Norman Lear, the influential television impresario who dominated the American prime-time comedy lineup in the 1970s, has passed away at the age of 98. He was responsible for some of the most seminal comedies in television history, which tackled hot-button issues such as racism, sexism, and abortion. Lear was a prolific writer and producer, winning numerous awards throughout his career, and his influence on television and culture will be remembered for generations to come.
Posts published in “Entertainment”
After an almost four-month strike, SAG-AFTRA members have approved a new three-year contract with Hollywood studios, securing over $1 billion in gains including a 7% pay raise, improved safety protocols, and a new residuals structure for streaming services. The strike, which was the longest in the union's history, has now come to an end, allowing the entertainment industry to move forward and resume production.
Legendary singer Brenda Lee has become the oldest performer in history to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart with her classic holiday tune “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”, which was streamed nearly 35 million times between the Friday after Thanksgiving and Thursday. Lee celebrated the news on Twitter, and her achievement is a testament to the timelessness of her music, reminding us that the holiday season is a time for celebrating the classics.
Oxford University Press has announced that the viral term “rizz” has been crowned its “word of the year” for 2023. It is defined as a noun meaning style, charm, attractiveness or the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner, and is increasingly popular among Gen Zers due to the prevalence of rizz-related memes. The OUP’s decision is a testament to the power of language to be formed, shaped, and shared within communities, before being picked up more widely in society.
Julianna Margulies has come under fire for comments she made on a podcast, suggesting that the Black community has been "brainwashed to hate Jews". Her comments have been widely criticized and she has since released a statement apologizing for any hurt she may have caused. Many people are now calling for her to take responsibility for her words and apologize for any hurt she may have caused.
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson has shown his appreciation for his former high school basketball coach, Butch Stockton, by offering to move him in after the death of his wife. Stockton revealed that Robinson had become close to the couple and visited his wife in the hospital every day. Robinson is a two-time NBA All-Star and is known for his defensive prowess on the court, as well as his off-court generosity.
Legendary singer-songwriter Shane MacGowan, frontman of the Celtic punk band The Pogues, passed away on Thursday at the age of 65. MacGowan was best known for his work with The Pogues, most famously their Christmas ballad “Fairytale of New York”, and continued to perform and write music despite his health struggles. His family released a statement confirming the news, saying they were “blessed beyond words” to have had so many years of life and love with him.
Sean "Diddy" Combs is facing two new allegations of sexual assault, as a lawsuit was filed in New York Supreme Court on Thursday, one day before the expiration of the New York Adult Survivors Act. The lawsuit alleges that Combs and R&B singer Aaron Hall assaulted the plaintiff and her friend in 1990 or 1991, and seeks unspecified damages and a jury trial. This is the latest in a string of allegations against Combs, and is part of the larger #MeToo movement that has brought attention to sexual assault and harassment.