Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino, defending his company, takes star role at antitrust trial
NEW YORK (AP) — Live Nation Entertainment's longtime chief executive is testifying at a New York antitrust trial, defending the dominant position his company has taken in the concert industry over the last two decades. Michael Rapino became a star witness Thursday at a trial resulting from the lawsuit the U.S. Justice Department brought against Live Nation and its ticketing subsidiary, Ticketmaster, two years ago. The federal government settled the case last week, winning concessions from Live Nation that are meant to increase competition and ideally lower ticket prices for concertgoers. Six states have joined the federal government in settling. But 33 states and the District of Columbia are continuing the court fight.
In 'Project Hail Mary,' Phil Lord and Chris Miller finally get their space odyssey
NEW YORK (AP) — In their two decades making movies together, Phil Lord and Chris Miller have shown a particular talent in making inanimate objects come alive. They did this especially in 2014’s “The Lego Movie,” but little in their idiosyncratic filmography hasn’t involved some degree of playful reinvention. But “Project Hail Mary” may be their biggest challenge yet in breathing life into an improbable concept. The film adapted from Andy Weir’s bestseller stars Ryan Gosling as an astronaut sent far into space on a mission to save Earth that brings him into contact with a faceless, rock-based alien. It opens in theaters Thursday.
Kevin Spacey settles out of court with 3 men over alleged sexual assaults
LONDON (AP) — Three men who allege that actor Kevin Spacey sexually assaulted them have settled their civil claims in London. The men claimed that Spacey abused them at various times between 2000 and 2013. Spacey denies the allegations. The case was due to go to trial later this year, but judge Christina Lambert paused the proceedings after both sides agreed to settlement terms. The terms have not been disclosed. Spacey, who was artistic director of London's Old Vic Theatre for a decade, faced a criminal trial in London in 2023 on nine alleged sexual offenses. He was acquitted on all counts by a jury.
Tina Turner's name, image, likeness and most music catalog rights acquired by Pophouse
NEW YORK (AP) — Pophouse Entertainment Group has acquired Tina Turner's name, image and likeness rights as well as the majority of her music catalog rights from music company BMG. The Swedish company announced the acquisition Thursday. Pophouse would not disclose any details of the deal, but said to expect plans within six months. The “What’s Love Got to Do With It” singer died in 2023. The news of Pophouse's acquisition follows their purchase of rock band Kiss' catalog, brand name and IP in 2024. In the same year Cyndi Lauper entered a partnership with the company, including the sale of the majority share of her music.
BTS will stage a long-awaited comeback concert at a Seoul landmark
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — BTS will stage its long-awaited comeback concert on Saturday night at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square. The square is one of South Korea’s most famous landmarks, representing its royal heritage as well as its political and cultural life. Some 20,000 fans are expected to pack the square. The K-pop juggernaut’s seven members, all South Koreans, will perform songs from their first album in nearly four years. “ARIRANG” takes its title from the most beloved folk tune on the Korean Peninsula. Experts say BTS' concert, which will be livestreamed on Netflix globally, will reaffirm BTS' Korean identify and enhance the influence of K-pop.
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Eight states, DirecTV sue to block merger of local television owners Nexstar and Tegna
Attorneys general in eight states, including California, New York and Illinois, and DirecTV are filing lawsuits seeking to block the merger of Nexstar Media Group and its rival Tegna. The Democratic leaders argue that creation of a broadcast “behemoth” would result in higher prices for consumers and further losses in the already struggling local news market. Nexstar has said the new company would allow its local stations to better compete with well-funded legacy media and Big Tech. President Donald Trump has said he supports the merger, which must be approved by his administration and requires the loosening of restrictions that limited the amount of stations that one company could own.
Mike Will Made-It returns with star-studded 'R3SET.' It's his first solo album in nearly a decade
NEW YORK (AP) — Hip-hop super producer Mike Will Made-It returns with the star-studded ‘R3SET,’ his first solo album in nearly a decade. The producer of Kendrick Lamar’s “Humble” and co-producer of Beyoncé’s “Formation” began an unintended hiatus after his music hard drives were stolen. He pursued business endeavors, like building an 80,000- square-foot compound used as a creative event space in Atlanta and rebuilding his musical vault. The result is the 15-track “R3SET,” featuring contributions from megastar J. Cole and YoungBoy Never Broke Again, arguably the hottest street rapper in music. Mike Will pairs heavyweights like 2 Chainz, Ludacris, T.I. and CeeLo Green with new acts like Monaleo and Teezo Touchdown. The album releases Friday.
Movie Review: Gosling, Lord and Miller make science fun in ‘Project Hail Mary’
Ryan Gosling plays a man stranded on a spaceship in the new film “Project Hail Mary,” opening in theaters on March 20. His character Ryland Grace wakes up from a coma alone in space, with no memory of how he got there. As his memory comes back, he teams up with an alien to try to figure out why the sun is dying. Phil Lord and Chris Miller direct the film based on an Andy Weir story. In her review, Associated Press Film Writer Lindsey Bahr says that it's as fun as it is awe-inspiring. It's rated PG-13.
Joe Kent's resignation over Iran war reignites antisemitism fears and debate over Israeli influence
Joe Kent’s resignation from President Donald Trump’s counterterrorism team is fueling a Republican fight over the Iran war and talk about Israel that critics call antisemitic. On Wednesday, Kent went on Tucker Carlson’s podcast and said Israel drove the decision to strike Iran. Kent also hinted at conspiracy claims about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death. The Republican Jewish Coalition and others warn the rhetoric echoes classic antisemitic tropes. Trump has stayed quiet on Kent’s comments about Israel. The split is widening in right-wing media, too. Ben Shapiro is blasting Carlson, while Megyn Kelly and Mark Levin trade insults as pro-war and anti-war voices clash.
An AI-rendered Val Kilmer will posthumously appear in a new film
NEW YORK (AP) — A year after the actor’s death, a generative AI version of Val Kilmer will co-star in an independent film. It's one of the boldest uses yet of artificial intelligence in moviemaking. First Line Films announced Wednesday that Kilmer has posthumously joined the cast of a film titled “As Deep as the Grave.” The producers said that before his death, Kilmer had signed on to perform in the movie but was unable to do due to his health. Kilmer’s estate gave permission for his digital replication, and is being compensated for it. Kilmer died last April from pneumonia at the age of 65.
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