Memoir by Prince Andrew's and Epstein's accuser reignites a scandal that long dogged UK royals
LONDON (AP) — The British royal family is under intense scrutiny as Virginia Giuffre's memoir hits bookstores. Giuffre, an accuser of Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein, died by suicide in April. Her book, "Nobody’s Girl," doesn't reveal new details but reignites accusations against Andrew. He recently announced he will stop using his titles, including Duke of York, but denies Giuffre’s claims. Giuffre alleges she was forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions when she was underage. Andrew settled a lawsuit with her in 2022 without admitting wrongdoing. Buckingham Palace faces pressure to strip Andrew of his titles.
Adam Driver on Jarmusch, 'Star Wars' and putting filmmakers first
NEW YORK (AP) — In an interview with The Associated Press, Adam Driver says he developed a Kylo Ren “Star Wars” movie that would have been directed by Steven Soderbergh. They spent two years developing and scripting “The Hunt for Ben Solo.” Ultimately, Walt Disney Co. executives nixed it. Driver says the script was one of the best he's ever read. It would have taken place following the events of 2019's “The Rise of Skywalker.” Representatives for Disney declined to comment. The studio has multiple other “Star Wars” projects in the works.
Movie Review: Tessa Thompson and Nina Hoss are on fire in Nia DaCosta’s ‘Hedda’
Hedda Gabler is transported to 1950s England in Nia DaCosta’s fiery spin on the Henrik Ibsen drama. “Hedda” stars Tessa Thompson as the titular antihero, a master manipulator who uses her intellect for personal gain and to destroy her competition. Nina Hoss plays Hedda's ex lover, and Tom Bateman is Hedda's new husband, George. In her review for The Associated Press, film writer Lindsey Bahr writes that the film is “deliriously fun, intelligent and impassioned,” adding that prior Ibsen knowledge isn't necessary for enjoyment. “Hedda,” rated R and in theaters Friday, is a film that works entirely on its own terms.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's memoir is coming out in January
NEW YORK (AP) — Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's memoir is coming out in January. It touches on his political rise and the trauma of his home being set on fire. HarperCollins announced Tuesday that "Where We Keep the Light: Stories From a Life of Service" will be released Jan. 27. Shapiro was elected governor in 2022 and has become a prominent national Democrat. He was on Kamala Harris' shortlist as a running mate in last year's presidential election. A man set fire to his official residence in April. The family was safely evacuated, and the man pleaded guilty and was sentenced last week.
Disney+ and Hulu cancellations rose after ABC briefly pulled 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'
NEW YORK (AP) — Disney+ and Hulu subscription cancellations rose during the month that ABC briefly cancelled “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” according to data from subscription analytics company Antenna. ABC pulled the show off the air for less than a week in September in the wake of criticism over his comments related the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Antenna estimates total cancellations in September were 4.1 million for Hulu and 3 million for Disney+. The “churn rate,” or the percentage of customers that cancel their subscriptions in a specific month, jumped from 5% in August to 10% in September for Hulu. That figure jumped 4% in August to 8% in September for Disney+.
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Broadway actors and producers reach tentative labor deal, but musicians still threaten a strike
NEW YORK (AP) — The union representing Broadway actors has reached a tentative labor agreement with commercial producers. The Actors’ Equity Association, which represents over 51,000 members, announced the three-year deal covering health care, scheduling, and physical therapy. The agreement now goes to members for ratification. The musicians' union, representing 1,200 musicians, is still negotiating and has voted for a strike authorization. Both unions have been working under expired contracts. The actors' breakthrough is a relief, as a strike could have crippled Broadway. The focus now shifts to the musicians as they continue bargaining.
Met Museum’s first Egypt show in over a decade brings ancient gods and goddesses to life
NEW YORK (AP) — It's been more than a decade since the last big ancient Egypt show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Now comes “Divine Egypt.” The lavish show explores how ancient Egyptians depicted their gods. The show opened on Oct. 12. It features over 200 works, including statues and figurines, from the Met's collection and beyond. Curator Diana Craig Patch explains that the exhibition covers all periods of ancient Egyptian civilization, focusing on 25 main deities. Highlights include sculptures of Amun-Re, Horus, and Hathor, and galleries exploring creation myths and the afterlife. Patch hopes visitors will gain new insights into how Egyptians related to their deities.
TV writer Graham Linehan won't face charges for transgender post that sparked UK debate
LONDON (AP) — Irish TV comedy writer Graham Linehan will not face charges after his arrest over social media posts critical of transgender people. British prosecutors announced the decision Monday. Linehan, known for co-creating "Father Ted" and "The IT Crowd," was arrested Sept. 1 at Heathrow Airport. His arrest sparked a debate about freedom of speech and its limits. Supporters, including J.K. Rowling, argued that U.K. laws stifled legitimate comment. Others emphasized the real-world impact of online abuse. London police said as a result of the case that it would no longer investigate non-crime hate incidents.
Horror sequel ‘Black Phone 2’ dials up a No. 1 opening
Universal Pictures says Sunday that “Black Phone 2” has topped the North American box office with an estimated $26.5 million in ticket sales. The film starring Ethan Hawke and Mason Thames opened in 3,411 theaters and received positive reviews four years after the original became a sleeper success. It's a much needed hit for Blumhouse after a string of dissapointments this year including “M3GAN 2.0.” The overall box office is up about 4% compared to last year, despite a slow October. “Black Phone 2” also earned $15.5 million internationally, bringing its worldwide total to $42 million against a $30 million budget.
Kevin Federline says his sons with Britney Spears are the reason for his new memoir
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears' ex-husband Kevin Federline is telling his side of their time together in a new memoir being released Tuesday. Federline says in an interview with The Associated Press that he remained silent because of their two sons, but now that they're adults he feels an obligation to tell the whole story. In the book he describes the media frenzy that came with their two-year marriage. He writes that Spears called her ex Justin Timberlake the night before their wedding. He writes that she frightened their sons with erratic behavior that sometimes tipped into abuse. Spears says Federline's book is full of “white lies” aimed at making money.
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