Lee Daniels’ TV series Empire ran for six seasons on Fox, but the director has confirmed that the behind-the-scenes process wasn’t his favorite. In a new interview with The Film Stage, Daniels confirmed he “only did Empire just so I could see what that experience was like.”
As it turned out, it wasn’t great, with Daniels describing the making of Empire as “horrible.” He added, “Absolutely the worst experience. Horrible! But guess what? Fucking that money, money, money! I was able to put my kids through college and shit.
As it turned out, it wasn’t great, with Daniels describing the making of Empire as “horrible.” He added, “Absolutely the worst experience. Horrible! But guess what? Fucking that money, money, money! I was able to put my kids through college and shit.
- 9/5/2024
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
Since Olivia Colman is a Best Comedy Guest Actress Emmy nominee this year for “The Bear,” it’s a great time to look back to 2021, when “The Crown” swept the drama field for Best Series, directing, writing, and all four acting categories.
While most of the wins in the drama field were correctly predicted in our Gold Derby odds, the biggest surprise of the night was Colman winning Best Drama Actress for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II on “The Crown” over co-star Emma Corrin, who was favored to win for their portrayal of Diana, Princess of Wales. Colman was fourth in our odds, which made her the night’s biggest acting upset. So how did she win? Let’s look at five reasons why the actress pulled off a royal upset.
See Watch our lively chats with hundreds of 2024 Emmy contenders
1. “The Crown” swept the major categories:
“The Crown...
While most of the wins in the drama field were correctly predicted in our Gold Derby odds, the biggest surprise of the night was Colman winning Best Drama Actress for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II on “The Crown” over co-star Emma Corrin, who was favored to win for their portrayal of Diana, Princess of Wales. Colman was fourth in our odds, which made her the night’s biggest acting upset. So how did she win? Let’s look at five reasons why the actress pulled off a royal upset.
See Watch our lively chats with hundreds of 2024 Emmy contenders
1. “The Crown” swept the major categories:
“The Crown...
- 8/29/2024
- by Jack Mahanes
- Gold Derby
Five years after Jussie Smollett‘s alleged hate crime hoax, Lee Daniels is open to working with the actor again.
The Academy Award nominee said that Smollett “was a son” to him after working together on his hit Fox series Empire, which ran for six seasons from 2015 to 2020, and Daniels would “work with him again.”
“I’d cast him in something,” said Daniels on iHeart Radio’s The Breakfast Club. “He was a son to me. And he also represented me. And he also represented the movement that I tried to start, which I didn’t know I was starting.
He added, “I was so busy, worried about Cookie’s hat and the music that we were playing [on Empire], this was before Insecure, this was before Black Panther. We started it. I was so worried about getting everything right that I didn’t know what was happening in the zeitgeist.”
After...
The Academy Award nominee said that Smollett “was a son” to him after working together on his hit Fox series Empire, which ran for six seasons from 2015 to 2020, and Daniels would “work with him again.”
“I’d cast him in something,” said Daniels on iHeart Radio’s The Breakfast Club. “He was a son to me. And he also represented me. And he also represented the movement that I tried to start, which I didn’t know I was starting.
He added, “I was so busy, worried about Cookie’s hat and the music that we were playing [on Empire], this was before Insecure, this was before Black Panther. We started it. I was so worried about getting everything right that I didn’t know what was happening in the zeitgeist.”
After...
- 8/21/2024
- by Glenn Garner
- Deadline Film + TV
Jussie Smollett declared he was weary of trying to explain away his past troubles while Denzel Washington foreshadowed an impending break from being in front of the camera during the just-wrapped American Black Film Festival, which also brought out stars including Issa Rae, Kenya Barris and Kerry Washington.
The festival, held in Miami Beach’s South Beach, served as a launching pad for ABFF’s Queer Lens Brunch with GLAAD, featuring Smollett on a panel promoting his second feature, The Lost Holliday, an official festival selection that he co-wrote, produced and directed. It stars Smollett as a man whose husband is killed just as the couple was adopting their daughter; he must also contend with the mother-in-law he never met, played by Vivica A. Fox.
“It means a great deal to have the love and support of my queer Black community and equally to have the love and support of...
The festival, held in Miami Beach’s South Beach, served as a launching pad for ABFF’s Queer Lens Brunch with GLAAD, featuring Smollett on a panel promoting his second feature, The Lost Holliday, an official festival selection that he co-wrote, produced and directed. It stars Smollett as a man whose husband is killed just as the couple was adopting their daughter; he must also contend with the mother-in-law he never met, played by Vivica A. Fox.
“It means a great deal to have the love and support of my queer Black community and equally to have the love and support of...
- 6/19/2024
- by Ronda Racha Penrice
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As if serving as the creative director of the 28th edition of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) wasn’t enough, Issa Rae will now sit for the inaugural “Creator Conversation” with two very special guests: Ava DuVernay and Kenya Barris.
The exclusive live event — which is part of a new program dubbed “Creator Conversations” — will take attendees on a journey through their Rae, DuVernay and Barris’ processes and careers, including recent projects such as DuVernay’s latest film “Origin” and Barris’ hit “Black-ish” franchise and his directorial debut “You People.”
“We are truly delighted to get a rare glimpse into the minds of three trailblazers who are reshaping the landscape of film and television. Ava DuVernay, Kenya Barris and Issa Rae are incredibly talented creators whose work and careers we admire tremendously,” said Nice Crowd President Nicole Friday announcing the special event, which will be held on Friday, June...
The exclusive live event — which is part of a new program dubbed “Creator Conversations” — will take attendees on a journey through their Rae, DuVernay and Barris’ processes and careers, including recent projects such as DuVernay’s latest film “Origin” and Barris’ hit “Black-ish” franchise and his directorial debut “You People.”
“We are truly delighted to get a rare glimpse into the minds of three trailblazers who are reshaping the landscape of film and television. Ava DuVernay, Kenya Barris and Issa Rae are incredibly talented creators whose work and careers we admire tremendously,” said Nice Crowd President Nicole Friday announcing the special event, which will be held on Friday, June...
- 6/10/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
The lineup for the 28th edition of the American Black Film Festival continues to get more star studded with the world premiere of the second season of Kerry Washington’s Hulu series “UnPrisoned.”
Washington will attend the Miami Beach-based festival to celebrate the premiere and sit for a fireside chat with fellow executive producer Tracy McMillan, who created the series based on her life.
The Special Screenings lineup also features world premieres of documentaries “Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys,” about the Wu-Tang Clan founding member, and “Down in the Valley,” inspired the world of the hit Starz series “P-Valley,” plus a screening of the classic “Devil in a Blue Dress,” as part of the Denzel Washington Retrospective.
The HBO Short Film Award Showcase will kick off the film festival program on June 12, hosted by Sirius Xm’s Bevy Smith (“Bevelations”). Five filmmakers are selected as finalists, and...
Washington will attend the Miami Beach-based festival to celebrate the premiere and sit for a fireside chat with fellow executive producer Tracy McMillan, who created the series based on her life.
The Special Screenings lineup also features world premieres of documentaries “Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys,” about the Wu-Tang Clan founding member, and “Down in the Valley,” inspired the world of the hit Starz series “P-Valley,” plus a screening of the classic “Devil in a Blue Dress,” as part of the Denzel Washington Retrospective.
The HBO Short Film Award Showcase will kick off the film festival program on June 12, hosted by Sirius Xm’s Bevy Smith (“Bevelations”). Five filmmakers are selected as finalists, and...
- 5/15/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has set its lineup of narrative and documentary features for its 28th edition, including Jussie Smollett’s return to acting in “The Lost Holliday,” filmmaker Christine Swanson’s latest drama “Albany Road” and the acclaimed Luther Vandross doc “Never Too Much.”
This year’s festival takes place June 12-16 in Miami Beach, Fla., followed by a virtual segment June 17-24 on ABFF Play. Winners of film festival competition will be announced on June 15, during the “Best of ABFF Awards” hosted by Emmy-nominee Dondré Whitfield.
The 2024 narrative lineup includes “Albany Road,” directed and written by Swanson, starring Renée Elise Goldsberry, Lynn Whitfield and J. Alphonse Nicholson; “The Lost Holliday” directed by, co-written and starring Smollett alongside Vivica A. Fox, produced by Mona Scott-Young; “The Waterboyz,” directed by Coke Daniels and produced by Ben Crump, starring Akil McDowell, Alani “La La” Anthony and Quavo; and “Black Heat,...
This year’s festival takes place June 12-16 in Miami Beach, Fla., followed by a virtual segment June 17-24 on ABFF Play. Winners of film festival competition will be announced on June 15, during the “Best of ABFF Awards” hosted by Emmy-nominee Dondré Whitfield.
The 2024 narrative lineup includes “Albany Road,” directed and written by Swanson, starring Renée Elise Goldsberry, Lynn Whitfield and J. Alphonse Nicholson; “The Lost Holliday” directed by, co-written and starring Smollett alongside Vivica A. Fox, produced by Mona Scott-Young; “The Waterboyz,” directed by Coke Daniels and produced by Ben Crump, starring Akil McDowell, Alani “La La” Anthony and Quavo; and “Black Heat,...
- 4/24/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Terrence Howard, best known for his roles in popular flicks such as Iron Man and Hustle & Flow, recently spoke out about his alleged mistreatment and underpayment in Hollywood. However, it appears that many viewers were distracted by something else.
This time, it is not because of his acting abilities or charming smile. Well, all the focus was on his hair while he discussed his legal dispute with the Creative Artists Agency (CAA). In an in-depth interview on Straight Talk with Daphne Phaneđ, Howard, 55, talked about his lawsuit and his allegations that he was underpaid while he was a cast member of the Fox series Empire.
Terrence Howard as Colonel James Rhodes in Iron Man
But his distinctive hairstyle drew more attention, with one fan even remarking that the Chicago-born actor resembles one of the original “Charlie’s Angels”. It appears that viewers can’t get enough of them.
Terrence Howard...
This time, it is not because of his acting abilities or charming smile. Well, all the focus was on his hair while he discussed his legal dispute with the Creative Artists Agency (CAA). In an in-depth interview on Straight Talk with Daphne Phaneđ, Howard, 55, talked about his lawsuit and his allegations that he was underpaid while he was a cast member of the Fox series Empire.
Terrence Howard as Colonel James Rhodes in Iron Man
But his distinctive hairstyle drew more attention, with one fan even remarking that the Chicago-born actor resembles one of the original “Charlie’s Angels”. It appears that viewers can’t get enough of them.
Terrence Howard...
- 4/9/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
CNN has paid Don Lemon $24.5 million in order to settle his separation deal nearly 10 months after he was fired for his sexist remarks about Nikki Haley.
The comments that Lemon made on CNN This Morning on February 16 enraged his co-anchors, Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins, who then went into the bathroom. This controversy started with a proposal Haley made during her presidential announcement speech about instituting a mental competency test for politicians who are over 75 years old.
“This whole talk about age makes me uncomfortable,” Lemon shared. “I think it’s the wrong road to go down. She says people, you know, politicians are suddenly not in their prime. Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime. A woman is considered to be in their prime in [their] the 20s and 30s and maybe 40s.”
“That’s not according to me,” he then said after Harlow responded in shock. “It’s like,...
The comments that Lemon made on CNN This Morning on February 16 enraged his co-anchors, Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins, who then went into the bathroom. This controversy started with a proposal Haley made during her presidential announcement speech about instituting a mental competency test for politicians who are over 75 years old.
“This whole talk about age makes me uncomfortable,” Lemon shared. “I think it’s the wrong road to go down. She says people, you know, politicians are suddenly not in their prime. Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime. A woman is considered to be in their prime in [their] the 20s and 30s and maybe 40s.”
“That’s not according to me,” he then said after Harlow responded in shock. “It’s like,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Alessio Atria
- Uinterview
A California professor recently caused controversy online when she tweeted that she felt it was “slightly racist” to be a fan of pop star Taylor Swift. Melina Abdullah, a professor of Pan-African Studies at Cal State Los Angeles and co-founder of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, did not back down from her controversial stance when challenged on social media. Abdullah is no stranger to making provocative statements about race and racism.
California Professor Defends Claiming She Feels Taylor Swift Fans Are Racist Taylor Swift performs during the opener of her Eras tour in Arizona.
According to Fox News, on February 12, 2023, Professor Melina Abdullah posted on Twitter that she felt “it’s slightly racist to be a Taylor Swift fan.” The tweet from the California State University, Los Angeles professor has sparked debate.
Abdullah teaches Pan-African Studies and is a co-founder of the Los Angeles chapter of Black Lives Matter. On Twitter,...
California Professor Defends Claiming She Feels Taylor Swift Fans Are Racist Taylor Swift performs during the opener of her Eras tour in Arizona.
According to Fox News, on February 12, 2023, Professor Melina Abdullah posted on Twitter that she felt “it’s slightly racist to be a Taylor Swift fan.” The tweet from the California State University, Los Angeles professor has sparked debate.
Abdullah teaches Pan-African Studies and is a co-founder of the Los Angeles chapter of Black Lives Matter. On Twitter,...
- 2/24/2024
- by Nivedita Dubey
- FandomWire
The actors’ strike may be over, but Taraji P. Henson says the issue of pay inequality in Hollywood — particularly among Black performers — is far from solved.
During an appearance on Gayle King’s SiriusXM show to promote her role in the movie-musical iteration of The Color Purple, the Empire actress broke down in tears lamenting the sobering reality of showbiz economics.
More from TVLineAbbott Elementary: Taraji P. Henson to Guest-Star as [Spoiler] in Season 2's Penultimate EpisodeEmpire Vet Jussie Smollett Found Guilty on Five Felony Charges Stemming From False Attack Report in 2019TVLine Items: Ryan Murphy's Watcher Sets Cast, Atypical...
During an appearance on Gayle King’s SiriusXM show to promote her role in the movie-musical iteration of The Color Purple, the Empire actress broke down in tears lamenting the sobering reality of showbiz economics.
More from TVLineAbbott Elementary: Taraji P. Henson to Guest-Star as [Spoiler] in Season 2's Penultimate EpisodeEmpire Vet Jussie Smollett Found Guilty on Five Felony Charges Stemming From False Attack Report in 2019TVLine Items: Ryan Murphy's Watcher Sets Cast, Atypical...
- 12/20/2023
- by Michael Ausiello
- TVLine.com
Jussie Smollett could be headed back to jail after an Illinois appeals court has upheld the disorderly conduct convictions he received by making false reports to the Chicago Police Department in 2019.
“We affirm the judgment of the circuit court of Cook County,” said appellate Justices David Navarro and Mary Ellen Coghlan.
If you need a refresher, Jussie Smollett made headlines four years ago when he claimed that he had been attacked by two “Maga thugs” who bereted the former Empire actor with racial and homophobic slurs before pouring bleach on him and placing a noose around his neck. It was later revealed that the two assailants were personal trainers who had been hired by the actor. Smollett was found guilty in December 2021 of five out of six felony counts of disorderly conduct for making a false report to police and was sentenced to 30 months of felony probation, including 150 days in jail.
“We affirm the judgment of the circuit court of Cook County,” said appellate Justices David Navarro and Mary Ellen Coghlan.
If you need a refresher, Jussie Smollett made headlines four years ago when he claimed that he had been attacked by two “Maga thugs” who bereted the former Empire actor with racial and homophobic slurs before pouring bleach on him and placing a noose around his neck. It was later revealed that the two assailants were personal trainers who had been hired by the actor. Smollett was found guilty in December 2021 of five out of six felony counts of disorderly conduct for making a false report to police and was sentenced to 30 months of felony probation, including 150 days in jail.
- 12/1/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
An Illinois appeals court has upheld the conviction of Jussie Smollett, the former “Empire” star who orchestrated a hate crime against himself nearly five years ago.
Smollett was convicted in December 2021 on five felony charges of disorderly conduct and was later sentenced to 150 days in the Cook County jail.
The hoax — in which Smollett told Chicago police he was assaulted by two men who uttered homophobic and racist slurs, put a rope around his neck, and said he was in “Maga country” — ignited a media frenzy as investigators concluded that Smollett had paid the men to carry out the attack.
Smollett was dropped from the final season of “Empire.”
Despite the jury’s verdict, Smollett has maintained his innocence. As he was led away from court after his sentencing, he raised his fist and shouted, “I am not suicidal!” He was released after serving just six days as his defense team appealed the verdict.
Smollett was convicted in December 2021 on five felony charges of disorderly conduct and was later sentenced to 150 days in the Cook County jail.
The hoax — in which Smollett told Chicago police he was assaulted by two men who uttered homophobic and racist slurs, put a rope around his neck, and said he was in “Maga country” — ignited a media frenzy as investigators concluded that Smollett had paid the men to carry out the attack.
Smollett was dropped from the final season of “Empire.”
Despite the jury’s verdict, Smollett has maintained his innocence. As he was led away from court after his sentencing, he raised his fist and shouted, “I am not suicidal!” He was released after serving just six days as his defense team appealed the verdict.
- 12/1/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Jussie Smollett could soon be back behind bars after an Illinois appeals court today backed the ex-Empire actor’s disorderly conduct convictions stemming from a faked hate crime and playing fast and loose with the truth with Chicago cops.
“We affirm the judgment of the circuit court of Cook County,” said appellate Justices David Navarro and Mary Ellen Coghlan for the majority in a largely procedural based opinion released Friday.
On March 10 last year, after multiple trips to court, Smollett was sentenced to 150 days in jail and 30 months’ probation over the staged early 2019 incident on the freezing Windy City streets. Proclaiming his innocence, Smollett was let out of the Cook County jail on March 16, 2022 after an Appellate Court granted a motion from his lawyers for a stay of the sentence pending appeal.
Now that appeal has failed with a 2-1 opinion.
Which means Smollett will likely go back to jail...
“We affirm the judgment of the circuit court of Cook County,” said appellate Justices David Navarro and Mary Ellen Coghlan for the majority in a largely procedural based opinion released Friday.
On March 10 last year, after multiple trips to court, Smollett was sentenced to 150 days in jail and 30 months’ probation over the staged early 2019 incident on the freezing Windy City streets. Proclaiming his innocence, Smollett was let out of the Cook County jail on March 16, 2022 after an Appellate Court granted a motion from his lawyers for a stay of the sentence pending appeal.
Now that appeal has failed with a 2-1 opinion.
Which means Smollett will likely go back to jail...
- 12/1/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Jussie Smollett has lost his conviction appeal, the Appellate Court of Illinois decided Friday. Two of the three Appeals Court judges ruled to uphold the conviction. The decision comes after the actor sought out a new trial in the case, in which he was found guilty on five counts of felony disorderly conduct regarding his role in a hate crime hoax in 2021.
With an Appeals Court in Illinois upholding the lower court’s conviction, Smollett will likely return to prison to serve his 150-day sentence unless the Empire actor appeals...
With an Appeals Court in Illinois upholding the lower court’s conviction, Smollett will likely return to prison to serve his 150-day sentence unless the Empire actor appeals...
- 12/1/2023
- by Ethan Millman
- Rollingstone.com
Jussie Smollett is heading to a treatment facility.
The 41-year-old actor went to rehab, TMZ has confirmed with a rep from his camp.
“Jussie has had an extremely difficult past few years. He has quietly been working very hard for some time now and we are proud of him for taking these necessary steps,” the rep said in a statement.
Keep reading to find out more…
The news come amid his ongoing appeal in his Chicago criminal case, after he was found guilty of lying to police about an alleged attack back in 2019.
If you don’t recall, he claimed two masked Trump supporters attacked him and put a noose around his neck.
He was sentenced to 150 days in jail for the incident, but was released from jail for his appeal shortly after the sentence.
He has previously been seen on a film set working on a project with Vivica A. Fox,...
The 41-year-old actor went to rehab, TMZ has confirmed with a rep from his camp.
“Jussie has had an extremely difficult past few years. He has quietly been working very hard for some time now and we are proud of him for taking these necessary steps,” the rep said in a statement.
Keep reading to find out more…
The news come amid his ongoing appeal in his Chicago criminal case, after he was found guilty of lying to police about an alleged attack back in 2019.
If you don’t recall, he claimed two masked Trump supporters attacked him and put a noose around his neck.
He was sentenced to 150 days in jail for the incident, but was released from jail for his appeal shortly after the sentence.
He has previously been seen on a film set working on a project with Vivica A. Fox,...
- 10/18/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Not many people know this, but during the Capitol riots, Hasan Minhaj saved Nancy Pelosi’s life. He grabbed the then-Speaker under one arm and dashed through the House Chamber like a running back while dodging hordes of pepper-spraying insurrectionists. Then, afterwards, he barged into the Oval Office and sat down in a chair reserved for Jared Kushner.
You should have seen the look on Donald Trump’s face when Minhaj started sprinkling white powder all over the Resolute Desk…
Ok, obviously I’m embellishing for comedic effect. But at least I’m being faithful to the emotional truth — which is that Minhaj, the 38-year-old Muslim Indian American comedian who’s said to be on the short-list as the future permanent host of “The Daily Show,” is suddenly dealing with a huge credibility problem.
Maybe you saw The New Yorker expose that stirred up all the trouble. In what seemed...
You should have seen the look on Donald Trump’s face when Minhaj started sprinkling white powder all over the Resolute Desk…
Ok, obviously I’m embellishing for comedic effect. But at least I’m being faithful to the emotional truth — which is that Minhaj, the 38-year-old Muslim Indian American comedian who’s said to be on the short-list as the future permanent host of “The Daily Show,” is suddenly dealing with a huge credibility problem.
Maybe you saw The New Yorker expose that stirred up all the trouble. In what seemed...
- 9/20/2023
- by Benjamin Svetkey
- The Wrap
On Tuesday, an Illinois court granted an appeal of the sentence of former Empire star Jussie Smollett, who staged a hate crime against himself in 2019. Smollet was sentenced to 150 days by Judge James Linn after being convicted on five felony counts of disorderly conduct.
Smollet’s alleged attack made headlines in early 2019, reporting to Chicago police that two hooded men physically attacked him while yelling racial and homophobic slurs. Smollett is black and identifies as a gay man.
Brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, who played extras on Empire, claim Smollett paid them $4,000 to play the role of white supremacists who viciously attack him.
Smollett was initially charged with 16 felony charges of orchestrating a hate crime, which were dropped in 2020. A new indictment and trial began in 2021, where jurors found the actor guilty of five counts of disorderly conduct. “You took away a lot of resources from other places, from other real victims of real crimes,...
Smollet’s alleged attack made headlines in early 2019, reporting to Chicago police that two hooded men physically attacked him while yelling racial and homophobic slurs. Smollett is black and identifies as a gay man.
Brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, who played extras on Empire, claim Smollett paid them $4,000 to play the role of white supremacists who viciously attack him.
Smollett was initially charged with 16 felony charges of orchestrating a hate crime, which were dropped in 2020. A new indictment and trial began in 2021, where jurors found the actor guilty of five counts of disorderly conduct. “You took away a lot of resources from other places, from other real victims of real crimes,...
- 9/13/2023
- by Chazzel Ferbol
- Uinterview
When Oscar-nominated director Lee Daniels thinks of those who inspired him, Patrik-Ian Polk easily comes to mind.
Known for telling groundbreaking stories centered on Black gay life — including the independent film Punks, which premiered at Sundance in 2000, and Noah’s Arc, which ran on Logo TV for two seasons from 2005-06 — Polk is a creative force who has chronicled (and continues to chronicle) the lives of underrepresented people while championing diversity way before “Dei” became a buzz term.
“[Polk] was way ahead of the curve, and he took the bullets for all of us when it just wasn’t accepted to do what he was doing,” Daniels, 63, says of Polk, 49. “His bravery is what I ran with in my career. I learned from Patrik that I wasn’t going to take no for an answer. When I say he really has inspired me — he’s a mentor.”
Polk has been a bold...
Known for telling groundbreaking stories centered on Black gay life — including the independent film Punks, which premiered at Sundance in 2000, and Noah’s Arc, which ran on Logo TV for two seasons from 2005-06 — Polk is a creative force who has chronicled (and continues to chronicle) the lives of underrepresented people while championing diversity way before “Dei” became a buzz term.
“[Polk] was way ahead of the curve, and he took the bullets for all of us when it just wasn’t accepted to do what he was doing,” Daniels, 63, says of Polk, 49. “His bravery is what I ran with in my career. I learned from Patrik that I wasn’t going to take no for an answer. When I say he really has inspired me — he’s a mentor.”
Polk has been a bold...
- 6/14/2023
- by Mesfin Fekadu
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If you’ve been left in a gaping void by the end of Succession, don’t despair. The Hollywood Reporter has another 11 series to watch for those desperate for a dysfunctional family drama fix. The below titles (along with where you can stream them) include more epic siblings battles, snarky dinner table banter and unpredictable plot twists. Dive into these series for the thrill of family backstabbing, corporate double-dealing or simply for the maladjusted — and wealthy and/or powerful — bringing out the worst in one another, typically (except for a few aspirational exceptions).
Yellowstone (Peacock) John Dutton (Kevin Costner), with children Beth (Kelly Reilly) and Jamie (Wes Bentley) in Yellowstone.
Giddy up and go west with Paramount Network’s Yellowstone (which streams on Peacock) because similar to the media power hungry Roys in Succession, the Dutton dynasty saga floats on its own land-grabbing soap suds. And it also can be perceived as ending too soon,...
Yellowstone (Peacock) John Dutton (Kevin Costner), with children Beth (Kelly Reilly) and Jamie (Wes Bentley) in Yellowstone.
Giddy up and go west with Paramount Network’s Yellowstone (which streams on Peacock) because similar to the media power hungry Roys in Succession, the Dutton dynasty saga floats on its own land-grabbing soap suds. And it also can be perceived as ending too soon,...
- 6/11/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A new episode of The Arrow in the Head Show has just been released, and in this one hosts John “The Arrow” Fallon and Lance Vlcek are looking back at what may be the least popular entry in the Alien franchise – and if that’s the case, it’s an accomplishment that it passed some of the lesser entries on the race to the bottom. The movie in question is 2017’s Alien: Covenant (watch it Here) – and to find out what The Arrow and Lance think of it, check out the video embedded above!
Directed by Ridley Scott from a screenplay by John Logan and Dante Harper (and a story by Jack Paglen and Michael Green), Alien: Covenant has the following synopsis: Bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, members of the colony ship Covenant discover what they think to be an uncharted paradise. While there,...
Directed by Ridley Scott from a screenplay by John Logan and Dante Harper (and a story by Jack Paglen and Michael Green), Alien: Covenant has the following synopsis: Bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, members of the colony ship Covenant discover what they think to be an uncharted paradise. While there,...
- 5/12/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
In January 2019, actor Jussie Smollett claimed to have been attacked on a Chicago street by two men. After a thorough investigation, Chicago police uncovered that the attack was staged, and Smollett has become embroiled in scandal, and demonized by people across both ends of the political spectrum. Go behind the scenes of the case in the new documentary “Jussie Smollett: Anatomy of a Hoax,” a docuseries coming to Fox Nation on Monday, March 13. You can watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Fox Nation.
How to Watch 'Jussie Smollett: Anatomy Of A Hoax' When: Monday, March 13, 2023 Where: Fox Nation Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Fox Nation. 7-Day Free Trial$5.99 / month nation.foxnews.com About 'Jussie Smollett: Anatomy Of A Hoax'
Chicago police were immediately leery of Smollett’s story when he first described the attack of two men who he claimed beat him,...
How to Watch 'Jussie Smollett: Anatomy Of A Hoax' When: Monday, March 13, 2023 Where: Fox Nation Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Fox Nation. 7-Day Free Trial$5.99 / month nation.foxnews.com About 'Jussie Smollett: Anatomy Of A Hoax'
Chicago police were immediately leery of Smollett’s story when he first described the attack of two men who he claimed beat him,...
- 3/13/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Fox Nation’s new Jussie Smollett docuseries aims for an inside look at how a well-known “Empire” actor went from a Hollywood staple to faking a hate crime.
In the exclusive trailer shared with TheWrap, “Jussie Smollett: Anatomy of a Hoax,” which follows the news that Smollett’s attorneys filed an appeal challenging his conviction, walks viewers through Smollett’s multi-step plan. This includes exclusive interviews with Ola and Bola Osundairo, the brothers who were hired by Smollett to stage the crime.
While one interviewee points out that Smollett’s alleged hate crime victimization didn’t see too out of the realm of possibility, saying, “When I heard that a Black, gay man had been attacked, sounds about white to me,” it’s clear the actor worked to devise a believable plan for the incident.
Also Read:
Tucker Carlson Says ‘Everyone Should Have Access’ to Jan. 6 Footage – But ‘Not One...
In the exclusive trailer shared with TheWrap, “Jussie Smollett: Anatomy of a Hoax,” which follows the news that Smollett’s attorneys filed an appeal challenging his conviction, walks viewers through Smollett’s multi-step plan. This includes exclusive interviews with Ola and Bola Osundairo, the brothers who were hired by Smollett to stage the crime.
While one interviewee points out that Smollett’s alleged hate crime victimization didn’t see too out of the realm of possibility, saying, “When I heard that a Black, gay man had been attacked, sounds about white to me,” it’s clear the actor worked to devise a believable plan for the incident.
Also Read:
Tucker Carlson Says ‘Everyone Should Have Access’ to Jan. 6 Footage – But ‘Not One...
- 3/10/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Lawyers for Jussie Smollett have filed to appeal the former Empire actor’s conviction for lying to police, the latest chapter in the legal battle relating to Smollett’s alleged role in a hate crime hoax.
Smollett was sentenced to 150 days and 30 months in prison in March 2022 after being found guilty of five counts of felony disorderly conduct — which is how Illinois law classifies false police reports — in connection to the January 2019 hoax. However, Smollett only served less than a week behind bars before he was released pending his appeal of the conviction.
Smollett was sentenced to 150 days and 30 months in prison in March 2022 after being found guilty of five counts of felony disorderly conduct — which is how Illinois law classifies false police reports — in connection to the January 2019 hoax. However, Smollett only served less than a week behind bars before he was released pending his appeal of the conviction.
- 3/2/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Former Empire star Jussie Smollett has filed an appeal of his 2021 conviction for faking a hate-crime attack in Chicago in early 2019.
“The renewed prosecution of Mr. Smollett violated his due process rights,” attorney Heather Widell wrote in the court document filed Thursday (read it here), “because (1) Mr. Smollett fully performed his part of a non-prosecution agreement with the state by performing community service and forfeiting his $10,000 bail bond; and (2) the state benefited from taking and keeping Mr. Smollett’s bail bond without performing its end of the bargain. Thus, the violation of due process was prejudicial and requires reversal of Mr. Smollett’s convictions and a dismissal of the charges against him.”
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“The renewed prosecution of Mr. Smollett violated his due process rights,” attorney Heather Widell wrote in the court document filed Thursday (read it here), “because (1) Mr. Smollett fully performed his part of a non-prosecution agreement with the state by performing community service and forfeiting his $10,000 bail bond; and (2) the state benefited from taking and keeping Mr. Smollett’s bail bond without performing its end of the bargain. Thus, the violation of due process was prejudicial and requires reversal of Mr. Smollett’s convictions and a dismissal of the charges against him.”
Related Story Fox Nation To Release ‘Jussie Smollett: Anatomy Of A Hoax’ Docuseries Related Story "We've Been Told A Completely Different Story About Danish History": How Frederikke Aspöck & Anna Neye Crafted Göteborg Colonial Satire 'Empire' Related Story...
- 3/2/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Attorneys for Jussie Smollett filed their appeal of his conviction on Wednesday, as they seek to keep him from having to go back to jail on hate crime hoax charges.
Smollett was released a year ago pending his appeal, after serving six days of his 150-day sentence. Attorneys for the former “Empire” actor were originally due to file his appellate brief last August, but have been granted five extensions of that deadline.
Smollett was convicted in December 2021 of lying to police when he claimed to have been assaulted by two men who shouted homophobic and racist slurs, poured a chemical substance on him, and put a rope around his neck.
After initially treating the case as a genuine hate crime, Chicago detectives ultimately concluded that Smollett had paid two men $3,500 to stage the attack.
In the appellate brief, Smollett’s attorneys argue that the trial judge, James Linn, made a series of reversible errors,...
Smollett was released a year ago pending his appeal, after serving six days of his 150-day sentence. Attorneys for the former “Empire” actor were originally due to file his appellate brief last August, but have been granted five extensions of that deadline.
Smollett was convicted in December 2021 of lying to police when he claimed to have been assaulted by two men who shouted homophobic and racist slurs, poured a chemical substance on him, and put a rope around his neck.
After initially treating the case as a genuine hate crime, Chicago detectives ultimately concluded that Smollett had paid two men $3,500 to stage the attack.
In the appellate brief, Smollett’s attorneys argue that the trial judge, James Linn, made a series of reversible errors,...
- 3/2/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Fox Nation will revisit the infamous Jussie Smollett saga with a five-part docuseries titled “Jussie Smollett: Anatomy of a Hoax.”
Set for March 13, the series will feature exclusive interviews with brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, who were part of an elaborate plot to perpetrate a staged hate crime on the Empire actor. They have apparently never spoken to the media about their role in the hoax.
Smollett continues to maintain his innocence.
“Anatomy of a Hoax takes a deep dive into a scam that reverberated through the worlds of entertainment, pop culture and politics,” said John Finley, the streaming platform’s Executive Vice President. “We’re excited for viewers to hear the real stories behind this scandal from the Osundairo brothers for the very first time.”
In January 2019, Smollett alleged he was attacked on a Chicago street by two men who were said to have shouted “this is Maga country...
Set for March 13, the series will feature exclusive interviews with brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, who were part of an elaborate plot to perpetrate a staged hate crime on the Empire actor. They have apparently never spoken to the media about their role in the hoax.
Smollett continues to maintain his innocence.
“Anatomy of a Hoax takes a deep dive into a scam that reverberated through the worlds of entertainment, pop culture and politics,” said John Finley, the streaming platform’s Executive Vice President. “We’re excited for viewers to hear the real stories behind this scandal from the Osundairo brothers for the very first time.”
In January 2019, Smollett alleged he was attacked on a Chicago street by two men who were said to have shouted “this is Maga country...
- 3/1/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Don Lemon will not appear on Monday’s “CNN This Morning” amid ongoing backlash to remarks he made regarding South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.
After a scheduled absence on Friday, Lemon is now set to miss Monday’s show after comments regarding Haley not being in her “prime” last week drew heavy backlash, according to multiple reports.
Lemon stirred controversy on Thursday when discussing Haley’s recently announced presidential candidacy and remarks she made calling for mental competency tests for presidential candidates over 75.
Lemon addressed the remarks to his co-anchors — Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins — and quipped that Haley, 51, “isn’t in her prime” herself. When pressed on the comment by his fellow anchors, Lemon doubled down, arguing, “If you Google ‘when is a woman in her prime,’ it’ll say 20s, 30s and 40s.”
On Friday, Lemon was given the opportunity to address CNN staffers and apologized for his comments.
After a scheduled absence on Friday, Lemon is now set to miss Monday’s show after comments regarding Haley not being in her “prime” last week drew heavy backlash, according to multiple reports.
Lemon stirred controversy on Thursday when discussing Haley’s recently announced presidential candidacy and remarks she made calling for mental competency tests for presidential candidates over 75.
Lemon addressed the remarks to his co-anchors — Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins — and quipped that Haley, 51, “isn’t in her prime” herself. When pressed on the comment by his fellow anchors, Lemon doubled down, arguing, “If you Google ‘when is a woman in her prime,’ it’ll say 20s, 30s and 40s.”
On Friday, Lemon was given the opportunity to address CNN staffers and apologized for his comments.
- 2/20/2023
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Andrew Tate has added a new legal adviser to his team, the high-profile lawyer Tina Glandian, whose past clients include Chris Brown, Jussie Smollett, and Kesha.
According to the BBC, Glandian appeared alongside Tate in a Romanian court Wednesday, Feb. 1. The controversial men’s rights personality again tried to appeal his preventative custody detention, which was extended until the end of February last month. The appeal was, again, rejected.
Neither Tate, nor his co-defendants (which include his brother, Tristan, and two Romanian women) have been charged yet. They were detained...
According to the BBC, Glandian appeared alongside Tate in a Romanian court Wednesday, Feb. 1. The controversial men’s rights personality again tried to appeal his preventative custody detention, which was extended until the end of February last month. The appeal was, again, rejected.
Neither Tate, nor his co-defendants (which include his brother, Tristan, and two Romanian women) have been charged yet. They were detained...
- 2/1/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
January 26 marked the 20th anniversary of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” marking the longest tenure of any current late-night host in the United States. To celebrate, ABC aired a special primetime episode of the series, featuring throwbacks to the show’s original 2003 premiere — including the complete guest lineup from the show’s very first episode, with George Clooney, Snoop Dogg, and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin all stopping by. But the most surprising throwback was an interview Kimmel did with a very familiar guest: himself.
During a segment on the 20th-anniversary special, Kimmel showed the audience a picture of him from back in 2003, during the first edition of the ABC series. However, the photo glitched, and the younger Kimmel came to life and began speaking to his older counterpart about the changes over the two decades, including the deaths of celebrities like Michael Jackson, the invention of electronic cigarettes, the legalization of weed,...
During a segment on the 20th-anniversary special, Kimmel showed the audience a picture of him from back in 2003, during the first edition of the ABC series. However, the photo glitched, and the younger Kimmel came to life and began speaking to his older counterpart about the changes over the two decades, including the deaths of celebrities like Michael Jackson, the invention of electronic cigarettes, the legalization of weed,...
- 1/27/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
An Internet hoax catching fire online is suggesting Alan Jackson’s demise.
Jackson’s alleged death recently picked up steam on Facebook and WhatsApp. The source of the reports is a very questionable website for FNEWS2. The site is chock-full of unproven obituaries for famous stars like Bruce Willis, Denzel Washington and Dolly Parton, with many of the fake obituaries published multiple times.
Read More: Jimmy Fallon Responds To Twitter’s #RIPJimmyFallon Hashtag Death Hoax
Jackson, 64, and his camp have not publicly addressed the hoax; however, his official Twitter and Instagram pages posted a throwback photo at 1 p.m. Et with no sense of alarm.
Last year, Jackson revealed to the “Today” show that he has battled Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) for years. Mayo Clinic describes CMT as “a group of inherited disorders that cause nerve damage” leading to “smaller, weaker muscles.”
Read More: Jussie Smollett Back On Stand After Calling Hoax...
Jackson’s alleged death recently picked up steam on Facebook and WhatsApp. The source of the reports is a very questionable website for FNEWS2. The site is chock-full of unproven obituaries for famous stars like Bruce Willis, Denzel Washington and Dolly Parton, with many of the fake obituaries published multiple times.
Read More: Jimmy Fallon Responds To Twitter’s #RIPJimmyFallon Hashtag Death Hoax
Jackson, 64, and his camp have not publicly addressed the hoax; however, his official Twitter and Instagram pages posted a throwback photo at 1 p.m. Et with no sense of alarm.
Last year, Jackson revealed to the “Today” show that he has battled Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) for years. Mayo Clinic describes CMT as “a group of inherited disorders that cause nerve damage” leading to “smaller, weaker muscles.”
Read More: Jussie Smollett Back On Stand After Calling Hoax...
- 11/17/2022
- by Shakiel Mahjouri
- ET Canada
Matt Stone and Trey Parker wanted to go even deeper with deepfakes. In fact, the “South Park” co-creators even had an entire deepfake movie, aptly titled “Deep Fake: The Movie,” in the works during the Covid-19 pandemic shutdown.
The duo revealed to the Los Angeles Times that their viral 2020 short video “Sassy Justice” was just the tip of the potential for deepfake films.
“Not a lot of people know that we were a day away from starting production on the first feature movie we had done since ‘Team America: World Police,'” Parker said of pre-pandemic productions. “We were going to start shooting on the day that the pandemic shut everything down. It was months and months of getting ready for that movie, to just being like, ‘Nope, it’s over.'”
Stone shared, “We were working on a ‘deep fake’ movie [with actor and comedian Peter Serafinowicz, from ‘Sassy Justice’]. We have a...
The duo revealed to the Los Angeles Times that their viral 2020 short video “Sassy Justice” was just the tip of the potential for deepfake films.
“Not a lot of people know that we were a day away from starting production on the first feature movie we had done since ‘Team America: World Police,'” Parker said of pre-pandemic productions. “We were going to start shooting on the day that the pandemic shut everything down. It was months and months of getting ready for that movie, to just being like, ‘Nope, it’s over.'”
Stone shared, “We were working on a ‘deep fake’ movie [with actor and comedian Peter Serafinowicz, from ‘Sassy Justice’]. We have a...
- 8/9/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Jussie Smollett is maintaining his innocence after he was found guilty of lying to police about being the victim of racist and homophobic attacks. He appeared on SiriusXM’s Sway in the Morning, where he discussed the verdict in his first interview since he was released from prison in March. Back in January 2019, Smollett reported […]
The post Jussie Smollett Maintains His Innocence After Conviction For Lying To Police About Attack appeared first on uInterview.
The post Jussie Smollett Maintains His Innocence After Conviction For Lying To Police About Attack appeared first on uInterview.
- 7/3/2022
- by Benedetta Tommaselli
- Uinterview
The BET Awards are officially a celebration of “Black excellence,” and Sunday night’s show featured blockbuster performances from Lizzo, Mariah Carey, Latto, Jack Harlow (who was joined by Brandy and Lil Wayne) and an elaborate tribute to Lifetime Achievement honoree Sean “Diddy” Combs that included an unannounced in-person speech from Kanye West.
But for the second time in three years, the show coincided with galvanizing events in the United States: In 2020, it was George Floyd’s murder at the hands of Minneapolis police and the ensuing the Black Lives Matter protests, and this year it was the Supreme Court’s polarizing overturn of Roe v. Wade and the impending loss of a woman’s right to choose in many states in the country.
The show’s goal is to highlight and celebrate Black music’s present and future while serving as a driving force for social change, and no...
But for the second time in three years, the show coincided with galvanizing events in the United States: In 2020, it was George Floyd’s murder at the hands of Minneapolis police and the ensuing the Black Lives Matter protests, and this year it was the Supreme Court’s polarizing overturn of Roe v. Wade and the impending loss of a woman’s right to choose in many states in the country.
The show’s goal is to highlight and celebrate Black music’s present and future while serving as a driving force for social change, and no...
- 6/27/2022
- by Shirley Ju
- Variety Film + TV
Jussie Smollett is ready to turn over a new leaf. The former Empire star, 40, dished about his plans for the future while walking the red carpet at the 2022 BET Awards on June 26. His arrival at the star-studded event comes just three months after Smollett was released from prison after being found guilty of filing a false police report in 2019. Keeping his ensemble laid-back and classy, Smollett sported a white shirt, tan blazer, brown pants and black shoes. He completed his look with multiple gold necklaces and a matching gold bracelet. However, Smollett, who directed the upcoming BET+ film B-Boy Blues, isn't calling his return to entertainment a...
- 6/27/2022
- E! Online
In his truce with Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow threw his support of the rapper by donning a tribute t-shirt with his likeness on the red carpet at the BET Awards in Los Angeles.
The Old Town Road composer had been boycotting the BET Awards since being snubbed by award show. The rapper previously posted onto social media, before deleting, “thank you bet awards. an outstanding zero nominations again.”
The BET Awards returns for its 2022 edition with Taraji P. Henson back to host the annual ceremony celebrating Black excellence in music, film, TV and sports at the Microsoft Theater.
The awards returned to a live event last year after going virtual in 2020 iteration, with Henson leading a show that drew 2.4 million viewers across then-ViacomCBS networks including BET Her, MTV, Logo and VH1 via simulcast.
With the ceremony itself, The Countdown to BET Awards preshow and DJ Cassidy’s Pass The Mic: BET Awards Edition after-party,...
The Old Town Road composer had been boycotting the BET Awards since being snubbed by award show. The rapper previously posted onto social media, before deleting, “thank you bet awards. an outstanding zero nominations again.”
The BET Awards returns for its 2022 edition with Taraji P. Henson back to host the annual ceremony celebrating Black excellence in music, film, TV and sports at the Microsoft Theater.
The awards returned to a live event last year after going virtual in 2020 iteration, with Henson leading a show that drew 2.4 million viewers across then-ViacomCBS networks including BET Her, MTV, Logo and VH1 via simulcast.
With the ceremony itself, The Countdown to BET Awards preshow and DJ Cassidy’s Pass The Mic: BET Awards Edition after-party,...
- 6/27/2022
- by Brandon Choe
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Jussie Smollett says that after the alleged hate crime against him in 2019 and amid the police investigation that followed, his family shielded him from public responses.
In a wide-ranging interview for SiriusXM’s Sway Calloway-hosted Sway’s Universe tied to promoting the writer-director’s new BET+ movie, B-Boy Blues, which dropped on June 9, Smollett spoke about his family protecting him, the shame he felt after the incident and how that played into regret over his decision to do an interview with Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts in February 2019.
After he was allegedly beaten by two men on a Chicago street in January of 2019, Smollett was accused of staging the anti-gay, racist attack and lying to the police. He was convicted in December 2021 on five felony counts of disorderly conduct. He was sentenced to 150 days in jail but was only served about a...
Jussie Smollett says that after the alleged hate crime against him in 2019 and amid the police investigation that followed, his family shielded him from public responses.
In a wide-ranging interview for SiriusXM’s Sway Calloway-hosted Sway’s Universe tied to promoting the writer-director’s new BET+ movie, B-Boy Blues, which dropped on June 9, Smollett spoke about his family protecting him, the shame he felt after the incident and how that played into regret over his decision to do an interview with Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts in February 2019.
After he was allegedly beaten by two men on a Chicago street in January of 2019, Smollett was accused of staging the anti-gay, racist attack and lying to the police. He was convicted in December 2021 on five felony counts of disorderly conduct. He was sentenced to 150 days in jail but was only served about a...
- 6/23/2022
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix’s Spiderhead, directed by Joseph Kosinski, is a movie about its own budget. It can afford a couple of big stars, so it has them — never mind whether the actors in question are an actual match for the material. The story plays out on a steely, vacuum-sealed set that lacks texture or warmth, which is by design: This is ultimately a story set in an experimental prison ward. But the movie makes frustratingly little of these environs, just sort of posturing and looking good, as if what matters most...
- 6/20/2022
- by K. Austin Collins
- Rollingstone.com
Sexual assault charges against David Guillod, the Hollywood producer of films such as “Atomic Blonde” and “Extraction,” have been dismissed by a Santa Barbara judge on Tuesday.
The charges against the producer included an alleged 2012 attack of “Ted” actress Jessica Barth and another incident involving an unnamed waitress from 2018 who claimed she was raped.
But the Santa Barbara district attorney’s office was forced to drop the charges Tuesday after it was unable to show whether the attacks happened within the Da’s jurisdiction. The case will now be referred back to the Los Angeles district attorney’s office.
Also Read:
Crisis PR Expert: Amber Heard and Jussie Smollett Are Paying the Price for ‘Shocking Arrogance’ (Guest Blog)
The Santa Barbara judge, Judge James Voysey had back in May previously authorized the two charges and ordered Guillod to stand trial. But the same judge had dismissed rape and sexual assault...
The charges against the producer included an alleged 2012 attack of “Ted” actress Jessica Barth and another incident involving an unnamed waitress from 2018 who claimed she was raped.
But the Santa Barbara district attorney’s office was forced to drop the charges Tuesday after it was unable to show whether the attacks happened within the Da’s jurisdiction. The case will now be referred back to the Los Angeles district attorney’s office.
Also Read:
Crisis PR Expert: Amber Heard and Jussie Smollett Are Paying the Price for ‘Shocking Arrogance’ (Guest Blog)
The Santa Barbara judge, Judge James Voysey had back in May previously authorized the two charges and ordered Guillod to stand trial. But the same judge had dismissed rape and sexual assault...
- 6/14/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Amber Heard says she understands why a jury ruled against her in ex-husband Johnny Depp’s defamation trial – she sat and listened to the same testimony they did, and cannot “blame” them for their conclusion.
“How could they not come to that conclusion?” Heard told Savannah Guthrie of Today for an exclusive interview airing Tuesday and Wednesday on NBC (watch the video preview clip below).
Also Read:
Crisis PR Expert: Amber Heard and Jussie Smollett Are Paying the Price for ‘Shocking Arrogance’ (Guest Blog)
“They had sat in those seats and heard over three weeks of no stop relentless testimony from paid employees,” she continued. “I don’t blame them, I actually understand. He’s a beloved character. People feel that they know him. He’s a fantastic actor.”
Heard seemed to believe what her attorneys said after the verdict: that social media, heavily tilted in Depp’s favor across platforms,...
“How could they not come to that conclusion?” Heard told Savannah Guthrie of Today for an exclusive interview airing Tuesday and Wednesday on NBC (watch the video preview clip below).
Also Read:
Crisis PR Expert: Amber Heard and Jussie Smollett Are Paying the Price for ‘Shocking Arrogance’ (Guest Blog)
“They had sat in those seats and heard over three weeks of no stop relentless testimony from paid employees,” she continued. “I don’t blame them, I actually understand. He’s a beloved character. People feel that they know him. He’s a fantastic actor.”
Heard seemed to believe what her attorneys said after the verdict: that social media, heavily tilted in Depp’s favor across platforms,...
- 6/13/2022
- by Josh Dickey
- The Wrap
Netflix has dropped a new clip for the upcoming science-fiction thriller film Spiderhead, directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Chris Hemsworth as a prison overseer who experiments on two inmates with emotion-altering drugs. Jurnee is the sister of disgraced Empire star Jussie Smollett. who was sentenced to serve 150 days in […]
The post Jurnee Smollett, Jussie’s Sister, Stars Netflix Film ‘Spiderhead’ With Chris Hemsworth appeared first on uInterview.
The post Jurnee Smollett, Jussie’s Sister, Stars Netflix Film ‘Spiderhead’ With Chris Hemsworth appeared first on uInterview.
- 6/11/2022
- by Jacob Linden
- Uinterview
Jussie Smollett acknowledged his legal difficulties Thursday at a Harlem premiere screening for his gay romantic drama “B-Boy Blues,” expressing gratitude for finishing his feature directorial debut despite his personal issues.
“Sometimes we all go through things, you know, but what I know for sure is I am so… if I don’t know nothin’, I know how blessed I am,” Smollett said in his first major public appearance since receiving a five-month prison sentence in March for lying to Chicago cops about a racist and homophobic 2019 attack. “I know how grateful I must be. It is not up for debate. I must be grateful. To the universe, to God, to our ancestors, whoever you want to believe it is.”
The former “Empire” acknowledged the challenges of making the film — based on the bestselling 1994 novel of the same name from author James Earl Hardy, who co-wrote the script along with Smollett.
“Sometimes we all go through things, you know, but what I know for sure is I am so… if I don’t know nothin’, I know how blessed I am,” Smollett said in his first major public appearance since receiving a five-month prison sentence in March for lying to Chicago cops about a racist and homophobic 2019 attack. “I know how grateful I must be. It is not up for debate. I must be grateful. To the universe, to God, to our ancestors, whoever you want to believe it is.”
The former “Empire” acknowledged the challenges of making the film — based on the bestselling 1994 novel of the same name from author James Earl Hardy, who co-wrote the script along with Smollett.
- 6/3/2022
- by John Hogan
- The Wrap
Three years is enough time for a comeback… right? (Take note, Ezra Miller.) On Thursday, BET+ announced that it had picked up B-Boy Blues, an LGBTQ film directed and written by Jussie Smollett. It’s his first project since being found guilty of making false reports of a hate crime.
The film is an adaptation of a James Earl Hardy novel of the same name and stars folks such as Timothy Richardson, Brandee Evans, Heater B, Marquise Vilson, and Jabari Reed. Mona Scott-Young is set to be a producer on the film.
The film is an adaptation of a James Earl Hardy novel of the same name and stars folks such as Timothy Richardson, Brandee Evans, Heater B, Marquise Vilson, and Jabari Reed. Mona Scott-Young is set to be a producer on the film.
- 5/26/2022
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
Former “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett’s directing debut has finally found a home: BET+ has picked up “B-Boy Blues,” which will debut on the streamer on June 9 in time for Pride Month. As part of the pickup, Mona Scott-Young and her Monami Entertainment has joined the film as a producer and was instrumental in getting the deal done with BET+.
“B-Boy Blues” reps the first project for Smollett since being found guilty of making false reports about what he alleged to be a hate crime. He was later sentenced to 30 months of felony probation, including 150 days in jail, and ordered to pay a fine for making false reports to police, following his report that he was the victim of a hate crime in January 2019.
“B-Boy Blues” is the film adaptation of James Earl Hardy’s novel, and stars Timothy Richardson (“David Makes Man”), Ledisi (“Selma”), Brandee Evans (“P-Valley”), Heather B...
“B-Boy Blues” reps the first project for Smollett since being found guilty of making false reports about what he alleged to be a hate crime. He was later sentenced to 30 months of felony probation, including 150 days in jail, and ordered to pay a fine for making false reports to police, following his report that he was the victim of a hate crime in January 2019.
“B-Boy Blues” is the film adaptation of James Earl Hardy’s novel, and stars Timothy Richardson (“David Makes Man”), Ledisi (“Selma”), Brandee Evans (“P-Valley”), Heather B...
- 5/25/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Pulitzer Prize-winner Kendrick Lamar unveiled the first track for his upcoming album “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers,” kicking off the first step in his partnership with Matt Stone and Trey Parker’s production company.
Lamar’s latest single “The Heart Part 5” features the 13-time Grammy winner transforming into Oj Simpson, Jussie Smollett, Nipsey Hussle, Kobe Bryant, and Kanye West using deepfake technology from Parker and Stone’s Deep Voodoo studio under the Park County banner, as reported by Variety.
“The Heart Part 5” is directed and executive-produced by Lamar and longtime collaborator Dave Free, comprising Lamar’s PGLang company, which inked a deal with the “South Park” creators’ company to craft a live-action feature film for Paramount Pictures.
The first Deep Voodoo special titled “Sassy Justice” debuted in 2020, capturing a mock TV investigative report on deepfakes. Parker described the 15-minute video as “probably the single most expensive YouTube video ever made,...
Lamar’s latest single “The Heart Part 5” features the 13-time Grammy winner transforming into Oj Simpson, Jussie Smollett, Nipsey Hussle, Kobe Bryant, and Kanye West using deepfake technology from Parker and Stone’s Deep Voodoo studio under the Park County banner, as reported by Variety.
“The Heart Part 5” is directed and executive-produced by Lamar and longtime collaborator Dave Free, comprising Lamar’s PGLang company, which inked a deal with the “South Park” creators’ company to craft a live-action feature film for Paramount Pictures.
The first Deep Voodoo special titled “Sassy Justice” debuted in 2020, capturing a mock TV investigative report on deepfakes. Parker described the 15-minute video as “probably the single most expensive YouTube video ever made,...
- 5/10/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
It took a village to create Kendrick Lamar’s mind-melting new video for his song “The Heart Part 5,” which on the surface is just him performing in front of a red backdrop until you realize that his face deepfakes into those of Oj Simpson, Jussie Smollett, Nipsey Hussle, Kobe Bryant and Kanye West.
While the video was directed and executive produced by Lamar and longtime creative collaborator Dave Free and features a host of creative collaborators (listed below), the deep fake is credited to Deep Voodoo, a studio launched by “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone to specialize in the technology — and the “The Heart Part 5” video appears to be the first fruit of a partnership between Lamar’s PGLang company and the “South Park” founders’ Park County banner to produce a new feature film for Paramount Pictures.
The Deep Voodoo studio — the name of which almost certainly...
While the video was directed and executive produced by Lamar and longtime creative collaborator Dave Free and features a host of creative collaborators (listed below), the deep fake is credited to Deep Voodoo, a studio launched by “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone to specialize in the technology — and the “The Heart Part 5” video appears to be the first fruit of a partnership between Lamar’s PGLang company and the “South Park” founders’ Park County banner to produce a new feature film for Paramount Pictures.
The Deep Voodoo studio — the name of which almost certainly...
- 5/9/2022
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
Jussie Smollett is putting his thoughts to music. On April 8, the former Empire star, 39, shared a clip of his latest single, titled "Thank You God…," on Instagram, adding that all its proceeds would be donated to charitable causes. The lyric video opens with a signed statement by Smollett that reads: "Channeling these thoughts the best way I know how. Love you." The track was released around the time of his March 10 sentencing for staging a hate crime against himself. Lyrics include, "It's like they're hellbent on not solving the crime / Taking out the elements of race and trans and homophobia that's...
- 4/9/2022
- E! Online
Jussie Smollett has a new song out — and it’s not “Jailhouse Rock.”
The controversial actor-director-singer posted a stream-of-consciousness song Tuesday to Instagram, talking about his court case and the injustices brought down upon him by the disbelievers within the system.
Titled “Thank You God,” Smollett gives a Drake-like rendition of what’s on his mind in the song. “Some people chasing that clout / Just remember this … this ain’t that situation / You think I’m stupid enough to kill my reputation?” Smollett raps. He also calls out the faithless who don’t believe his tale that he was attacked on his way to Subway at 2 a.m. on an arctic night in Chicago in 2019.
Smollett promises there will come a day when he can sit down and talk with his followers, and gives a shout-out to “D.L.,” presumably CNN anchor Don Lemon, one of his prime defenders.
The...
The controversial actor-director-singer posted a stream-of-consciousness song Tuesday to Instagram, talking about his court case and the injustices brought down upon him by the disbelievers within the system.
Titled “Thank You God,” Smollett gives a Drake-like rendition of what’s on his mind in the song. “Some people chasing that clout / Just remember this … this ain’t that situation / You think I’m stupid enough to kill my reputation?” Smollett raps. He also calls out the faithless who don’t believe his tale that he was attacked on his way to Subway at 2 a.m. on an arctic night in Chicago in 2019.
Smollett promises there will come a day when he can sit down and talk with his followers, and gives a shout-out to “D.L.,” presumably CNN anchor Don Lemon, one of his prime defenders.
The...
- 4/9/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
CNN+ is diving into the Jussie Smollett case in a new documentary that will explore the events leading up to the actor’s conviction for lying to police about a 2019 attack.
“Chicago vs. Jussie Smollett” will be the first of the platform’s new FLASHDoc series, a documentary unit exploring timely and topical pop culture stories. Each documentary will be a standalone. Along with the announcement of project, CNN+ also released a trailer, which you can watch above.
Smollett, who is Black and gay, claimed he was assaulted on the streets of Chicago after making a Subway sandwich run in the early morning hours of Jan. 29, 2019. Earlier this month, he was convicted of lying to police about the attack. However, Smollett has maintained his innocence throughout the three-year ordeal. Though he was sentenced to five months in jail for the conviction, he has already been released pending his appeal.
The...
“Chicago vs. Jussie Smollett” will be the first of the platform’s new FLASHDoc series, a documentary unit exploring timely and topical pop culture stories. Each documentary will be a standalone. Along with the announcement of project, CNN+ also released a trailer, which you can watch above.
Smollett, who is Black and gay, claimed he was assaulted on the streets of Chicago after making a Subway sandwich run in the early morning hours of Jan. 29, 2019. Earlier this month, he was convicted of lying to police about the attack. However, Smollett has maintained his innocence throughout the three-year ordeal. Though he was sentenced to five months in jail for the conviction, he has already been released pending his appeal.
The...
- 3/31/2022
- by Katie Campione
- The Wrap
CNN+, which launched on Tuesday, has created a new documentary unit to produce quick turnaround documentaries.
The first from the CNN+FlashDocs unit, Chicago vs. Jussie Smollett, will look at the actor’s recent case, and will debut on Friday on demand.
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Katie Hinman, vice president of program development for CNN, said in a statement that the unit will be “a way for CNN+ to tackle the stories shaping pop culture while contextualizing them with fresh reporting and nuanced voices.” The Smollett documentary features interviews with the actor’s brothers, JoJo and Jocqui, as well as former Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie T. Johnson, special prosecutor Dan Webb, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx and Smollett’s defense...
The first from the CNN+FlashDocs unit, Chicago vs. Jussie Smollett, will look at the actor’s recent case, and will debut on Friday on demand.
The Deadline Watchlist: Grammys, ‘SNL’ Returns In Shadow Of Will Smith’s Oscar Slap Of Chris Rock, Iger Talks ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Law On CNN+, NCAA Tourney Endgames & ‘The Invisible Pilot’
Katie Hinman, vice president of program development for CNN, said in a statement that the unit will be “a way for CNN+ to tackle the stories shaping pop culture while contextualizing them with fresh reporting and nuanced voices.” The Smollett documentary features interviews with the actor’s brothers, JoJo and Jocqui, as well as former Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie T. Johnson, special prosecutor Dan Webb, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx and Smollett’s defense...
- 3/31/2022
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
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