The group behind the prestigious Oscars film awards has invited 928 artists and executives to join the Academy Awards body – almost half of whom are women. Of those invited by the US Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, just over a third are from minorities. The move is part of a plan to double the number of women and ethnic minorities in the Academy by 2020. Women on the list include Jada Pinkett Smith, Amy Schumer, Ann Dowd, Christine Baranski, Tiffany Haddish and Sarah Silverman. Listed notable male stars include African-American comedian Dave Chappelle, actor Daniel Kaluuya, who was nominated for an Oscar for his performance in Get Out, and French-American actor Timothée Chalamet, who starred in the film Call Me By Your Name.... [Read Full Story]
Actor Terry Crews recounted his story of sexual assault, as he appeared before a Senate committee hearing to advocate for the “Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights.” Crews told lawmakers on Tuesday that even as a former NFL linebacker and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” star, “I sit here as an example” of survivors. Crews said, “This happened to me, too.” The “Survivors’ Bill of Rights” would create special protections for sexual assault survivors, including not charging survivors for an examination, preserving rape kits for 20 years or the maximum applicable statute of limitations, and providing survivors with written notification before a rape kit is disposed of. Crews told senators of his assailant that “the assault lasted only minutes, but what he was effectively telling me while he held my genitals in his hand was that he held the power. That he was in control.” Crews says the assault happened during a 2016 party he attended with his wife. “I was sexually assaulted by a successful Hollywood agent,” he said candidly. He previously has identified the perpetrator as Adam Venit, who at the time headed the motion picture department at William Morris Endeavor.... [Read Full Story]
In an emotional interview, Roseanne Barr said she definitely feels remorse for the racist tweet that prompted ABC to cancel the revival of “Roseanne.” Barr recorded a podcast interview with her longtime friend, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, who on Sunday published an edited transcript and recording of the conversation. In the interview, Barr claims she “never would have wittingly called any black person a monkey. What can I do now except say of course, I’m not a racist, I’m an idiot. Barr spoke tearfully for much of the interview, her first since the cancellation of “Roseanne.” Barr said of her tweet that she “didn’t mean what they think I meant. But I have to face that it hurt people. When you hurt people even unwillingly there’s no excuse. I don’t want to run off and blather on with excuses. But I apologize to anyone who thought, or felt offended and who thought that I meant something that I, in fact, did not mean. It was my own ignorance, and there’s no excuse for that ignorance.”... [Read Full Story]
Heather Locklear has been arrested on suspicion of fighting with first responders for the second time this year, authorities said Monday. Locklear appeared extremely intoxicated when deputies arrived at her Southern California home at about 11 p.m. Sunday to investigate a dispute between Locklear and either family members or friends, Ventura County Sheriff’s Capt. Garo Kuredjian said. Locklear kicked one of the deputies then kicked a paramedic who was called to evaluate her because of her intoxication, Kuredjian said. She was taken to a hospital then taken to jail and booked on two misdemeanor battery counts, he said. Locklear was released Monday morning after posting $20,000 bail.... [Read Full Story]
Former “Game of Thrones” co-stars Kit Harington and Rose Leslie were married Saturday with a church service and a celebration at the bride’s ancestral castle in Scotland. The couple and guests arrived for the afternoon service at Rayne Church, close to the 900-year-old Wardhill Castle in northeast Scotland, which is owned by Leslie’s family. Harington and Leslie were greeted by members of the public who had gathered outside the church. Guests included the pair’s “Game of Thrones” co-stars Peter Dinklage, Maisie Williams, Sophie Turner, Emilia Clarke and John Bradley. Harington and Leslie met in 2012 on the set of the HBO series, where they played a couple as the characters Jon Snow and Ygritte. Leslie left the cast in 2014 and currently stars in U.S. legal drama “The Good Fight.” The couple announced their engagement with a notice in the Times of London newspaper in September.... [Read Full Story]
A new Broadway musical inspired by the life of the late entertainer Michael Jackson will be coming to the Great White Way in 2020. Jackson’s estate has teamed up with Columbia Live Stage to develop a new musical with a book written by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage. The music in the show will feature songs from Jackson‘s catalog. Christopher Wheeldon, a Tony winner best known for his work on An American in Paris, is set to direct and choreograph the show.... [Read Full Story]
ABC will air a new “Roseanne” spinoff series called “The Conners” ― minus any involvement from Roseanne Barr, the network announced Thursday. The project was green-lit just weeks after the network canceled a reboot of Barr’s eponymous show following a series of racist comments the actress posted to Twitter about former Obama White House adviser Valerie Jarrett. The new sitcom will debut with 10 episodes, and is set to premiere in Fall 2018. “Roseanne” series stars John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Sara Gilbert, Lecy Goranson and Michael Fishman will return. “The Conners” will air in “Roseanne’s” vacated Tuesdays from 8 p.m.-8:30 p.m. time slot. ABC said in a statement, “The Conners’ stories demonstrate that families can always find common ground through conversation, laughter and love,. The spinoff will continue to portray contemporary issues that are as relevant today as they were 30 years ago.” ... [Read Full Story]
Demi Lovato celebrated six years of sobriety in March, but her new song indicates she may no longer be sober. The pop star released ” Sober ” on YouTube on Thursday, and Lovato tweeted a link to the song with the words “My truth.” The singer-actress struggled with an eating disorder, self-mutilation and other issues, entering rehab in 2010. She has spoken out about her battles with drugs and alcohol over the years, and she’s become a role model for young women and men who have faced their own issues. Lyrics of the song include: “Momma, I’m so sorry I’m not sober anymore/And daddy please forgive me for the drinks spilled on the floor.” Representatives for the 25-year-old singer didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment.... [Read Full Story]
In the first trailer for Creed II, Michael B. Jordan returns as Adonis Creed, whose latest opponent is a blast from the past and will be familiar to fans of the “Rocky” franhise. Creed is set to take on Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu), the son of Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), who killed Creed’s father during a match in Rocky IV. Stallone, who won a Golden Globe for Creed and wrote Creed II, is back for his eighth go-around as Balboa, while Tessa Thompson returns as Creed’s love interest Bianca. Wood Harris and Phylicia Rashad also star. Creed IIopens in theaters on Nov. 21. Watch the Creed II trailer below.... [Read Full Story]
“Desperate Housewives” alum Eva Longoria is a mom. The actress, 43, welcomed her first child, a boy, with husband José “Pepe” Bastón, 50, on Tuesday. She shared a photo of baby Santiago Enrique Bastón saying “we are so grateful for this beautiful blessing.” Bastón runs Televisa, the largest media company in Latin America, and has three children from from a previous marriage. Longoria took her fans along with her as she documented her pregnancy on social media. ... [Read Full Story]
Kevin Spacey will make his return to the big screen months after facing several sexual misconduct accusations. The actor will appear in Billionaire Boys Club, appearing with his Baby Driver costar Ansel Elgort. The movie was shot over a year before allegations against him came to light, and will be released in theaters August 17. Production company Vertical Entertainment said in a statement: “We hope these distressing allegations pertaining to one person’s behavior — that were not publicly known when the film was made almost 2.5 years ago — do not tarnish the release. We don’t condone sexual harassment on any level and we fully support victims of it. At the same time, this is neither an easy nor insensitive decision to release this film in theaters, but we believe in giving the cast, as well as hundreds of crew members who worked hard on the film, the chance to see their final product reach audiences.” Allegations against Spacey were first brought forward in October by actor Anthony Rapp, who alleged the actor had previously made inappropriate sexual advances toward him when he was just 14-years-old.... [Read Full Story]
Earlier this month it was revealed that Star Trek: Discovery would be changing directions in it’s second season with the removal of its showrunners. Screenwriter and executive producer Alex Kurtzman was named Discovery‘s new showrunner, and now Kurtzman will also be at the helm of additional Star Trek television projects. Kurtzman has signed a development deal with CBS TV that will keep him under contract through 2023. Kurtzman’s expanded duties will include new iterations of Star Trek, which may include new TV series, miniseries, and possibly even animated projects. Reports state that one series in development potentially include a new series set at Starfleet Academy, a limited series with an unknown focus, a limited series centered on the story fromWrath of Khan, and an animated series.... [Read Full Story]
Beyoncé and Jay Z released their surprise album “Everything is Love” this weekend, but now everyone can access the power couple’s new release. Released exclusively on Tidal Saturday, the couple debuted the nine-track record “Everything Is Love,” and a music video for its single “Apes**t.” But now if you’re a Spotify subscriber you have access to the album, and the album can also be found on other streaming services like Apple Music. The video footage shows Beyoncé and Jay-Z at the Louvre museum in Paris, including shots of them standing in front of the Mona Lisa, as well as shots of dancers performing.... [Read Full Story]
According to the the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Heather Locklear was hospitalized in Thousand Oaks, California on Sunday, June 17, for a psychiatric evaluation. A police source said that a family member called 911 and claimed that Locklear, 56, had been acting erratically and threatened to hurt herself. The caller also alleged that Locklear was looking for a gun to shoot herself. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department both responded to Locklear’s home at approximately 3:50 p.m. They found that “there was no crime, only a medical issue.” This comes months after Locklear was arrested on a felony charge of domestic violence and three counts of misdemeanor battery on a police officer following a domestic dispute with her boyfriend. Locklear returned to treatment in the wake of her arrest, her sixth stint in rehab. Locklear shares Ava, 20, with ex-husband Richie Sambora.... [Read Full Story]
Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown will not able to attend the MTV Movie and TV Awards after suffering a kneecap fracture. The popular 14-year-old actress and the hit Netflix show are nominated for a total of six awards at the ceremony, which airs on Monday. “Hi guys, so another milestone in my life; I’ve never actually broken a bone, except for now,” Millie said in an Instagram video showing her sitting on a chair, by a crutch, with her leg in a black adjustable brace. “I have split my kneecap, so I, from the doctor’s orders, he told me to rest up and that means that I won’t be attending the MTV Awards this weekend.” The cast is nominated for Best On-Screen Team at the show. “I love them so dearly, so I wish you guys the best and I’m sending my luck with you and I’ll be there in spirit,” Millie said. “Love you guys so much and peace out.”... [Read Full Story]
Actress Chloe Dykstra described in a viral post that an ex-boyfriend became emotionally abusive and allegedly sexually assaulted her in the three years they dated. While she didn’t name the subject of her essay, it was widely assumed to be Chris Hardwick; who was widely known as an ex-boyfriend. Now Hardwick — the founder of Nerdist and “Talking Dead” host — has issued a statement seemingly confirming his identity in the essay, but denying that the abuse took place. During the relationship, Dykstra was “terrified” of upsetting Hardwick, she said, and allowed the alleged assault to continue because he “expected” her “to be ready for him when he came home from work.” Hardwick said in a statement that Dykstra’s accusations were “very serious” and “not to be taken lightly.” Hardwick denied all of Dykstra’s claims in his statement. “l was blindsided by her post and always wanted the best for her,” he wrote. “As a husband, a son, and future father, I do not condone any kind of mistreatment of women.”... [Read Full Story]
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown will finish out its current season after the death of Anthony Bourdain. The network’s award-winning original series is currently airing its 11th cycle, and the remaining two episodes will air as scheduled this Sunday and the following week on June 24, both at 9 p.m. CNN will also re-air its “Remembering Anthony Bourdain” tribute on Sunday at 8 p.m. The eight-episode season has followed Bourdain as he traveled the globe on food tours in Newfoundland, Uruguay, Armenia, Bhutan, Berlin, U.S. Cajun country and Hong Kong. The final two episodes feature Cajun Mardi Gras and Bhutan. Netflix also announced that it would continue to stream Parts Unknown, extending the series beyond its June 16 deadline. Bourdain took his own life in France last week. The chef and best-selling author was filming an upcoming episode of Parts Unknown when he was found unresponsive in his hotel room by friend and chef Eric Ripert. He was 61.
A sex crime allegation involving Sylvester Stallone dating back to the 1990s is being reviewed by the Los Angeles County prosecutors’ sex crimes task force. The case was forwarded by Santa Monica police, but they would not comment on whether it would be disqualified for filing because the statute of limitations has passed. Stallone through his lawyer has publicly denied committing any sex crime. Martin Singer, an attorney for the 71-year-old actor, first confirmed in December that a woman had filed a police report alleging a rape that occurred 27 years ago. “My client categorically disputes the claim,” Singer said in a statement at the time. Santa Monica police said in December that they were investigating a complaint against Stallone that was made in November 2017 of alleged sexual misconduct in the 1990s.... [Read Full Story]
Jamie Foxx is the latest Hollywood star to be accused of sexual assault, and he is calling the allegation “absurd.” A woman filed a report with the Las Vegas Police Department, claiming the Oscar-winning actor struck her in the face with his penis after she refused to perform oral sex on him at a party he was hosting in 2002. A statement was issued through his lawyer, Allison Hart, saying “Jamie emphatically denies that this incident ever occurred, and he will be filing a report with the Las Vegas Police Department against the woman for filing a false police report against him. The first time [Jamie] became aware of this woman’s absurd claims about an incident that supposedly occurred 16 years ago was when TMZ contacted his representatives [Tuesday] about this story. The alleged incident was not reported to law enforcement in 2002, or at any other time in the last 16 years until last Friday because the incident never happened.” ... [Read Full Story]
CBS has announced Paul McCartney will join James Corden for “Carpool Karaoke” during The Late Late Show’s upcoming London episodes. McCartney’s appearance on the popular segment has been rumored since he and Corden were spotted in Liverpool on June 9. While they tour around Liverpool in the segment, McCartney and Corden will sing a medley of the Fab One’s hits and some “brand new material,” according to CBS. McCartney has been hinting at releasing new music this year, mentioning on his website in January that he was “putting the finishing touches” on a new album, which would be his first since New in 2013. The Late Late Show’s London episodes will air the week of June 18.... [Read Full Story]
Avengers: Infinity War has officially crossed $2 billion at the global box office, becoming only the fourth film in history to do so. Disney announced Tuesday that Infinity War reached the milestone in its 48th day of release, with a domestic total of $656.1 million and an international total of $1.35 billion. The Marvel tentpole now stands as the fourth highest-grossing film of all time. Infinity War has been breaking records since it hit theaters on April 27; it earned the biggest domestic opening weekend of all time with $257.7 million, and also became the fastest film ever to hit $1 billion worldwide, doing so in only 11 days. Infinity War now stands as Marvel’s highest-grossing film ever. The as-yet-untitled Avengers 4 is scheduled to hit theaters May 3, 2019.... [Read Full Story]
Ariana Grande and “Saturday Night Live” cast member Pete Davidson are reportedly engaged after dating for only a few weeks, according to multiple outlets. Grande posted a cryptic tweet shortly after the news broke. “I love u sm [so much] ok bye,” she wrote, including multiple emojis of a monkey covering its eyes. The two, who both split with their respective partners in early May, made their relationship official last month. They’ve been posting on each other’s social media since then. “It’s a recent engagement. They’re just two people who found love quickly and make each other happy all the time,” a source close to the couple said. “They both started talking about it this past weekend. It’s nothing they’ve been hiding.” Grande’s and Davidson’s representatives have not commented or confirmed the news.... [Read Full Story]
“America’s Got Talent” 2008 winner Neal E. Boyd has passed away at the age of 42. Boyd died from heart failure at his mother’s home in Missouri on Sunday. According to multiple reports, Boyd’s mother found him unresponsive and called for help. He was pronounced dead after EMS arrived. No autopsy was done, according to the county coroner. The opera singer suffered from a health condition related to his heart. He also suffered from liver disease and kidney failure. Boyd developed a passion for opera music when he was in middle school. In 2009, after coming out on top on America’s Got Talent, Boyd released his debut album, “My American Dream.” The album debuted at number three on the Top Classical Albums chart.... [Read Full Story]
Jackson Odell, an actor and aspiring singer best known for appearing in the ABC sitcom “The Goldbergs,” died Friday at age 20. The coroner’s office said that the actor was found unresponsive on Friday in his room at a sober-living facility in the Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles, where he had been living. He had failed to attend a meeting that day. “The Odell family has lost our beloved son and brother,” Mr. Odell’s family said in a statement posted to his website. “He will always be a shining light and a brilliant, loving and talented soul. He had so much more to share.” Mr. Odell appeared as Ari Caldwell in several seasons of “The Goldbergs,” about a family in the 1980s, as well as on episodes of “Arrested Development” and “Modern Family.” An autopsy is pending to determine the cause of death, a spokesman for the coroner’s office said. ... [Read Full Story]
Vince Vaughn was arrested early on Sunday in the Los Angeles area for allegedly drunk driving and resisting arrest. The 48-year-old was stopped at a sobriety checkpoint just after 1 a.m. and taken into custody by Manhattan Beach police, reports say. He was booked into jail around 4 a.m. and charged with driving under the influence and for resisting, delaying or obstructing officers, according to police officials. An unidentified male passengers was also arrested on charges of obstructing officers and public intoxication. Vaughn’s bail was set at $5,000. Both he and his passenger were later released from custody. The actor’s mug shot was later released.... [Read Full Story]
Despite lackluster reviews, “Ocean’s 8,” the female-fronted reboot of the franchise, opened with an estimated $41.5 million at the box office, taking the weekend’s top spot from “Solo: A Star Wars Story.” Made for approximately $70 million, “Ocean’s 8”, featuring Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett and Anne Hathaway, set an opening-weekend best for the franchise. The three previous “Ocean’s” films — starring Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Matt Damon, based on the 1960 original “Ocean’s 11,” with Frank Sinatra — all debuted with between $36-39 million in the last decade. ... [Read Full Story]
Actor Val Kilmer is all set to reprise his role of fighter pilot Iceman in “Top Gun: Maverick”, the sequel to the hit 1986 action drama. The 58-year-old actor will join Tom Cruise in the sequel which recently started production. Kilmer had previously hinted in a Facebook post that he was offered a chance to star in the sequel. The original film, directed by Tony Scott, featured Cruise as a young naval aviator Pete “Maverick” Mitchell aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. The sequel will be directed by Joseph Kosinski, and will explore Maverick and his time in the modern military, as he tries to adjust in the world of drones and modern tech. The film is being produced by Jerry Bruckheimer for Jerry Bruckheimer Films and David Ellison for Skydance, and is expected to release in July next year.... [Read Full Story]
Reese Witherspoon took to social media to confirm “Legally Blonde 3” is in the works. “It’s true… #LegallyBlonde3,” she captioned and posted a short clip of herself floating past the camera on a blue lounger. The clip referenced Witherspoon’s sorority sister turned Harvard Law School student’s video application to the prestigious institution. Witherspoon, 42, first played Elle Woods in the 2001 comedy and reprised her role two years later for “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde.” The film was also made into a Broadway musical in 2007. ... [Read Full Story]
Four-time Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper and award-winning music superstar Lady Gaga debuted the trailer for the upcoming remake of “A Star is Born.” Gaga stars in her first leading role in a major motion picture, while Cooper marks his directorial debut. The cast of “A Star is Born” also includes Andrew DICE Clay, Dave Chappelle and Sam Elliott. In addition to playing the title role of Ally, Gaga performs original songs in the film, which she wrote with Cooper and a handful of artists, including Lukas Nelson, Jason Isbell and Mark Ronson. All the music is original and was recorded live. Check out the new trailer below! ... [Read Full Story]
Netflix’s controversial teen drama “13 Reasons Why” will return for a season 3. Production on the new season will resume later this year and is slated to premiere on Netflix in 2019. Like previous seasons, Season 3 of “13 Reasons Why” will consist of 13 episodes. However the series’ breakout star – Katherine Langford – will likely be missing the action. The 22-year-old actress shared an emotional goodbye to her character, Hannah Baker, on Instagram shortly after the Season 2 premiere. Selena Gomez and her mom, Mandy Teefey, will return as executive producers for the series – alongside series’ creator and show-runner Brian Yorkey. ... [Read Full Story]
