AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 1:09 p.m. EDT

Hundreds of stars sign letter defending free speech after Jimmy Kimmel's suspension

NEW YORK (AP) — Hundreds of Hollywood and Broadway stars are urging Americans to defend free speech following Jimmy Kimmel's suspension. The American Civil Liberties Union released an open letter Monday, signed by over 430 celebrities, calling it a “dark moment for freedom of speech.” ABC suspended Kimmel’s show after his comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The move sparked a debate over free speech. The letter emphasizes that voices should not be silenced by those in power. Signatories include Robert De Niro, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, and Meryl Streep, among others. In other developments, the co-hosts of “The View” condemned the suspension after being silent about it for two shows.

George Takei to lead Banned Books Week, urging the fight against censorship

NEW YORK (AP) — Actor and activist George Takei is taking on a new role as honorary chair of Banned Books Week. The American Library Association announced Monday that the 88-year-old will lead the event, which runs from Oct. 5-11. Banned Books Week highlights censored works like “Gender Queer” and “The Bluest Eye.” Takei, who spent part of his childhood in a Japanese internment camp, emphasizes the importance of access to books. He will share leadership with Iris Mogul, a student active in anti-banning campaigns. Previous chairs include Ava DuVernay and LeVar Burton.

Literary mystery meets dystopian future in Ian McEwan's 'What We Can Know'

LONDON (AP) — Ian McEwan has released his 19th novel which is titled “What We Can Know.” The British author describes the book as “science fiction without the science.” The story is set in 2119 and follows a literature professor researching a 21st-century poet. The world has faced nuclear war, pandemics and climate change which have reduced the global population. McEwan believes humanity will “just scrape through” the next century. The novel explores the present through future eyes. It offers a literary mystery and a gentle dystopia. McEwan says it's not a climate change novel. But climate change looms over the story. “What We Can Know” is published in the U.S. on Tuesday by Knopf.

After two big weekends, the North American box office takes a hit

The North American box office has slowed down after a strong September. "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle" remains at the top, adding $17.3 million over the weekend. This makes it the highest-grossing anime film ever in North America. "Him," a football horror produced by Jordan Peele, opened in second place with $13.5 million. Despite its promising premise, the film received poor reviews. "The Conjuring: Last Rights" followed closely with $13 million in its third weekend. Meanwhile, the romantic drama "A Big Bold Beautiful Journey," starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, disappointed with only $3.5 million.

In battles over free speech, comedians are often center stage

NEW YORK (AP) — In all the stunning things about ABC’s swift removal of Jimmy Kimmel, its longtime late-night host and Oscars-hosting face of the network, perhaps the least surprising was that a comedian was again at the center of a battle over free speech. As long as jokes have been told, comedians have drawn the ire of the powerful. That has often put comedians on the front lines of free-speech battles, from George Carlin violating obscenity laws to satirical puppet shows trying to exist in Vladimir Putin’s Russia. In authoritarian regimes, crackdowns on speech usually make comedy a target.

Celebrity birthdays for the week of Sept. 28-Oct. 4

Celebrities having birthdays during the week of Sept. 28-Oct. 4 include pop singer Halsey, country singer Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town and rapper T-Pain. Actor-comedian Zach Galifianakis turns 56, singer Youssou N’Dour hits 66 and singer-guitarist Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac celebrates 76. Other celebrities with big days include rapper A$AP Rocky, actor Alicia Vikander from “The Danish Girl” and singer Gwen Stefani. Singer Kevin Richardson of the Backstreet Boys turns 54, drummer Tommy Lee of Motley Crue hits 63, actor Clive Owen welcomes 61 and actor Dakota Johnson from “Fifty Shades of Grey” rings in 36.

What to Stream: Doja Cat, Mariah Carey, 'Superman,' 'Slow Horses,' Jesse Williams and Hades II

Doja Cat’s 15-track album “Vie” and James Gunn’s hit reboot of “Superman” landing on HBO Max are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you this week. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time for the week of Sept. 22 as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists are the fifth season of the misfit espionage drama “Slow Horses,” a sequel to the 2020 indie megahit video game Hades called Hades II and Mariah Carey will release her first new album in seven years, “Here for It All.”

Christopher Nolan to lead Directors Guild of America

Christopher Nolan has been elected to lead the Directors Guild of America. He calls it "one of the greatest honors" of his career. The guild represents around 19,500 film and TV directors in the U.S. and abroad. Nolan, known for championing the theatrical experience, will take over from Lesli Linka Glatter. He plans to work with her and the board to secure creative and economic protections for members. Nolan's recent film, "Oppenheimer," was a box office hit, grossing over $976 million worldwide. His next project, an adaptation of "The Odyssey," opens July 17.

Bad Bunny says goodbye to Puerto Rico in one final concert after a historic residency

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Bad Bunny fans have marked the anniversary of Hurricane Maria with a powerful concert in Puerto Rico. The event on Saturday marked the end of the rapper's 30-concert residency on the island. The performance was streamed globally for the first time, reaching thousands via Amazon Music, Prime Video and Twitch. The concert served as a tribute to Puerto Rico's resilience and beauty, with Bad Bunny emphasizing the island's strength. The residency attracted about half a million attendees, generating significant revenue for Puerto Rico. Fans expressed pride and emotion, celebrating their heritage with the traditional call-and-response, "Yo soy boricua!"