AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 7:19 a.m. EDT

ABC's 'Bachelorette' cancellation adds to franchise's long history of controversy

LOS ANGELES (AP) — ABC has canceled a finished season of “The Bachelorette.” It highlights the franchise’s long history of cultural controversy. On Wednesday, the network pulled the season starring Taylor Frankie Paul after an old video surfaced that appears to show a violent altercation with her former partner while her young daughter was present. The move to cancel the season stand out since it usually handles scandals while it airs. For years, critics have targeted the franchise over mostly white leads and limited diversity. One of the franchise’s most high-profile controversies came in 2021 when longtime host Chris Harrison stepped down after defending a contestant as criticism grew over photos showing her at an antebellum plantation-themed event and wearing a Native American costume.

Check out soccer star Erling Haaland's latest business venture, in chess

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester City and Norway striker Erling Haaland wants to bring new audiences to chess after becoming a strategic investor in a world championship tour scheduled to launch next year. He has helped to establish a company called Chess Mates and that will be a “significant owner” of Norway Chess, the owner of the Total Chess World Championship Tour. Haaland says “chess is an incredible game. It sharpens the mind, and there are clear similarities to football." He is starting to branch out with his business interests, launching his own YouTube channel last year that has more than 1.4 million subscribers.

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.

AC/DC guitarist Stevie Young hospitalized ahead of Buenos Aires concerts

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — AC/DC guitarist Stevie Young was hospitalized in Buenos Aires after feeling unwell, just days before the band’s scheduled sold-out concerts in the city. According to the event’s promoter, he is undergoing medical tests but remains in good spirits and is expected to perform.

Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino, defending his company, takes star role at antitrust trial

NEW YORK (AP) — Live Nation Entertainment's longtime chief executive has testified 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.

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.