AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 11:41 a.m. EDT

Drug counselor who delivered the fatal dose of ketamine to actor Matthew Perry is up for sentencing

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A licensed addiction counselor who helped sell ketamine to “Friends” star Matthew Perry is set to be sentenced. Prosecutors are asking for Erik Fleming to be sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison. He has pleaded guilty to distribution of ketamine resulting in death. Fleming connected Perry with drug dealer Jasveen Sangha, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Fleming cooperated with authorities and gave up Sangha. He delivered 25 vials of Sangha's ketamine to Perry four days before his death. Fleming's attorneys have asked the Los Angeles federal judge to sentence him to three months in prison and nine months in a residential treatment facility.

20 years after a 22-minute ovation, Guillermo del Toro and 'Pan's Labyrinth' return to Cannes

CANNES, France (AP) — Twenty years ago, Guillermo del Toro premiered “Pan’s Labyrinth” at the Cannes Film Festival. He went in anxious. It was toward the end of the festival and many journalists had left. The movie’s production had been a nightmare. Then the audience gave it a 22-minute standing ovation, the longest in Cannes history. Del Toro returned to Cannes on Tuesday to screen a restoration of one of his most beloved films. A 4K restoration of “Pan's Labyrinth” will be rereleased in theaters in October.

Alternative shows counter Eurovision amid protests over Israel's participation

BRUSSELS (AP) — Calls to boycott Eurovision over Israel's participation have led to alternative concerts across Europe. In one such event, artists and activists gathered in Brussels on Tuesday to protest Israel's inclusion, citing its military actions in Gaza. The event featured performances by European and Palestinian artists. Israel's participation has sparked protests and boycotts, with five countries refusing to participate. Amnesty International has called for Israel's expulsion, similar to Russia's in 2022 in reaction to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Organizers of the Brussels concert said similar alternative events are happening in Austria, Germany, and Spain.

Who are the 5 people convicted in connection with Matthew Perry’s death

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The prosecution of five defendants stemming from the death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry is coming to a close. They've all pleaded guilty for their various roles in supplying the actor with ketamine, the drug that was the primary cause of his 2023 death at age 54. Two doctors and an admitted drug dealer prosecutors say was known as “The Ketamine Queen” have been sentenced. The final two will receive their sentences in the coming days. They are Perry's live-in personal assistant who helped him acquire and inject the drug and an addiction counselor who made a ketamine connection for the actor.

Corleone crime family returns in a new 'Godfather' novel for 2027 release by Random House

NEW YORK (AP) — The Corleone crime family saga is getting a new chapter. Random House has acquired a “Godfather” novel authorized by Mario Puzo's estate, written by bestselling author Adriana Trigiani. Scheduled for a fall 2027 release, “Connie” will focus on the Corleone family member played by Talia Shire in the films. Trigiani says the novel explores how Connie forges her own path in a world that underestimates her. Paramount retains film rights. The Puzo estate sought out Trigiani for her unique perspective on the Corleone women. Anthony Puzo, the author's son, expressed excitement about Trigiani's vision.

Jury deliberations begin in Harvey Weinstein's rape retrial in New York

NEW YORK (AP) — Jurors have started deliberating in Harvey Weinstein’s rape retrial. The closed-door discussions began Wednesday. The jury is tasked with deciding whether the former movie mogul raped a woman in a Manhattan hotel on March 18, 2013. It's an unresolved piece of Weinstein's New York case, which epitomized the #MeToo movement. His accuser has testified that the two had a consensual relationship. But she says Weinstein subjected her to unwanted sex that day after she repeatedly said no. Weinstein's lawyers say the encounter was consensual.

Mýa returns with her first album in 8 years, the throwback 'Retrospect.' She says it's all about joy

NEW YORK (AP) — R&B singer Mýa will release her tenth studio album and first full-length in eight years on Friday. It is titled “Retrospect.” It features throwback sounds channeling ’70s and ’80s Minneapolis funk, pop, R&B and soul. During the pandemic, Mýa revisited music from her childhood, which influenced the album's direction. She found inspiration in Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the S.O.S. Band, Prince, Teena Marie, Michael Jackson and more. She told The Associated Press that her album is about spreading joy and offering introspection. Mýa says she hopes to one day join forces with Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim and Pink for a “Lady Marmalade” reunion. Their platinum-selling version of the song celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026.

Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera reunite on Day of the Dead in new Met Opera production

Frida Kahlo returns from the dead in the opera “El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego,” premiering at the Metropolitan Opera this week. The Spanish-language opera imagines Kahlo's reunion with Diego Rivera three years after her death. Rivera, weary of life without her, summons her spirit on the Day of the Dead. Mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard stars as Kahlo, with music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducting. The opera, two decades in the making, avoids conventional approaches, leaning into magical realism. The set design draws inspiration from Kahlo's painting “Tree of Hope, Remain Strong,” symbolizing the link between life and death.

King Charles III lays out UK government agenda as Starmer's job hangs in the balance

LONDON (AP) — King Charles III has outlined the British government's legislative plans as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces pressure to stay in power. In a ceremonial speech to Parliament, the king emphasized the U.K.'s focus on energy policy, defense, and national security amid the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. He also pledged action against antisemitism, highlighting British values of decency and tolerance. Starmer's leadership is under scrutiny after significant losses in local elections. Some Labour Party members have urged him to set a departure timetable, and Health Secretary Wes Streeting might challenge him. The King's Speech aims to address economic and security challenges.