AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 8:26 a.m. EDT

Prosecutors used rap lyrics to help send a man to death row in Texas. It's not an uncommon tactic

Attorneys for a Black man scheduled to be executed in Texas say the introduction of rap lyrics he wrote biased an almost all-white jury when they decided to sentence him to death. Using rap lyrics in court is not an uncommon practice. Researchers found that rap lyrics have featured in hundreds of court cases in more than 40 states over the past 50 years, but judges often exclude other forms of creative expression from being used as evidence. Experts say treating rap lyrics as diary entries minimizes their artistic value while playing on negative racial stereotypes to influence jurors. James Broadnax's execution is scheduled for April 30.

South Korean prosecutors deny police request for arrest warrant for K-pop mogul behind BTS

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean prosecutors have rejected a police request for an arrest warrant for music tycoon Bang Si-Hyuk. He's the chairman of the agency behind K-pop supergroup BTS. Prosecutors on Friday questioned whether detention is necessary as Bang faces a high-profile investigation into alleged investor fraud. Bang has been barred from leaving the country since August. But he's not seen as a realistic threat to flee. Bang’s legal troubles are a public relations setback for Hybe. They come as BTS launches a global tour after a nearly four-year hiatus as its seven members served their mandatory military service.

Japan's Haruki Murakami to publish first new novel in 3 years with 'The Tale of KAHO' in July

TOKYO (AP) — A new book by Haruki Murakami set to be released in early July will mark the first time a full-length novel by the Japanese author features a female main character. “The Tale of KAHO” is Murakami's first book in three years. The story centers on a 26-year-old picture book author named Kaho. Shinchosha Publishing Co. said Thursday she is the first lone female protagonist featured by the writer. The book will be released July 3 in print and digital formats. Shinchosha Publishing says the 352-page book brings together Murakami's four-parts series released in a monthly magazine and gives them a new life.

Warner Bros shareholders approve Paramount's $81 billion takeover of the Hollywood giant

NEW YORK (AP) — An $81 billion Warner-Paramount mega merger has received shareholders’ stamp of approval, propelling a deal that could vastly reshape Hollywood and the wider media landscape closer to the finish line. On Thursday, Warner Bros. Discovery said the overwhelming majority of its shareholders voted in support of selling the entire business to Skydance-owned Paramount for $31 a share. That means HBO Max, cult-favorite titles like “Harry Potter” and even CNN could soon find themselves under the same roof with CBS, “Top Gun” and the Paramount+ streaming service. But it’s not a done deal quite yet. The acquisition still faces ongoing regulatory reviews.

Taylor Swift and Bad Bunny top Spotify's first all-time most streamed artists list

NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift has topped Spotify’s first ever list of the most streamed artists of all time. The list was published Thursday morning. Swift is followed by Bad Bunny. Drake is third. Then there are The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, Eminem and Kanye West, in that order. Spotify did not provide insight into its data collection methodology when asked about it by The Associated Press. In addition to naming the most streamed artists globally, Spotify compiled the most streamed albums, songs, podcasts and audiobooks to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The streaming giant was founded in April 2006.

Movie Review: Moving but sometimes cloying, Tourette’s tale ‘I Swear’ soars on superb acting

Many have heard about the shocking moment when Tourette's activist John Davidson hurled an involuntary racial slur at Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo at the BAFTAs. It's hard to keep that sad moment out of one's head while watching “I Swear.” Kirk Jones' film about Davidson's life is now releasing in the U.S. Associated Press critic Jocelyn Noveck writes in her review that the movie owes its success to superb acting from Robert Aramayo. It's a moving tale encumbered by a desire to present a linear path toward acceptance for Davidson and others with Tourette's. We know from the BAFTA incident just how hard that will be.

Michael Tilson Thomas, renowned conductor and composer, dies at 81

Renowned American conductor and composer Michael Tilson Thomas has died at 81. His spokesperson Connie Shuman says Tilson Thomas died Wednesday night. He led orchestras in Buffalo, Miami, London and San Francisco. Tilson Thomas had surgery for a brain tumor in 2021 and in February 2025 announced the tumor had returned. He conducted his final concert with the San Francisco Symphony in April 2025. Tilson Thomas received 39 Grammy nominations, winning 12, and received a Kennedy Center Honor in 2019. His husband, Joshua Robison, died in February. Tilson Thomas was known for his deep understanding of music and his impactful compositions.

Evidence against singer D4vd in killing of 14-year-old girl will be revealed in court within days

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lawyers for singer D4vd are pushing prosecutors to reveal their evidence in the case of Celeste Rivas Hernandez's killing. A judge has set a hearing for next week to present the evidence publicly. D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, appeared in court in jail clothes Thursday. He's pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. Prosecutors say they have extensive evidence, including sensitive child sex abuse images from Burke's phone. The defense argues the evidence will prove Burke's innocence. The dismembered body of Rivas Hernandez was found in a car registered to Burke. The hearing will determine if there's enough evidence for a trial.

Trump's planned appearance bringing renewed scrutiny to annual correspondents' dinner

NEW YORK (AP) — For the first time as president, Donald Trump is planning to attend the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington this weekend. Some critics can't believe that the reporters would invite a president who has battled with the press, particularly during his second term in office, and want them to speak up about the First Amendment. The so-called nerd prom already makes some people queasy for the appearance of reporters partying with their high-level sources. Some journalists who have attended the dinners say it pays dividends for their jobs — they make personal connections with people who might not otherwise return phone calls.