Two jurors claim they were bullied into convicting Harvey Weinstein and regret it, his lawyers say
NEW YORK (AP) — Two jurors who voted in June to convict Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault said they regret the decision and only did so because others on the panel bullied them, the former movie mogul’s lawyers said in a newly public court filing. Weinstein’s lawyers are seeking to overturn his conviction for first-degree criminal sex act, arguing in papers unsealed Thursday that the guilty verdict was marred by “threats, intimidation, and extraneous bias,” and that the judge failed to properly deal with it at the time. In sworn affidavits included with the filing, two jurors said they felt overwhelmed and intimidated by jurors who wanted to convict Weinstein on the charge, which accused him of forcing oral sex on TV and film production assistant and producer Miriam Haley in 2006.
No Doubt reunites for Sphere residency. Gwen Stefani will be first woman to headline the Vegas venue
NEW YORK (AP) — Don’t speak. Scream, because No Doubt has announced their first run of shows in 14 years. After surprising fans with a brief reunion at the 2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, the ska-punks have set their sights on Las Vegas. The band will embark on a six-show residency at the Sphere: May 6, 8, 9, 13, 15 and 16 in 2026. The $2.3 billion arena has seen performances by Phish, the Backstreet Boys, Dead & Company, the Eagles and more. No Doubt is making history by joining them. Singer Gwen Stefani will become the first woman to headline the space. Presale begins Wednesday. Tickets will go on sale starting Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. Pacific.
John Lodge, singer and bassist of Moody Blues during classic era, dies at 82
LONDON (AP) — John Lodge, the singer and bassist of The Moody Blues, has died at 82. His family announced Friday that Lodge died suddenly and unexpectedly. He was surrounded by loved ones and the music of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly. Lodge joined the band in 1966 and remained until they stopped performing live in 2018. He featured on iconic albums like “Days Of Future Passed” and “In Search Of The Lost Chord.” The band embraced a pop sound with the 1977 album “Octave.” Lodge continued recording with the group until their final studio album in 2003.
Movie Review: ‘Tron’ franchise returns in a dazzling, action-packed sequel with plenty of nostalgia
Disney has released “Tron: Ares,” the third film in the cult franchise, with the tagline “No Going Back.” Director Joachim Rønning delivers the expected thrills, including light cycles and glowing discs. The film features a battle between tech giants Emcom and Dillinger, both seeking a Permanence Code created by Jeff Bridges' character. Jared Leto stars as Dillinger's AI, who begins to develop human emotions. Greta Lee shines as a heroic tech CEO. The soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails adds a menacing touch. Jeff Bridges' return brings a nostalgic charm, making the trip back worthwhile.
Judge tosses out Drake's defamation lawsuit against label over Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us'
NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge has tossed out a defamation lawsuit Drake brought against Universal Music Group over a Kendrick Lamar dis track. Judge Jeannette A. Vargas rejected the lawsuit Thursday in a written opinion, saying the purportedly libelous words were opinion. The January lawsuit alleged that UMG published and promoted Lamar’s dis track “Not Like Us” even though it included false pedophilia allegations against Drake and suggested listeners should resort to vigilante justice. Lamar was not named in the lawsuit. Universal Music Group is the parent record label for both artists. It denied the allegations. Drake's lawyers say they will appeal.
Common's journey from Bulls ball boy to NBA theme song composer
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Common has teamed up with collaborators to compose "Victory," the official theme for NBA on Prime. The streaming platform made the announcement Thursday. The song will be part of Amazon’s first exclusive NBA season. Common, along with Karriem Riggins and James Poyser, created three versions of the score, including orchestral, hip-hop, and rock. The theme will debut on October 24 during Prime Video’s opening-night doubleheader. Common, a former Chicago Bulls ball boy, sees this as a dream fulfilled. The collaborators hope "Victory" resonates for generations and inspires more artists of color in sports scoring.
In ‘A House of Dynamite,' Kathryn Bigelow explores 18 minutes that decide the fate of civilization
VENICE, Italy (AP) — Kathryn Bigelow's new film, "A House of Dynamite," explores the chilling reality of nuclear annihilation. The film delves into the crucial 18-minute window U.S. leaders have in the face of an imminent nuclear strike. Releasing in theaters Friday and streaming on Netflix on Oct. 24, it takes viewers inside the White House Situation Room and U.S. Strategic Command. Bigelow, known for her work on military and geopolitical themes, collaborated with journalist Noah Oppenheim to create a story from multiple perspectives. The film aims to humanize the abstract and terrifying scenario, emphasizing the importance of non-proliferation.
Music Review: Khalid bounces back with complex look at love in 'After Sun Goes Down'
Khalid has released a new album, “After the Sun Goes Down,” showing a vibrant shift from his previous work. The 17-track collection, out Friday, explores love in its many forms, from lusty to defiant. Khalid embraces his identity, bringing a fresh directness to his music, says Associated Press critic Mark Kennedy. Tracks like “Momentary Lovers” and “Medicine” highlight his confident and passionate style. Collaborations with Tove Lo and Julia Michaels add depth, while producers like Darkchild and Ilya enhance the sound. Khalid's love of car culture remains, but his new openness makes falling for his music hard to resist.
Movie Review: 'After the Hunt' is less hot-button farce than tragedy
In Luca Guadagnino's “After the Hunt” Yale academics go at each other on everything from Foucault to feminism in a psychological battle set across a #MeToo minefield. That, at least, is the promise of “After the Hunt.” But Guadagnino’s dour and languid film only fitfully coheres as the conversation piece it aspires to be, writes Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. Its plot turns can be rash and implausible, and the movie increasingly feels like ideas and set pieces strung tenuously together. It offers Julia Roberts one of her most complicated roles, but saps her of her charisma.
‘A Minecraft Movie’ sequel is being built for 2027
Warner Bros. Pictures has announced a sequel to “A Minecraft Movie,” set for release in July 2027. Jared Hess is returning to direct and co-write the film, with Jason Momoa among its producers. Details about the plot and cast are still under wraps. “A Minecraft Movie,” starring Momoa and Jack Black, has been a massive success. It remains the highest-earning film of the year at the North American box office, with $424 million in domestic ticket sales. Globally, it’s approaching $1 billion, second only to the Chinese blockbuster “Ne Zha II.”
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