AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 6:47 a.m. EDT

Decoding Taylor Swift’s 'The Life a Showgirl': A guide to her references

NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift's new album, "The Life of a Showgirl," is packed with Easter eggs for fans to decode. Her 12th studio album offers clever clues and references to her public life and discography. Some are opaque, sparking fan theories, while others are more explicit. Lyrics mention places like Portofino and Paris, and nod to her engagement to Travis Kelce. Songs reference her past, including her teenage years in Tennessee and friendships. The album's physical variants, like "summertime spritz pink shimmer" vinyl, also tie into the lyrics.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs' is set to be sentenced and faces the possibility of years in prison

NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs faces sentencing in a sordid criminal case that could potentially keep him behind bars for years. The famed hip-hop mogul was convicted in July of flying people around the country, including his girlfriends and male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters, a violation of the federal Mann Act. A jury acquitted Combs of more serious racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges. Those could have led to a life prison sentence. Prosecutors say he should still spend over 11 years behind bars. Combs' lawyers want him freed now. The sentencing hearing is Friday.

A timeline of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs' career and legal problems as he is set to be sentenced

For more than two decades, Sean “Diddy” Combs was one of hip-hop’s most nimble entrepreneurs. He spun his hitmaking talents into a broad business empire that included a record label, a fashion brand, a media company, deals with liquor companies and a key role in a reality TV show. Then he was charged with forcing, threatening and manipulating two ex-girlfriends into drug-fueled sex marathons, with assistance from a network of associates. Combs denied the allegations and went to trial in a high-stakes federal case. The jury acquitted Combs of racketeering and sex trafficking but convicted him of transporting people across state lines to engage in prostitution. He is set to be sentenced Friday.

Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner sue Ray J for defamation over racketeering claims

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner are suing Ray J for defamation. They claim he falsely said they are under federal investigation for racketeering. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Los Angeles, calls Ray J's allegations baseless. They say he has harassed them for years. The lawsuit highlights recent statements by Ray J, including a livestream on Sept. 30, where he claimed federal charges were imminent. Kardashian and Jenner argue these claims are false and damaging. They say no investigation exists, and the comments have harmed their reputations. Ray J has not responded to requests for comment.

Luxembourg crowns a new grand duke after the former grand duke abdicates

LUXEMBOURG (AP) — Grand Duke Guillaume has ascended to the throne of Luxembourg after swearing an oath in a traditional ceremony on Friday. Guillaume takes over from his father, Henri, who served for 25 years. The ceremony was attended by royals and European heads of state. In his first address, Guillaume quoted a 1919 speech by Grand Duchess Charlotte, emphasizing freedom and unity. Crowds gathered outside the palace, some with faces painted in the Luxembourg flag colors. The new grand duke plans to greet the public and host an evening gala for international guests.

Movie Review: Dwayne Johnson has never been better in 'The Smashing Machine,' but the movie dodges

Benny Safdie's The Smashing Machine” would seem to bear all the hallmarks of something grittier, darker and more disturbing than it is. But despite its grainy, VHS aesthetics, “The Smashing Machine” is a surprisingly conventional and oddly untroubled movie, albeit one that gives Dwayne Johnson an indie-film platform for one of his finest performances, writes Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. It's captivating to see his so thoroughly settled into a character like he is in “The Smashing Machine” while totally shorn of his charisma.

PBS 'Masterpiece' series ‘The Gold’ explores Britain’s biggest heist in history

NEW YORK (AP) — PBS's “Masterpiece” series “The Gold” explores Britain's biggest robbery, the 1983 Brinks-Mat heist. Thieves stole 26 million pounds worth of gold bars near Heathrow Airport. “The Gold” traces the crime's ripple effects, moving from a local search to infiltrating an international money laundering cartel. Showrunner Neil Forsyth says the drama is inspired by real events but allows creative freedom. Actor Hugh Bonneville plays Brian Boyce, the lead investigator determined to combat police corruption. The series highlights the clash between new money and the aristocracy in Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's Britain and the complexities of greed and ambition. “The Gold” airs Sunday.

Mugler reopens playbook with underground debut show in Paris

PARIS (AP) — The fashion industry is buzzing with changes this Paris season, and Thursday's spotlight is on Mugler's debut. Miguel Castro Freitas, a Portuguese designer with a background at Dior, has taken over the iconic brand known for its bold silhouettes. Mugler has recently attracted stars like Beyoncé and Zendaya. The show took place in a dramatic venue that matched the brand's futuristic style. Freitas embraced Mugler's 1980s legacy with exaggerated shoulders and daring designs. His debut was a confident statement, blending classic Mugler elements with a modern twist. It wasn't a complete reinvention, but it left people talking.

Taylor Swift's 'The Life of a Showgirl' is out now. Here's what to know

NEW YORK (AP) — Lights, camera, action. Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” has just been released. Are you ready for it? Swift announced her latest era back in August, when she began teasing the release. It is streaming on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. There are also a number of variants, including vinyl, CD and cassette offerings. There is even an iTunes digital download featuring a new cover image and a nearly three-minute exclusive video from Taylor herself detailing inspirations behind the album.