INSIDER
Sister of ex-Marine charged in subway chokehold death testifies to his 'calm' spirit and patriotism
Read full article: Sister of ex-Marine charged in subway chokehold death testifies to his 'calm' spirit and patriotismDefense attorneys began their defense of a former U.S. Marine charged with fatally choking a homeless man aboard a Manhattan subway by calling the defendant's older sister to the witness stand.
Remembering Quincy Jones: 10 career-spanning songs to celebrate his legacy
Read full article: Remembering Quincy Jones: 10 career-spanning songs to celebrate his legacyFew artists have legacies so mammoth their very name could be considered synonymous with the music industry, but then again, most musicians are not the prodigious producer Quincy Jones.
Riley Keough felt a duty to finish Lisa Marie Presley’s book on Elvis, grief, addiction and love
Read full article: Riley Keough felt a duty to finish Lisa Marie Presley’s book on Elvis, grief, addiction and loveRiley Keough, the daughter of Lisa Marie Presley, has faithfully completed her mother's memoir after her sudden death in 2023.
Linda Deutsch, AP trial writer who had a front row seat to courtroom history, dies at 80
Read full article: Linda Deutsch, AP trial writer who had a front row seat to courtroom history, dies at 80Linda Deutsch, a special correspondent for The Associated Press who for nearly 50 years wrote glittering first drafts of history for many of the nation’s most significant criminal and civil trials died Sunday.
Colman Domingo will play Joe Jackson in 'Michael,' the Michael Jackson biopic
Read full article: Colman Domingo will play Joe Jackson in 'Michael,' the Michael Jackson biopicFresh off his Oscar nomination, Colman Domingo has joined the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” to play the pop star’s domineering father, Joe Jackson.
On Offset's sophomore solo album, 'Set It Off,' the Migos member says he 'wanted to bring rap back'
Read full article: On Offset's sophomore solo album, 'Set It Off,' the Migos member says he 'wanted to bring rap back'On Friday, Migos rapper Offset released his ambitious second solo album, “Set It Off.”.
Deion Sanders heaps praise on his QB son Shedeur Sanders after comeback falls short vs. No. 8 USC
Read full article: Deion Sanders heaps praise on his QB son Shedeur Sanders after comeback falls short vs. No. 8 USCThe Colorado Buffaloes were facing their second straight blowout Saturday when they fell behind eighth-ranked USC 34-7 late in the first half at Folsom Field.
Jon Batiste goes galaxy-building with ambitious new album 'World Music Radio'
Read full article: Jon Batiste goes galaxy-building with ambitious new album 'World Music Radio'How do you top a five-time Grammy Award-winning album that had critics applauding its rich blend of R&B, hip-hop, swing, jazz and pop.
Clarence Avant, ‘Black Godfather' of entertainment, and benefactor of athletes and politicians, dies
Read full article: Clarence Avant, ‘Black Godfather' of entertainment, and benefactor of athletes and politicians, diesClarence Avant, the manager, entrepreneur, facilitator and adviser who helped launch or guide the careers of Quincy Jones, Bill Withers and many others and came to be known as the "Black Godfather" of entertainment and beyond has died at 92.
Michael Jackson's employees were not legally obligated to prevent sex abuse, lawyer argues in court
Read full article: Michael Jackson's employees were not legally obligated to prevent sex abuse, lawyer argues in courtA lawyer for the estate of Michael Jackson argued at a court hearing that employees of corporations owned by the pop star could not be legally obligated to protect children from him.
Gloria Estefan gets loud, Teddy Riley swings and Jeff Lynne rocks at Songwriters Hall induction
Read full article: Gloria Estefan gets loud, Teddy Riley swings and Jeff Lynne rocks at Songwriters Hall inductionGloria Estefan sang a medley of her hits, Post Malone sang one of his forgotten gems, Teddy Riley swayed to New Jack Swing and Jeff Lynne rocked out to “Mr. Blue Sky” at the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Grand jury indicts Daniel Penny in chokehold death of New York City subway rider Jordan Neely
Read full article: Grand jury indicts Daniel Penny in chokehold death of New York City subway rider Jordan NeelyA man charged with manslaughter for putting an agitated New York City subway rider in a fatal chokehold has been indicted.
Janet Jackson performs alongside YOLA at sold-out concert in Los Angeles on tour stop with Ludacris
Read full article: Janet Jackson performs alongside YOLA at sold-out concert in Los Angeles on tour stop with LudacrisJanet Jackson inserted some youthful spirit into her normally mature concert during a Saturday night tour stop in Los Angeles.
Jordan Neely, NYC subway rider choked to death, is mourned at Manhattan church
Read full article: Jordan Neely, NYC subway rider choked to death, is mourned at Manhattan churchMourners gathered at a Harlem church at the funeral of Jordan Neely, the man whose chokehold death on the New York City subway set off a debate about vigilantism, homelessness and public safety.
NYC Mayor Adams calls fatal subway chokehold 'tragedy that never should have happened'
Read full article: NYC Mayor Adams calls fatal subway chokehold 'tragedy that never should have happened'New York City Mayor Eric Adams says the death of Jordan Neely at the hands of a fellow subway rider was “a tragedy that never should have happened.”.
Charges in NYC chokehold death may hinge on 'reasonableness'
Read full article: Charges in NYC chokehold death may hinge on 'reasonableness'The potential criminal charges against a U.S. Marine veteran who put Jordan Neely in a fatal chokehold aboard a New York City subway train might depend on whether a “reasonable” New Yorker would have acted similarly.
Chokehold killed man restrained by NYC subway passengers
Read full article: Chokehold killed man restrained by NYC subway passengersA man who had been shouting at people aboard a New York City subway train died after fellow riders tackled him and one put him in a chokehold that lasted until his body went limp.
New this week: Brooke Shields, 'Grease' prequel and NF album
Read full article: New this week: Brooke Shields, 'Grease' prequel and NF albumThis week’s new entertainment releases include an album from Michigan rapper NF, a two-part documentary about Brooke Shields on Hulu, and Kathryn Hahn portraying a character inspired by writer Cheryl Strayed in the series “Tiny Beautiful Things.”.
Lisa Marie Presley, singer and daughter of Elvis, dies at 54
Read full article: Lisa Marie Presley, singer and daughter of Elvis, dies at 54Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of Elvis Presley and a singer-songwriter dedicated to her father’s legacy, died Thursday after being hospitalized for a medical emergency.
Rising scores on 2-pointer, No. 20 Utah tops No. 7 USC 43-42
Read full article: Rising scores on 2-pointer, No. 20 Utah tops No. 7 USC 43-42Cameron Rising threw for 415 yards, ran for three touchdowns and scampered up the middle for a go-ahead two-point conversion with 48 seconds left in No. 20 Utah’s 43-42 victory over No. 7 Southern California on Saturday night.
Broadway's 'MJ' gets a box office bump after the Tony Awards
Read full article: Broadway's 'MJ' gets a box office bump after the Tony Awards“MJ,” the hit-filled Broadway musical about the King of Pop, got a huge bump at the box office after nabbing four Tony Awards and getting valuable exposure in front of millions during its electric telecast performance.
Resentencing trial begins for suspect in kidnapping, robbery, murder case
Read full article: Resentencing trial begins for suspect in kidnapping, robbery, murder caseOpening statements and witness testimony began Thursday in the resentencing trial for one of the men sent to death row for kidnapping, robbing, and murdering a Jacksonville couple.
Jon Batiste tops Grammys; Silk Sonic soars, Rodrigo crowned
Read full article: Jon Batiste tops Grammys; Silk Sonic soars, Rodrigo crownedJon Batiste won album of the year honors for “We Are” at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, giving him five trophies on a night that saw the ’70s funk of Silk Sonic take record of the year and song of the year and newcomer Olivia Rodrigo take three awards.
New Dr. Seuss-inspired books to feature diverse creators
Read full article: New Dr. Seuss-inspired books to feature diverse creatorsSketches by Dr. Seuss that have never been published will see the light of day in a series of books being written and illustrated by a diverse group of up-and-coming authors and artists.
Ken Kragen, who helped organize 'We Are the World,' dies
Read full article: Ken Kragen, who helped organize 'We Are the World,' diesKen Kragen, a top entertainment producer, manager and philanthropist who turned to such clients as Lionel Richie and Kenny Rogers in helping to organize the 1985 all-star charity single “We Are the World,” has died.
Actor charged in riot almost talked way into staying in jail
Read full article: Actor charged in riot almost talked way into staying in jailAn actor charged with storming the Capitol as a member of the Oath Keepers nearly talked his way into remaining in jail after his former attorney told a judge that the actor was challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
'Hadestown' jumps ahead of pack to welcome Broadway patrons
Read full article: 'Hadestown' jumps ahead of pack to welcome Broadway patrons“Hadestown,” the brooding musical about the underworld, has set its Broadway reopening date on Sept. 2, jumping ahead of such megahits as “Hamilton” and “Wicked” to position itself as the first show to welcome audiences on Broadway since the pandemic.
Arrest warrant issued for man in Confederate monument theft
Read full article: Arrest warrant issued for man in Confederate monument theftPolice in Alabama have issued an arrest warrant for a man in connection with the bizarre theft of a Confederate monument that was taken from an Alabama cemetery and found in Louisiana.
Broadway readies imminent ticket sales for a fall reopening
Read full article: Broadway readies imminent ticket sales for a fall reopeningMany Broadway productions are scrambling to resume ticket sales in the coming days to welcome theater-goers this fall after city and state leaders have green-lit a reopening of the Great White Way at full capacity.
Paul Simon sells song catalog to Sony Music Publishing
Read full article: Paul Simon sells song catalog to Sony Music PublishingSony Music Publishing announced Wednesday, March. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – Paul Simon is the latest icon to sell his rich catalog of songs. Sony Music Publishing announced Wednesday that it has acquired Simon's catalog, which includes six decades of music, from his time in Simon & Garfunkel to his solo career. Ad“I’m pleased to have Sony Music Publishing be the custodian of my songs for the coming decades. Sony Music Publishing also represents catalogs by Motown, Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Carole King, Stevie Wonder, Queen, Ashford & Simpson, Leonard Cohen and more.
Cuomo crisis recalls Northam’s; supporters say no comparison
Read full article: Cuomo crisis recalls Northam’s; supporters say no comparisonFILE -This Monday March 15, 2021 file photo shows Virginia Gov. “#Cuomo is pulling a Northam,” tweeted veteran political analyst Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Like Cuomo, Northam initially faced nearly unanimous calls from his own party to resign after a scandal erupted over a racist photo in his medical school yearbook. “I don’t see any comparison," said state Sen. Richard Stuart, a Republican and personal friend of the Virginia governor. As for Northam, his senior political adviser Mark Bergman said: “He will never be running for office again."
Oprah’s deft royal interview shows why she’s still the queen
Read full article: Oprah’s deft royal interview shows why she’s still the queenIn this video grab issued Monday, March 8, 2021 by CBS This Morning, Oprah Winfrey discusses her interview with Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. "Oprah with Meghan and Harry: A CBS Primetime Special aired March 7. (CBS This Morning via AP)LOS ANGELES – There were royal victims and villains in Harry and Meghan’s tell-all — or tell enough — interview with Oprah Winfrey. But there was only one immediate and clear winner: the American media queen. She also explained the palace bureaucracy that dictates aspects of royal lives, aside from the wishes of the queen, something that U.S. viewers may be unfamiliar with.
6 Dr. Seuss books won't be published for racist images
Read full article: 6 Dr. Seuss books won't be published for racist images“Ceasing sales of these books is only part of our commitment and our broader plan to ensure Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ catalog represents and supports all communities and families," it said. Within hours of Tuesday's announcement, Dr. Seuss books filled more than half of the top 20 slots on Amazon.com's bestseller list. Ad“Research in recent years has revealed strong racial undertones in many books written/illustrated by Dr. Seuss,” the school district said in a statement. In 2018, a Dr. Seuss museum in his hometown of Springfield removed a mural that included an Asian stereotype. Dr. Seuss Enterprises, however, said it is “committed to listening and learning and will continue to review our entire portfolio."
New this week: 'Coming 2 America,' Camilo and a dragon movie
Read full article: New this week: 'Coming 2 America,' Camilo and a dragon movie(ABC/Paramount+/Amazon via AP)Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. MOVIES— Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall are back in Queens as Prince Akeem and Semmi in “Coming 2 America,” the sequel to the 1988 film, which is now coming straight to your living room Friday on Amazon Prime Video. Set to becoming the King of Zamunda, Murphy’s character returns to the U.S. to find a son he’s never met. Ad— A more family friendly streaming option this week is the Walt Disney Co.’s computer animated “Raya and the Last Dragon,” featuring the voices of “Star Wars’” Kelly Marie Tran as Raya and Awkwafina as a dragon. The big-voiced Grammy-winning singer self-produced “Baby, I’m Hollywood!” – which is a mix of soul music, piano ballads and funk sounds.
Paris Hilton says she was abused as teen at Utah school
Read full article: Paris Hilton says she was abused as teen at Utah schoolParis Hilton wipes her eyes after speaking at a committee hearing at the Utah State Capitol, Monday, Feb. 8, 2021, in Salt Lake City. Hilton has been speaking out about abuse she says she suffered at a boarding school in Utah in the 1990s and she testified in front of state lawmakers weighing new regulations for the industry. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)SALT LAKE CITY – Paris Hilton testified about abuse she says she suffered years ago at a boarding school in Utah, as she lobbied Monday for a bill seeking to regulate the state’s troubled teen industry. The socialite and reality TV star also spoke about the abuse in a documentary titled “This is Paris” that was released this fall. A statement on the school website says the previous owners sold the school in 2000.
The Weeknd vows to tone it down for his Super Bowl show
Read full article: The Weeknd vows to tone it down for his Super Bowl showThis photo provided by the NFL shows singer The Weekend speaking at the halftime press conference ahead of the Super Bowl 55 football game, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (Perry Knotts/NFL via AP)The Weeknd may be known for his graphic music videos and performances featuring blood and violence, but the three-time Grammy winner says he will tone down his act during the Super Bowl halftime show. The pop star said he will “keep it PG” during his headliner slot on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium as the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, Florida. The 2021 Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show will be different this year due to the pandemic and The Weeknd said he will use different parts of the stadium, the field and a “little bit" of the famously massive pirate ship. AdWhen asked for his favorite Super Bowl halftime show, The Weeknd cited Diana Ross' 1996 performance. The Weeknd, whose real name is, Abel Tesfaye, joins a list of celebrated musicians who have played during Super Bowl halftime shows, including Madonna, Beyoncé, Coldplay, Katy Perry, U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson and last year’s duo of Shakira and Jennifer Lopez.
Larry King, broadcasting giant for half-century, dies at 87
Read full article: Larry King, broadcasting giant for half-century, dies at 87King died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, his production company, Ora Media, tweeted. In its early years, “Larry King Live” was based in Washington, which gave the show an air of gravitas. “Do you know who I am?”“Always loved Larry King and will miss him,” Seinfeld tweeted Saturday. Originating from Washington on the Mutual network, “The Larry King Show” was eventually heard on more than 300 stations and made King a national phenomenon. “Larry King Live” debuted on June 1, 1985, and became CNN’s highest-rated program.
Rape charges denied by lawyer for '70s Show' actor Masterson
Read full article: Rape charges denied by lawyer for '70s Show' actor MastersonAttorney Tom Mesereau entered the plea for the 44-year-old actor, who was not in court, to three charges of rape by force or fear. Prosecutors allege that he raped a 23-year-old woman sometime in 2001, a 28-year-old woman in April of 2003, and a 23-year-old woman between October and December of 2003, all at his Hollywood Hills home. Defense lawyer Tom Mesereau entered the plea for Masterson, who was not present in court, to three charges of rape by force or fear in Los Angeles County Superior Court. All of the alleged rapes happened at his Hollywood Hills home. The alleged rapes happened at the height of Masterson’s fame as he starred as Steven Hyde on Fox TV's retro sitcom “That ’70s Show” from 1998 to 2006 alongside Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis and Topher Grace.
Sidelined 'Mean Girls' musical won't reopen on Broadway
Read full article: Sidelined 'Mean Girls' musical won't reopen on BroadwayFILE - The cast of "Mean Girls" performs at the 72nd annual Tony Awards on June 10, 2018, in New York. (Photo by Michael Zorn/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – Producers of the Broadway musical “Mean Girls” have decided not to restart when authorities allow theaters to reopen in New York City, the second and likely not last established show to be a casualty of COVID-19 on the Great White Way. “We remain excited to bring this musical to the big screen, relaunch the tour and prepare for a London production,” said “Saturday Night Live” and “Mean Girls” producer Lorne Michaels in a statement. Broadway theaters abruptly closed on March 12, knocking out all shows, including 16 that were still scheduled to open. Late May is the earliest Broadway will reopen, according to the Broadway League.
Neil Young becomes latest artist to sell stake in his songs
Read full article: Neil Young becomes latest artist to sell stake in his songsFILE - In this May 25, 2019, file photo, Neil Young performs at the BottleRock Napa Valley Music Festival at Napa Valley Expo in Napa, Calif. Young has become the latest artist to strike gold with his song catalog. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – Neil Young has become the latest musician to strike gold with his song catalogue, selling a 50 percent stake in his music to a British investment company in a deal announced on Wednesday. Merck Mercuriadis, founder of Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited, said that he bought his first Neil Young album when he was seven years old. “Neil Young, or at least his music, has been my friend . In the song, Young sang: “Ain't singin' for Pepsi, ain't singin' for Coke.
Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch sold to billionaire
Read full article: Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch sold to billionaireFILE - This Dec. 17, 2004, file photo shows the rear entrance to pop star Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch home in Santa Ynez, Calif. Jacksons Neverland Ranch has found a new owner in billionaire businessman Ron Burkle. Burkles spokesman said in an email Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020, that Burkle bought the 2,700-acre property near Santa Barbara, California. LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch in California has found a new owner in billionaire businessman Ron Burkle. The asking price of the property was $100 million in 2016 then dropped to $67 million a year later. Other features on the ranch are a “Disney-style” train station, a fire house and barn.
Appeals court sends 'Leaving Neverland' fight to arbitration
Read full article: Appeals court sends 'Leaving Neverland' fight to arbitration(AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File)PASADENA, Calif. – A federal appeals court ruled Monday that a lawsuit filed by the Michael Jackson estate over an HBO documentary about two of the late pop star's sex abuse accusers can go forward in private arbitration. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with two lower courts and ruled in favor of the Jackson estate in its decision on “Leaving Neverland." Unless there are further appeals, the case will go to a private arbitrator, which the Jackson estate argued was required by the 1992 contract at the center of the lawsuit. HBO has also more generally defended “Leaving Neverland” as a valid and important piece of documentary journalism. “Leaving Neverland” director Dan Reed has been filming the hearings in those cases for a follow-up documentary.
‘Dark Knight,’ ‘Grease’ added to National Film Registry
Read full article: ‘Dark Knight,’ ‘Grease’ added to National Film RegistryThis image released by the Library of Congress shows Heath Ledger, left, and Christian Bale in a scene from the 2008 film "The Dark Knight." The film was added to the National Film Registry. (Warner Bros.-Library of Congress via AP)LOS ANGELES – This year's inductees into the National Film Registry include a record number of female directors and filmmakers of color as well as a new crop of movies ranging from a silent short film thriller, classic musicals and an acclaimed Batman film. The national library said this year’s selections include a record nine films directed by women and filmmakers of color. Christopher Nolan’s 2008 Batman film “The Dark Knight” was a blockbuster and the top public vote-getter.
The Dylan catalog, a 60-year rock 'n' roll odyssey, is sold
Read full article: The Dylan catalog, a 60-year rock 'n' roll odyssey, is soldUniversal Music Publishing Group is buying legendary singer Bob Dylans entire catalog of songs. The Nobel Prize-winning songwriter has sold publishing rights to his catalog of more than 600 songs, one of the greatest treasures in popular music, to the Universal Music Publishing Group, it was announced on Monday. Tambourine Man,” Jimi Hendrix’s reworking of “All Along the Watchtower” and Adele’s cover of “Make You Feel My Love.”Events have conspired to make song publishing a more valuable asset. Given the pace of change in the industry, “songs seem to be the place to place your bets,” Light said. Dylan's songs, however, will long outlive him.
Taraji P. Henson tells New Jack Swing backstory in podcast
Read full article: Taraji P. Henson tells New Jack Swing backstory in podcastLOS ANGELES – Taraji P. Henson remembered wearing her favorite outfit to a music festival where some of the biggest New Jack Swing tunes were being performed from Bell Biv Devoe’s “Poison” to Tony! Tone!’s “Feels Good.”At the time, Henson had no clue about the backstory behind the music era, which made its mark in the ’80s and ’90s. I was enjoying the music,” said Henson, who serves as a producer of the six-part series, which airs Tuesdays. The series examines the “rise and eventual fall” of the New Jack Swing movement. “I didn’t think of her as an audio actress, but she’s just great at it.”Through the podcast, Henson wants the New Jack Swing story to be turned into a film.
The Weeknd to headline the Pepsi Super Bowl halftime show
Read full article: The Weeknd to headline the Pepsi Super Bowl halftime showThe NFL, Pepsi and Roc Nation announced Thursday, Nov. 12 that the three-time Grammy winner will perform at the 2021 Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show on Feb. 7 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP, File)LOS ANGELES – The Weeknd will bring his popular falsetto vocals to the 2021 Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show. “We all grow up watching the world’s biggest acts playing the Super Bowl and one can only dream of being in that position,” the singer said in a statement. This is an extraordinary moment in time and the Pepsi Super Bowl LV Halftime Show is going to be an extraordinary experience with an extraordinary performer.”Roc Nation and Emmy-nominated producer Jesse Collins will serve as co-executive producers of the halftime show. “We are thrilled to have The Weeknd join us in Tampa Bay on the Pepsi Halftime Stage,” said Brian Rolapp, the NFL’s chief media and business officer.
In Brazil, a parrot puppeteer’s death stirs the nation
Read full article: In Brazil, a parrot puppeteer’s death stirs the nationPuppeteer Tom Veiga suffered a stroke caused by an aneurysm at his home in Rio de Janeiro, at age 47. “It’s really like a mom who loses a son, a companion.”Her homage reflects in part why “Mais Voce” became so popular. On Monday's broadcast, “Mais Voce” shared tear-filled tributes to Veiga from about two dozen of his friends and colleagues at the network. Globo didn't immediately respond to a request for comment about whether it plans to find a new actor to bring Louro José to life. “Thank you for everything Louro José, Tom Veiga,” one Twitter user identifying as Lia Carioca said.
Paris Jackson mines her heartache for solo debut album
Read full article: Paris Jackson mines her heartache for solo debut albumParis Jackson poses for a portrait in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Oct. 27, 2020, to promote her debut solo album "Wilted," releasing on Nov. 13. Her new single Let Down drops Friday, Oct. 30. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)NEW YORK – It started in her bedroom with just a guitar, but Paris Jackson has turned coping with the heartache after a recent breakup into her debut solo album. “You were my all/And now I fall to the ground,” she sings on her new single “Let Down,” which drops Friday. When asked what he might think of her music, Jackson demurs.
Halloween goes on at the White House with a few twists
Read full article: Halloween goes on at the White House with a few twistsPresident Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump greet trick-or-treaters on the South Lawn during a Halloween celebration at the White House, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020 in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)WASHINGTON – With a bit of rejiggering, President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump played host Sunday to hundreds of superheroes, unicorns, skeletons and even a miniature version of themselves as part of a Halloween celebration at the White House. In years past, the president and first lady personally handed out candy to the costume-clad kids. The same went for all White House personnel working the event, while any staff giving out candy also wore gloves. The South Portico of the White House was decorated with bright-colored leaves in various shades of autumn, chrysanthemums and pumpkins, while a military band set the mood by playing songs such as Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”
Lawsuit of Michael Jackson sexual abuse accuser dismissed
Read full article: Lawsuit of Michael Jackson sexual abuse accuser dismissedLOS ANGELES – A judge has dismissed the lawsuit of one of two men who alleged that Michael Jackson abused them as boys in the HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland." Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Mark A. “We are pleased that the court dismissed Mr. Safechuck’s case by ruling that he had no grounds to pursue such a lawsuit,” Jackson estate attorneys Howard Weitzman and Jonathan Steinsapir said in a statement. A judge dismissed it in 2017, but an appeals court revived it early this year after California Gov. The similar lawsuit of Safechuck's fellow accuser and “Leaving Neverland” subject Wade Robson, which was also revived by the appeals court, remains alive.
Guitars played, partly made by Eddie Van Halen go to auction
Read full article: Guitars played, partly made by Eddie Van Halen go to auctionBEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – Two guitars owned, played and partly designed by the late Eddie Van Halen will be going up for auction. Both guitars were hand-striped by Van Halen in the familiar style of most of his guitars dating back to the first Van Halen album in 1978. Each of the guitars is expected to fetch between $60,000 and $80,000. The guitar legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer died of cancer on Oct. 6 at age 65. “As we were preparing for our annual ‘Icons & Idols: Rock and Roll’ auction lineup, we were stunned to hear the sad news of Eddie Van Halen’s passing last week,” Julien’s Auction’s president Darren Julien said in a statement.
Paris Hilton protest calls for closure of Utah school
Read full article: Paris Hilton protest calls for closure of Utah schoolParis Hilton speaks before leading a protest Friday, Oct. 9, 2020, in Provo, Utah. Hilton was in Utah Friday to lead a protest outside a boarding school where she alleges she was abused physically and mentally by staff when she was a teenager. Hilton, now 39, went public with the allegations in a new documentary and wants a school that she says left her with nightmares and insomnia for years to be shut down. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Paris Hilton protest calls for closure of Utah school
Read full article: Paris Hilton protest calls for closure of Utah schoolParis Hilton speaks before leading a protest Friday, Oct. 9, 2020, in Provo, Utah. Hilton was in Utah Friday to lead a protest outside a boarding school where she alleges she was abused physically and mentally by staff when she was a teenager. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)PROVO, Utah – Paris Hilton has been speaking out about abuse she said she suffered at a boarding school in Utah, and on Friday she took her push nearly to the school’s front doors. When she was 17, Hilton was finally sent to what she describes as “the worst of the worst”: Provo Canyon School in Utah. Hilton and others at the protest vowed to push forward until all schools that mistreat youth are shut down.
Tony Award nominations to be announced Oct. 15
Read full article: Tony Award nominations to be announced Oct. 15NEW YORK – Nominations for this year's Tony Awards have been set for Oct. 15, pitting 18 eligible shows in competition for 26 competitive categories in a coronavirus-shortened season. James Monroe Iglehart will announce the nominations on the Tony Awards' YouTube Channel at noon ET. The Tony Awards Nominating Committee will meet Tuesday to vote on this year’s nominations. That left the following productions eligible for 2020 Tony Award nominations:“Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune,” “Moulin Rouge! Producers, citing health and city authorities, have three times extended the Broadway shutdown, currently until at least early January.