AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 1:42 p.m. EST

Hounded by photographers for years, Bardot identified with the animals she later set out to save

PARIS (AP) — Brigitte Bardot, who has died at 91, often said that the hounding she received from the world's press in her years as a sex symbol of the 1960s made her identify with hunted and abused animals. So it was that the sultry star of “And God Created Woman” and many other films reinvented herself as a militant animal rights activist, devoting herself to protecting animals across the globe. But while she was initially lauded and honored for her work, she was later repeatedly convicted of inciting racial hatred and several towns removed statues of Marianne — the bare-breasted symbol of the French republic — that were modeled on Bardot.

A muse for musicians: 11 songs inspired by Brigitte Bardot

NEW YORK (AP) — The 1960s French sex symbol, actor, singer and animal welfare activist Brigitte Bardot has died. She was 91. With the alliterative cadence of her name and synonymity with a kind of classic beauty, Bardot was also a muse to many, particularly musicians. In songs, Bardot is often not Bardot the woman, but a symbol for desire. She appears in songs across language and genre. A small selection includes Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Caetano Veloso, Elton John, The Pretenders, Kali Uchis and Jorja Smith, Liz Phair, Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and even her own song with Serge Gainsbourg.

Brigitte Bardot, 1960s French sex symbol turned militant animal rights activist, dies at 91

PARIS (AP) — French 1960s sex symbol Brigitte Bardot has died at age 91. Bardot became one of the greatest screen sirens of the 20th century and later a militant animal rights activist. She died on Sunday at her home in southern France. Bardot rocketed to international stardom in the 1956 movie “And God Created Woman.” The film was directed by then husband Roger Vadim. It triggered a scandal with scenes of the long-legged beauty dancing on tables naked. Bardot earned her compatriots’ respect as an animal rights activist. She was awarded the nation’s highest honor. But Bardot later fell from public grace as her animal protection diatribes took on a decidedly extremist tone and her far-right political views sounded racist.

'The past gives comfort': Finding refuge on analog islands amid deepening digital seas

As technology distracts, polarizes and automates, people are still finding refuge on analog islands in the digital sea. The holdouts span the generation gaps, uniting elderly and middle-aged enclaves born in the pre-internet times with the digital natives raised in the era of online ubiquity. They are setting down devices to paint, color, knit and play board games. Others carve out time to mail birthday cards and salutations written in their own hand. Some drive cars with manual transmissions while surrounded by automobiles increasingly able to drive themselves. And a widening audience is turning to vinyl albums, resuscitating an analog format that was on its deathbed 20 years ago.

Kyrgios beats Sabalenka in latest 'Battle of the Sexes' in tennis

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Nick Kyrgios has won the latest version of the “Battle of the Sexes” in tennis. He beat top-ranked women’s player Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition match that represented light entertainment rather than another landmark moment for gender equality. There was laughing and joking between the players, some under-arm serves, over-the-top grunting on shots, and even some dancing from Sabalenka during a timeout to entertain the crowd at the 17,000-seat Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. The “Battle of the Sexes” name was borrowed from the 1973 match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, which King won in straight sets. That took place amid King’s efforts to start a female tour and get equal pay in tennis.

How TV shows like 'Mo' and 'Muslim Matchmaker' allow Arab and Muslim Americans to tell their stories

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Comedian Mo Amer is gaining attention for his show “Mo,” which explores the journey of a Palestinian refugee family seeking asylum in the U.S. The series is part of a wave of TV shows by Arab or Muslim American creators that aim to tell authentic stories without relying on stereotypes. The second season of “Mo” begins with the main character running a falafel taco stand in Mexico. Other shows like “Muslim Matchmaker” and “#1 Happy Family USA” are also challenging traditional portrayals. Experts say positive representation can influence public opinion and policy, highlighting the importance of diverse storytelling.

‘Heated Rivalry’ series mixes hockey and queer romance and is scoring big audiences

NEW YORK (AP) — The television adaptation of Rachel Reid’s novel “Heated Rivalry” is making waves with hockey romance fans. Since its debut in November, the show has dominated social media and become the No. 1 series on HBO Max. The story follows a secret decade-long romance between Canadian Shane Hollander and Russian Ilya Rozanov. Jacob Tierney, who developed the series, describes it as “pure queer joy.” The show has sparked renewed interest in Reid’s “Game Changer” book series and sports romance fiction. It's already been renewed for a second season and is praised for its diverse casting and authentic portrayal of hockey.

Debate over surfing in German park gets gnarly after city removes wave-creating device

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Surf's not up in Munich. Workers in the German city on Sunday removed a beam used to recreate a surfable wave in the city's landmark English Garden park. The wave had been a hot spot for years but disappeared after the river bed was cleaned of debris. City officials and the surfing community have been talking about how to restore the wave. But the city wasn't moving fast enough to suit some of the surfers it seems. Unknown individuals installed the beam on Christmas for some holiday surfing in wet suits. The city is urging patience.