Divorce drama, rap battles and wedding bells: this week's celebrity news roundup

It is that time of the week when we keep you updated on all things celebrity, and as usual, there’s always something gasp-worthy.

Here’s a look at this week’s biggest celebrity moments.

1. Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban reportedly split after 19 years

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have reportedly separated after nearly two decades together. The couple, who met in 2005 and married a year later, share two daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret. 

The couple have been apart, each working on their individual projects. Kidman has been based in London while filming a “Practical Magic” sequel, renting a Hampstead mansion for about $87,000 (R1.5 million) a month while Urban is on his “High and Alive” tour across the US and Canada. 

Sources say Kidman was blindsided by the split, but that the pair may not rush into divorce. She filed for divorce a day later, citing “irreconcilable differences” and “marital difficulties”.

They were last photographed together in May at the Academy of Country Music Awards and were seen in June at a soccer match in Nashville.

2. Cardi B and Nicki Minaj trade blows online

Cardi B and Nicki Minaj reignited their long-running feud on X. This comes after Cardi B’s album “Am I The Drama” went double platinum just 10 days after its release. 

The record debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, moving roughly 200,000 units with 146 million streams. Minaj suggested the sales were inflated. Cardi B told Minaj to compare herself to Rihanna and Taylor Swift rather than her, and called Minaj “Cocaine Barbie”.

Minaj mocked Cardi's lyrics and her pregnancy in now-deleted posts. The rivalry dates to 2018, when a shoe was thrown at New York Fashion Week, and it does not look like the feud is coming to an end any time soon, as the two rappers have dragged their innocent children into it.

3. Tyla stops the show for a fan, then shuts down critics

Tyla paused her Global Citizen Festival set in New York after spotting a fan faint in the crowd. The Grammy Award-winning singer asked for help, checked in on nearby concertgoers and then restarted the song at the audience’s request. 

Later, she performed her hit song “Mr Media”, a song that claps back at critics, and told the crowd that she was “not sorry”. 

The moment followed an online debate about her coloured identity, for which Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage offered an apology on Tyla’s behalf on the “Breakfast Club” show.

4. Lewis Hamilton mourns his dog Roscoe

Lewis Hamilton announced the death of his bulldog Roscoe this week. His fur bestie had suffered pneumonia and was put on life support before passing away in Hamilton’s arms. 

He paid tribute on Instagram, calling Roscoe a “beautiful soul” and thanking fans for their support. Roscoe often joined Hamilton at Grand Prix weekends. The F1 community also shared messages of condolence.

5. Wiseman Mncube marries Nokubonga Ngobeni in a traditional ceremony

Actor Wiseman Mncube married model and costume designer Nokubonga Ngobeni in a beautiful traditional umbondo ceremony in Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal. The bride’s family presented gifts to Mncube’s household, sealing the union after lobola (bride price) and izibizo (gifts from the groom’s family). 

Ngobeni wore a Tsonga attire while Mncube wore Zulu regalia. Videos on social media showed guests singing, including a joint performance of “Joy” by The Soil.

Mncube, who lost his first wife in 2017, now celebrates a new chapter with his new wife and their growing family.

6. Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco tie the knot

Selena Gomez and music producer Benny Blanco got married in California after two years of dating.

Gomez posted photos and videos from the day, including a clip of her straightening Blanco’s bow tie and the couple sharing a kiss. They both wore Ralph Lauren on their big day. 

Guests reportedly included Taylor Swift, Paris Hilton, Ed Sheeran, Steve Martin and Martin Short. Gomez thanked Blanco for grounding her and said that he helps her feel “very normal”. 

7. Cindy Makhathini crashes into a Sasol petrol station, assures fans she was sober

Oops! Influencer Cindy Makhathini crashed her Omoda into a Sasol garage and luckily, no one was injured. She told followers she was sober, that a baby was in the car, and that she cooperated with police as well as the garage owner. 

A breathalyser test confirmed no alcohol, while her vehicle had minor scratches, and the shop sustained major damage. 

A TikTok clip showed the car rolling slowly into the store, and the incident has prompted discussion online about how it happened.

8. Winnie Khumalo to be honoured for 30 years in music

A tribute concert will mark Winnie Khumalo’s 30-year career on Saturday, October 4, in Soweto. Hosted by her daughter Rethabile Khumalo, the event will feature DJ Zinhle, Trompies, Candy Tsa Mandebele, Chicco Twala, DJ Cleo, DJ Sbu and more. 

Winnie, who died in January this year, at 51, will be remembered for her powerful vocals and a catalogue that influenced generations of South African artists.

9. Court denies Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs a new trial ahead of sentencing

A judge denied Sean Combs’ request for a new trial on Tuesday, September 30. Combs was convicted on two counts tied to arranging interstate travel for prostitution and faces sentencing on October 3. 

He was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges. The prosecution seeks a sentence of more than 11 years while the defence asks for a much shorter term.

Victim impact statements, including one from Cassie Ventura, described years of alleged abuse and urged the court to consider the full harm done.

10. Latto confirms relationship with 21 Savage

Rapper Latto publicly confirmed she is dating 21 Savage after years of rumours. The 26-year-old told "TMZ" that she was off to dinner with her “husband” and later called him “my man.” 

Fans had long suspected a romance after collaborations and sightings together, and a small tattoo of his birth name behind her ear fuelled speculation.