severe drought in Western Canada will pressure food industry, raise prices: Expert

While the honeydew definitely doesn’t pose a hazard to human health, Eirich says that if left for too long it can start to mold.

Western Autobody Manager Anne Hauck added that the honeydew could potentially pose a threat to vehicle paint, though.

“The sap excrement can burn the paint,” Hauck said, adding such an effect will be more apparent on darker vehicles and on older vehicles with more clear coat erosion.

“It’s like if egg or sap gets on your car and the sun sits on it, it can cause burn marks. It seeps into the clear coat and it burns through it.”

She said a mix of soap and warm water will easily wash off the honeydew, and that frequent vehicle waxing can add a layer of paint protection.

Read more:
Vendors at Regina Farmer’s Market feeling impacts of drought

Erich said people will likely start to notice the honeydew less and less by the end of August.

He said at that point the aphids will take flight from their leafy summer homes, and start making their way into the eyes, noses and mouths of cyclists, runners and roller bladers making their way along city pathways.

He said the city does operate a small tree spraying program that is available on request but that like with vehicles, homeowners can combat the creatures, and their sticky juice, with soap and water.

© 2021 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Rihanna is all about that “Housewives” drama.

On the latest episode of “Real Housewives of New York”, Leah McSweeney name-dropped the pop star during an argument with Ramona Singer and Luann de Lesseps.

RELATED: Rihanna Covers Up Matching Shark Tattoo She Got With Drake 5 Years Ago

“Let me promote Leah Mob or Mob something,” Singer said, mocking McSweeney’s Married to the Mob clothing line.

“You aren’t exactly my demographic, so it’s all good,” McSweeney responded. “I already have Rihanna wearing my s**t, you think I need you wearing my s**t?”

After the show aired, Rihanna posted on Instagram a photo of her wearing a Married to the Mob shirt:

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A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri)

“I love you so much 😂❤️🔥,” McSweeney commented.

RELATED: ASAP Rocky On Celebrity Cameos, Including His Girlfriend Rihanna, In New Documentary

The Bravo network took it a step further, commenting on the post with a challenge to Rihanna and her fans.

“Like this comment if you think Rihanna should come on #WWHL soon to spill all the Bravo tea! 👀,” the network said.

Andy Cohen, meanwhile, simply commented, “😳 😳 😳.”

#RHONY star @RamonaSinger reacts to @Rihanna calling her out on Instagram. #WWHL pic.twitter.com/806Is7PCiF

— WWHL (@BravoWWHL) August 4, 2021

Appearing on “Watch What Happens Live” on Tuesday night, Singer was asked about Rihanna’s clap back, responding simply, “I love the attention.”

© 2021 Entertainment Tonight Canada, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Camila Cabello is opening up about releasing music during a pandemic.

The singer, 24, joined “Kyle & Jackie O Show” to promote her latest single, “Don’t Go Yet”, and admitted it feels “weird” to put out music while the Delta variant of COVID-19 runs rampant through the United States.

“Delta variant has just gotten crazy here, and it was just starting to feel normal and good again. And it was so nice. It would just completely suck if we kept heading in this direction,” she said.

RELATED: Camila Cabello Stars In First Trailer For Amazon Prime Video’s ‘Cinderella’

The “Cinderella” actress added, “It feels honestly weird now. It’s weird to get a sense… I don’t know, it was so fun making music and I feel like putting it out… because you’re not seeing people and you’re not feeling that energy from people, it can kind of feel like you don’t really know what’s going on when a song comes out.”

Pop superstar @Camila_Cabello isn't feeling the energy she normally gets when releasing music because of COVID! 😢 #KJshow pic.twitter.com/vLSm6EDloi

— Kyle and Jackie O (@kyleandjackieo) August 3, 2021

RELATED: Camila Cabello’s Farting Video Gets A Reaction From Shawn Mendes

So for now, Cabello is looking forward to when “things get better.”

“Sometimes it feels like you don’t get that energy back that I feel like you used to just because everything’s kind of online,” she explained. “I don’t check social media and stuff, so I’m not really seeing that either. It is kind of weird. I can’t wait for things to get better.”

© 2021 Entertainment Tonight Canada, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

The city of Winnipeg is starting a mosquito control program under provincial order to reduce the number of West Nile Virus mosquitoes.

The city is giving the public 24 hours’ notice that as of August 5 at 10:00 pm the spraying will begin for adult mosquitoes in the Rural Municipality of West St. Paul and Winnipegs insect management areas.

Public health officials have noted in a press release that the current hot and dry weather conditions have created ideal conditions for Culex tarsalis mosquitoes that carry WNV.

Read more:
City of Winnipeg to provide additional mosquito surveillance

The province says, although no human cases of the virus have been identified in Manitoba, the risk for potential exposure is high and will likely continue as we move through a historical high-risk period in August.

Between 2012 and 2018, there were 112 cases of WNV in Manitoba. Nearly 40 per cent of these cases were hospitalized and 11 required intensive care.

Read more:
Can mosquitoes carry coronavirus? People, not skeeters, transmit COVID-19, says Manitoba researcher

While you are encouraged to enjoy the warm weather and outdoor activities, the province strongly recommends that you reduce your risk of mosquito bites by following these key preventative measures.

• reducing the amount of time spent outdoors in peak mosquito hours during dusk and dawn;
• using an appropriate mosquito repellent;
• wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and pant legs;
• maintaining door and window screens; and
• cleaning and emptying yard items that collect water.

Individuals can also minimize their exposure by taking the following precautions

• staying indoors during and immediately after spraying;
• closing all doors and windows;
• avoiding trucks while spraying is underway;
• turning off fans and air conditioners or setting them at exhaust;
• removing clothes and children’s toys from outdoor areas;
• covering swimming pool surfaces;
• washing any household items or toys left outside before using them; and
• ensuring fruits and vegetables are washed.

Residents who would like to receive a daily email and phone notification for all mosquito control activities can register online 

© 2021 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

T.I. has been arrested, but he’s doing fine.

On Tuesday, the rapper revealed in a video on Instagram that he was arrested while biking in Amsterdam after breaking a police officer’s side mirror.

RELATED: T.I. Addresses Sexual Assault Allegations In ‘What It’s Come To’ Music Video With Wife Tiny

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A post shared by TIP (@troubleman31)

“So, I’m locked up now,” T.I. said, appearing in a good mood, explaining that he had been breezing through an intersection when his bike handle hit the cop’s side mirror. He also didn’t have his passport on him at the time of the incident.

“It’ll be fine. But he was extremely upset,” he said of the officer. “I myself, I was having a great time. Still, I’m still not upset. I’m having a phenomenal time. They arrested me, they didn’t even put me in handcuffs. They just opened the door and invited me to the backseat. I obliged.”

RELATED: T.I. And Tameka ‘Tiny’ Harris Accused Of Kidnapping, Sexual Abuse By Lawyer Seeking Criminal Charges

He also said that he attempted to use a wad of cash in his pocket to post bail himself, but was not allowed. Instead, he had to call someone up to bring his passport in order to be released.

T.I. has been in Europe on vacation, celebrating his 11th anniversary with wife Takema “Tiny” Harris.

© 2021 Entertainment Tonight Canada, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Alberta Health announced Wednesday that the province has identified 206 new COVID-19 cases since the day before. However, there have been no new coronavirus deaths in that time frame and the number of people with the disease who are in ICUs remained unchanged at 23.

The number of people in Alberta hospitals wth the illness was at 97 on Wednesday afternoon, up slightly from 90 a day before.

There are currently 2,282 active COVID-19 cases. The Calgary zone has more than any other region with 1,292, the Edmonton zone has 416, the South zone has 230, the North zone has 202, the Central zone has 139 and there are three cases that have not been linked to a particular zone.

Alberta’s positivity rate was at 3.83 per cent on Wednesday. So far, just over 76.1 per cent of eligible Albertans 12 and older have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine while 66 per cent of eligible Albertans have been fully vaccinated.

READ MORE: COVID-19: Edmonton physicians urge Alberta government to test, trace, isolate 

Since last week’s announcement by Alberta’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw that people with COVID-19 will soon no longer be required to isolate and that the province will significantly scale back its testing, there have been consecutive days of large protests against the policy shift in both Calgary and Edmonton.

While Hinshaw has said the new approach of moving from a pandemic response to an endemic response is an effort to redeploy resources used on COVID-19 to other pressing health issues, many doctors and medical experts have raised concerns about the move, especially as many believe Alberta is entering a fourth wave of the pandemic.

READ MORE: Hinshaw apologizes for causing ‘fear or anger’ over Alberta’s plan to lift COVID-19 measures 

On Wednesday, Hinshaw released an op-ed to several media outlets in which she reiterated the reasons she is changing the province’s approach, but also apologized for causing “confusion, fear or anger” with her announcement.

© 2021 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

The number of COVID-19 cases caused by the Delta variant is doubling every seven to 10 days in British Columbia, experts say.

Prof. Sarah Otto of the University of British Columbia said the variant, which first became prominent in India, is displacing the one that originated in the United Kingdom.

“Delta is now the most common variant in the province, with its frequency doubling every week relative to Alpha,” said Otto, who is an expert in the university’s zoology department on the mathematical models of pandemic growth and evolution.

Read more:
Delta COVID-19 variant to make up nearly all B.C. cases within ‘weeks,’ says UBC modeller

“The Delta variant increases the viral load by about one-thousand-fold, making it much easier to catch and transmit.”

COVID-19 cases in B.C. continued their upward march as the province reported more than 700 infections Tuesday over a four-day period, with more than half of those in the Interior where the vaccination rate is lower.

On Wednesday, the daily COVID-19 case count in B.C. increased to 342.

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Paul Tupper, a mathematics professor from Simon Fraser University, said the Delta variant is a “large part” of the reason for the increase in COVID-19 case numbers.

The relaxing of restrictions and reopening of the economy have also contributed to the growth, he said.

If the Alpha variant infects two people on an average, the Delta infects three, he said.

“And that’s bad news.”

The good news is that areas with higher vaccination rates are showing fewer infections even among the Delta variant, he said.

The Vancouver Coastal region has a vaccination rate of about 80 per cent while it is 65 per cent for the Interior and that is reflected in COVID-19 case numbers, Tupper said.

Dean Karlen, a physics professor at the University of Victoria, said the emergence of the Delta variant is stronger than scientists expected, and Canada’s next wave has the potential to be similar to what is happening in the United States if no special measures such as mask mandates are reintroduced.

Read more:
COVID-19 surging in B.C. as province reports 342 new cases, a two-month high

“But right now, in Alberta and British Columbia, it’s very clear that Delta is starting to play a big role,” he said.

The exact trajectory and intensity of growth will become clearer as more data comes in over the next few weeks, he said.

Otto said B.C. is beginning a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections, but how high it will get and how fast it will rise depends on everybody’s behaviour.

The two things people can do to prevent the wave from getting “very high” is get vaccinated and avoid indoor crowded spaces without a mask, she said.

Read more:
Delta Plus COVID-19 variant arrives in South Korea as case counts rise

The province and the country will continue seeing such waves as new, more transmissible variants arise, but Otto noted that “vaccinations are really protecting people from the worst ravages of this disease.”

Caroline Colijn, a mathematics professor at Simon Fraser University, said most of the infections are likely to be among the unvaccinated population.

“And they of course have the same risk of hospitalization they always did or maybe more with Delta because it may be more severe and higher viral loads,” she said.

While the vaccines are about 90 per cent effective against the virus, Tupper said there will still be some people who get sick and transmit to others.

A higher degree of immunity can be achieved by vaccinating children under 12, he said.

Health Canada has not yet approved a vaccine for children under 12.

“Children when immunized can contribute to herd immunity, and that makes other people that they’re with safer,” he said.

It “definitely makes sense” to have some restrictions until a higher vaccination rate is reached, Tupper said.

“So, anything that buys us time, that allows us to have fewer infections before we get our vaccination numbers high, that makes sense.”

© 2021 The Canadian Press