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Paula sues 'American Idol' producer over sexual assault
Rtv news
31 Dec 2023, 23:15
The American singer, dancer and talent show judge Paula Abdul is suing the British television executive Nigel Lythgoe over alleged sexual assault, according to US media.
Abdul filed a lawsuit on Friday in Los Angeles County, claiming multiple instances of assault while the pair worked together on the hit shows American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance.
Lythgoe was an executive producer of the Fox singing talent show and a co-judge on the latter.
Abdul has not publicly commented on the case and did not respond to requests for comment from various media organisations.
In the lawsuit, Abdul alleges the first instance of assault happened during “one of the first seasons” of American Idol in the early 2000s while she and her boss were on the road for regional auditions, entertainment news website TMZ reported.
Abdul claims Lythgoe assaulted her in a lift at their hotel, but that she was able to escape when the doors opened. She says she immediately informed her representatives from her hotel room, before deciding to keep quiet about the incident, fearing she could be sacked. The lawsuit reportedly claims that another incident of assault occurred more than a decade later, during what Abdul thought was a professional meeting at Lythgoe’s Los Angeles home, where he allegedly forced himself on her and told her they would make an “excellent power couple”.
According to reports, Abdul responded by pushing him off and explaining that she was not interested, before leaving.
Abdul reportedly claims she witnessed Lythgoe assault one of his assistants that same year in Las Vegas, during the filming of So You Think You Can Dance.
The lawsuit also claims Lythgoe “taunted” Abdul by calling her and telling her that the pair should celebrate because it had been “seven years and the statute of limitations had run [out]”.
On Sunday, Lythgoe said: “To say that I am shocked and saddened by the allegations made against me by Paula Abdul is a wild understatement. For more than two decades, Paula and I have interacted as dear – and entirely platonic – friends and colleagues. Yesterday, however, out of the blue, I learned of these claims in the press and I want to be clear: not only are they false, they are deeply offensive to me and to everything I stand for.
“While Paula’s history of erratic behaviour is well known, I can’t pretend to understand exactly why she would file a lawsuit that she must know is untrue. But I can promise that I will fight this appalling smear with everything I have.”
Abdul is reportedly suing Lythgoe – and the shows’ production companies 19 Entertainment, FremantleMedia North America, American Idol Productions and Dance Nation Productions – for sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, gender violence and negligence.
Lythgoe was reportedly fired from American Idol in 2013 after 12 years as a producer on the show.
According to US media, the court filing states that Abdul has remained silent for years due to “fear of speaking out against one of the most well-known producers of television competition shows who could easily break her career”, as well as professional contracts that “prohibited” her disclosing “anything that might be deemed confidential business information” or “derogatory”.
The lawsuit was reportedly filed under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act, which, since it came into effect a year ago, has allowed people to bring legal action in cases of sexual assault, even after the statute of limitations has expired.
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Oscar-winning Oppenheimer finally premieres in Japan
Highly acclaimed movie Oppenheimer has gone on show in Japanese movie theaters, many months after its release elsewhere. The story of the architect of the atomic bomb is particularly sensitive in the country.
"Oppenheimer," the winner of the Oscars Best Picture award, was finally shown in Japanese cinemas on Friday, where the subject of the creation of the atomic bomb remains a highly charged and emotional subject.
Director Christopher Nolan's blockbuster hit the big screens in the United States and other countries in July at the same time as "Barbie" — prompting a viral phenomenon dubbed "Barbenheimer" by movie buffs.
But while the famous doll's movie premiered in Japan in August, "Oppenheimer" has been conspicuously absent from the country's cinemas for months.
Why was the release date so late?
No official explanation was offered, fueling speculation that the film was too controversial to be shown in Japan, the only country to fall victim to the bomb conceived by J. Robert Oppenheimer.
Some 140,000 people died in Hiroshima and 74,000 in Nagasaki when the United States dropped atomic bombs on the cities in 1945, days before the end of World War II.
In a huge cinema in central Tokyo where Christopher Nolan's film was being screened on Friday, there was no trace of the usual promotional posters for such a global phenomenon.
The movie, which had a budget of 100 million dollars, but grossed almost a billion at the box office, was advertised with only a small poster.
The story of physicist Robert Oppenheimer garnered rave reviews and a multitude of awards, winning the most at the Oscars with seven statuettes.
The accolades included best film, best director and best actor for Cillian Murphy, who played Oppenheimer.
How was the film received in Japan?
In Hiroshima, the city devastated by the first nuclear bomb, the movie's success generated mixed feelings.
The city has been reborn into a vibrant metropolis of 1.2 million people, but the ruins of a domed building remain standing as a stark reminder of the horror.
Kyoko Heya, president of Hiroshima's international film festival, told the AFP news agency after the Oscars ceremony that she found Nolan's film "very American-centric."
"Is this really a movie that the people of Hiroshima can endure?" she said. However, upon reflection, Heya said she wants "a lot of people to see the movie."
"I would like to see Hiroshima, Nagasaki and atomic weapons become topics of discussion thanks to this film," she said.
In Japanese media, critics point out that the film does not show the damage caused by those bombs.
‘Gen V’ actor Chance Perdomo dies at 27 in bike accident
Actor Chance Perdomo, known for his roles in ‘The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ and ‘Gen V’, has died at age 27 following a motorcycle accident.
Actor Chance Perdomo, who worked in ‘The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ and ‘Gen V’, died after a bike accident at the age of 27.
The news was confirmed by Perdomo’s publicist through a statement. It read, “On behalf of the family and his representatives, it is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Chance Perdomo’s untimely passing as a result of a motorcycle accident. Authorities have advised that no other individuals were involved. His passion for the arts and insatiable appetite for life were felt by all who knew him, and his warmth will carry on in those whom he loved dearest. We ask to please respect the family’s wish for privacy as they mourn the loss of their beloved son and brother.”
The producers of ‘Gen V’, which is a spinoff of ‘The Boys’, also mourned Perdomo’s untimely death. They released a joint statement which read, “We can’t quite wrap our heads around this. For those of us who knew him and worked with him, Chance was always charming and smiling, an enthusiastic force of nature, an incredibly talented performer, and more than anything else, just a very kind, lovely person. Even writing about him in the past tense doesn’t make sense. We are so sorry for Chance’s family, and we are grieving the loss of our friend and colleague. Hug your loved ones tonight.”
Perdomo played Ambrose Spellman in Netflix’s ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ and Andre Anderson in ‘The Boys’ spinoff series, ‘Gen V’.
Source: India Today
Salman Khan-Karan Johar’s ‘The Bull’ not shelved
Karan Johar's film with Salman Khan, 'The Bull', is set to start production in 2025 after rumors of it being shelved. It is based on the events of Operation Cactus.
Karan Johar’s film with Salman Khan, titled ‘The Bull’ is all set to go on floors in 2025. Rumours had been doing the rounds that the film has been shelved. However, IndiaToday.In exclusively learnt that the film has not been shelved, and the writing is currently underway.
Sources told India Today that ‘The Bull’ will most likely go on floors in 2025. The film has gone back to the writing room and the script is being worked up, which is why there is a delay. Earlier, it was supposed to go on floors this year and it was eyeing Eid 2025 release.
‘The Bull’ is based on the events of Operation Cactus, on November 3, 1988, where the Indian forces helped the Maldives government in regaining control after a coup attempt. Given the current status between India and Maldives, the film is being sensitised to political equations and written with a fresh perspective.
Earlier, reports started circulating that ‘The Bull’ had hit the roadblock because Karan Johar and director Vishuvardhan were unable to commit a date for the film.
‘The Bull’ will mark Salman Khan and Karan Johar’s reunion after 25 years. It will be directed by Vishnuvardhan, who had earlier directed Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani-starrer ‘Shershaah’.
Source: India Toady
Taylor Swift joins world's richest on billionaire list
Taylor Swift has joined Elon Musk as ranking among the world's wealthiest people, according to a new rich list.
The American pop star entered the Forbes World's Billionaires List for the first time with $1.1bn (£877m), along with Sam Altman, creator of the AI chatbot ChatGPT on $1bn (£800m).
LVMH French luxury goods titan Bernard Arnault and his family topped the chart with an estimated $233bn (£185bn).
Forbes said there were a record 2,781 billionaires for 2024.
The figure is 141 more than last year and 26 more than the previous record set in 2021. Forbes added the elite were richer than ever - with a collective wealth of $14.2tn (£11.3tn).
Singer-songwriter Swift entered the rich list after achieving megastar status. She stole the show at this year's Grammy Awards, becoming the first performer to win the prize for album of the year four times.
Her album 1989 (Taylor's Version) was also the best-selling vinyl LP of last year.
Swift's success is not just confined to the world of music. Her mere presence at American football games to watch her boyfriend Travis Kelce has been credited with raising NFL viewing figures.
After Frenchman Mr Arnault and his family, Mr Musk, the owner of Tesla and X, formerly Twitter, is listed second, with an estimated net worth of $195bn (£155bn).
He is followed in third by Amazon owner Jeff Bezos.
Musk's riches are up 8% from last year but down on his net worth in November 2021, when he became the first person ever to be worth $300bn (£239bn).
Also joining Forbes's list is basketball legend Magic Johnson with wealth of $1.2bn (£950m) and TV producer Dick Wolf, behind the US Law and Order and Chicago PD series, also on $1.2bn.
Chase Peterson-Withorn, senior editor on wealth for Forbes, said it had been an "amazing" year for the world's richest people.
"A record-breaking 14 centi-billionaires have 12-figure fortunes. Even during times of financial uncertainty for many, the super-rich continue to thrive," he added.
The $100bn Club
Forbes said the class of billionaires for 2024 were 255% richer than a decade ago, now worth $2tn (£1.59tn) in all, meaning just 0.5% of the world's 2,781 billionaires hold 14% of all billionaire wealth.
Geographically, the US still has more billionaires than any other country, with a record 813 on the list. China remains second, followed by India.
In the UK, hedge fund manager Michael Platt is the richest person, followed by part-owner of Manchester United Sir Jim Ratcliffe and inventor Sir James Dyson.
Source: BBC
'We Live in Time' director calls Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh 'extraordinary'
In a recent interview, director John Crowley praised his leads, Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh, for their performances in 'We Live in Time'. He highlighted the chemistry between the two actors and described their performances as thrilling. The film is currently in post-production.
Director John Crowley, in a recent interview, raved about and praised Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh - his leads for 'We Live in Time'. John is well-known for his work in 'Boy A' and 'Brooklyn', is all set for the upcoming film. The film, which is currently in post-production, marks his reunion with actor Andrew Garfield after a gap of 15 years. The film also features actor Florence Pugh.
In a recent interview on the UCC Talking Pictures podcast, Crowley spoke highly of the chemistry between Garfield and Pugh in the film. He mentioned that while Garfield has grown significantly in his craft over the years, Pugh, despite being relatively new in her career, has shown immense fearlessness.
He said, "It was a blast. And you know, it's sort of 15 years or something 16 years since I worked with Andrew, and so much that he's done so much in his work in that time, both on film and on stage. And he's still the same creature he was but, craft wise, you know, he's very, very sophisticated. He developed how he works, which is incredible to see, and a gift on set. And Florence is earlier in our in her career, but it's like, it's like watching a rocket man or something when she's just fearless."
Source: India Today
The Lion King' prequel released
The first look of the much-awaited prequel to 'The Lion King', 'Mufasa: The Lion King', has been released. The film delves into the origins of the iconic Disney character, Mufasa.
The live-action film 'Mufasa: The Lion King' by Barry Jenkins has revealed its first look. The prequel to the 2019 blockbuster hit, 'The Lion King', shared the first glimpse of Mufasa on a rock on Thursday, over two years since the title poster was released. The film aims to explore the backstory of Mufasa and his relationship with his brother, Scar.
Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. are the voices of Mufasa and Scar, respectively. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Jeremy Irons will also provide supporting roles to unidentified characters. Billy Eichner will voice Timon, the meerkat, and John Kani will lend his voice for Rafiki, the baboon. Seth Rogen will voice Pumbaa, the warthog.
The film is a notable addition to the 'The Lion King' franchise, which is one of the most iconic and well-received animated movies, grossing over $960 million. The film arrives five years after the 2019 live-action remake, which, despite mixed reviews, grossed over $1 billion worldwide.
Attendees at D23 Expo 2022 got a sneak peek of the film, showcasing Mufasa's early life as an orphaned cub in a harsh desert before his journey to Pride Rock. 'Mufasa: The Lion King' marks Jenkins' third directorial venture after 'Moonlight' and 'If Beale Street Could Talk' and is set to release on December 20.
Source: India Today
ABBA: Unexpected success story that started 50 years ago
On March 6, 1974, the Swedish pop band ABBA won the 19th Eurovision Song Contest, held in the English seaside resort of Brighton. Nobody expected the five strangely dressed Swedes with a song about Napoleon to win.
The bookies had put their money on British singer Olivia Newton-John. She was already a star at the time and the clear favorite. Singer Gigliola Cinquetti, who had already lifted the trophy for Italy in 1964, was also given good odds. But Sweden? The country had never won the competition before, and nobody believed it would. The band ABBA was unknown outside their home country. Their previous attempt to win Eurovision the year before with the song "Ring Ring" was thwarted when they failed to advance past the preliminary round. But in 1974, the stars aligned for them: At the "Melodifestivalen," as the Swedish preliminary round is called, the quartet won with "Waterloo" and was allowed to travel to England to represent Sweden. The rest is music history.
Napoleon's Waterloo reinterpreted as a love song
Thirty-two countries participated in the event, at that time still known as the "Grand Prix Eurovision de la Chanson." When ABBA's performance was announced as the eighth of a total of 17 that evening, a man dressed as Napoleon walked out on stage. His name was Sven-Olof Walldoff, and he was to conduct the song that would make ABBA famous. He was followed by Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Faltskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad — not in historical costume, but in glittery clothes, velvet pants and dizzyingly high platform shoes.
Their song was written by the band's manager, Stig Anderson. He hummed it to Ulvaeus and Andersson over the phone and they composed the music for it in the isolation of the island of Viggso. It's about love, and surrendering to it the way the French commander Napoleon capitulated at the Battle of Waterloo. In addition to this song, the band also considered the track "Hasta Manana" to be a promising Eurovision entry. But Stig was against it "Just leave it to me to decide which song we take," he allegedly said to Ulvaeus and Andersson. "If it goes wrong, you can kill me afterwards." There was no murder. On the contrary: Abba won the competition with 24 points, ahead of Italy with 18.
Betting to win
For Anderson, the victory was not the most important goal. He was most concerned with introducing ABBA to a television audience of some 500 million people, and to sell a lot of records. Still, he was optimistic and even bet 120 British pounds that his group would win.
"Waterloo" lasted no longer than two minutes and 45 seconds. And 90 minutes later, ABBA were the winners of the Grand Prix. But the presentation of the award was delayed when an usher refused to let Ulvaeus on stage, unable to believe that this man in a strange glittery outfit was actually a contestant. The Swede later found the confusion understandable, saying, "no one ever got onstage dressed as badly and ugly as we were."
'Waterloo' storms the charts
Immediately after the contest in Brighton, "Waterloo" was released as a single in 54 countries and reached the top ten in almost 20 of them. In Germany and the UK, it became the first of many ABBA singles to hit number one. The song was recorded in Swedish, English, German and French and the single sold more than 5 million copies. In 2004, the song even reached number 20 on the British charts when it was re-released for its 30th anniversary. And on October 22, 2005, "Waterloo" was voted "best song in the history of the competition" at the 50th Eurovision Song Contest.
ABBA forever — even virtually
Benny Andersson later said the Swedes were at first dismissed as a one-hit wonder whose fame would soon fade. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In the ensuing 50 years, ABBA has sold 400 million records, landed 17 number-one hits — such as "The Winner Takes It All," "Dancing Queen," "Thank You For The Music" and "Gimme, Gimme, Gimme" — opened their own dedicated museum, and produced "Mamma Mia!," a successful stage musical for more than 20 years now. It was also adapted into a hit movie.
The fact that the band actually broke up in 1982 has done nothing to dampen their success. For decades, fans hoped for a reunion, and the quartetfinally obliged in 2021 with the album "Voyage" and a virtual reality concert show featuring their digitally-produced "Abbatars." And of course, the set list for the show included — what else? — "Waterloo."
