Madonna launches 50-track remix album of No. 1s – Entertainment News

The Canadian Press – May 5, 2022 / 9:40 am | Story: 368048

Johnny Depp surrounded himself with an entourage of enablers to shield him from the consequences of his drug and alcohol use, his ex-wife Amber Heard testified Thursday.

Heard was back on the witness stand to defend herself against her ex-husband’s libel allegations.

Depp is suing Heard for libel over an op-ed she wrote in The Washington Post describing herself as “a public figure representing domestic abuse.” His lawyers say he was defamed by the 2018 article even though it never mentioned his name.

Heard told jurors about photos she took of Depp starting in 2013 in which he was passed out. She said she took the photos because Depp couldn’t remember what he’d done when he was drunk, and denied what had occurred while he was blacked out.

“He wouldn’t remember, or he would deny it. There was no one to back me up,” she said.

She also gave her description of an incident that has already come up at trial, a May 2014 plane ride from Boston to Los Angeles. According to Heard, Depp was jealous and irate that she was making a movie with actor James Franco that included a kissing scene.

“He hated, hated James Franco,” she said.

As soon Depp stepped into the private plane, he began berating her about Franco, she said. She got up and walked away, but Depp followed her. At one point, he slapped her. Later, she said, she kicked him, and not one person on board intervened on her behalf.

“I felt this boot in my back,” she said. “I fell to the floor. And no one said anything. No one did anything. You could have heard a pin drop. I just remember feeling so embarrassed.”

Depp, who testified earlier in the trial, described the incident differently. He denied that he’d drank excessively before getting on the plane, and said Heard initiated an argument and pursued him until he felt compelled to hide in a bathroom.

But jurors heard a recording Heard made toward the end of the incident, in which it sounds like Depp is howling and babbling incoherently. And the jury has seen a text message Depp sent his friend Paul Bettany shortly after the flight, in which he says he’s going to “properly stop the booze thing” because the flight got “ugly. » He also texted Bettany saying, “I’m admittedly too f——- in the head to spray my rage at the one I love for little reason as well.”

Heard has testified that she was physically and sexually assaulted on multiple occasions by Depp, typically when he was drunk or high on drugs. Depp has denied ever hitting her, but Heard’s lawyers have said his denials lack credibility in part because he can’t remember what he’s done when he blacks out.

Depp has said Heard greatly exaggerates his drinking, and that he tolerates his liquor well. Friends, family and employees of Depp have taken the stand and backed up his contention.

But Heard said that’s part of the problem: She said Depp has a team around him that cleans him up when he gets sick, and enables him to go about his business without acknowledging the consequences of his drinking.

Heard is expected to be on the stand all day Thursday in Fairfax County Circuit Court.

BANG Showbiz – May 5, 2022 / 7:44 am | Story: 368041

Dave Chappelle refuses to let the « unfortunate and unsettling » attack at his history-making Hollywood Bowl show « overshadow » the moment.

A man was charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly attacking the stand-up during his performance at the iconic amphitheater in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.

The 48-year-old comedian appeared to be tackled to the ground as he performed as part of the ‘Netflix Is A Joke’ festival, and LAPD officers later confirmed they were holding 23-year-old Isaiah Lee in custody in connection with the incident.

However, Chapelle won’t let the incident dampen his shine.

His spokeswoman, Carla Sims, told multiple outlets: « This run ties Chappelle with ‘Monty Python’ for the most headlined shows by any comedian at the Hollywood Bowl, reaching 70,000 fans of diverse backgrounds during the first Netflix Is A Joke: The Festival, and he refuses to allow last night’s incident to overshadow the magic of this historic moment.

« As unfortunate and unsettling as the incident was, Chappelle went on with the show. »

A spokesperson said Lee had « a replica handgun with a knife, » describing it as a « replica handgun-slash-knife, » but neither Dave nor any law enforcement officers were injured.

Footage shared online showed a man in a black hoodie rushing toward the stage and pushing the comic before being stopped by security guards and members of the star’s team as he attempted to flee.

The would-be attacker was removed from the venue on a stretcher and an LAPD spokesperson said Lee was treated for injuries before being charged and booked.

Chappelle later told the crowd: « I grabbed the back of that n***** head, his hair was spongy, absorbent. »

While Jamie Foxx – who had also rushed to help his pal – added: « Listen, I just want to say I’ve had an incredible time. This guy is a genius, we’ve got to protect him at all times, man. This is what it’s about.

« For every comedian that comes out here, this means everything. You’re a genius, you’re a legend, I enjoyed myself thoroughly and we’re not gonna let nothing happen to you. »

BANG Showbiz – May 5, 2022 / 7:40 am | Story: 368040

Dolly Parton wants to make a rock album with The Rolling Stones.

The ‘9 to 5’ hitmaker will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year, and after previously revealing she was keen to branch into the genre, she has revealed some of her plans for the potential release.

Reflecting on a photo of herself and Sir Mick Jagger together in the 1970s, she told Billboard: « Yeah, I loved him and I love ‘Satisfaction’.

« I’m hoping we’re both around long enough when I get to doing this record that he’ll come sing with me, and I may have to use The Rolling Stones to play behind me.

« I might do something like that — try to get some different rock bands, some of the classic bands, to back me on some of the songs I do and then do two or three or four originals. »

Dolly sparked a lot of debate when she was named as a nominee for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as she tried to pull out of the running because she didn’t feel like she was befitting of the honour.

Her request was denied, and she has now explained: « It was just always my belief — and I think millions of other people out there too — always thought the Rock Roll Hall of Fame was just set up for the greatest people in the rock ‘n’ roll business, and I just didn’t feel like I really measured up to that and I don’t want to take anything away from the people that have worked so hard. »

With her induction now confirmed and set for November, she is ready to embrace it and release an album to place herself firmly in the rock scene.

She added: « I’d like to get in with some of the great rock groups and do some things, [but] I’ve been working so hard on so many things and I’ve got to overcome this so-called controversy, which I never meant it to be that.

« So now I’m in the Rock Roll Hall of Fame. So I’m going to have to do a rock album at some point. … Now I may have to call my album ‘Rock Star!’ « 

BANG Showbiz – May 5, 2022 / 7:34 am | Story: 368039

Mike Myers would « love to do » a fourth ‘Austin Powers’ movie.

The 58-year-old actor starred as both the titular comedic parody of suave spy James Bond and his arch-nemesis Dr. Evil in three movies – ‘Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery’ in 1997, ‘Austin Powers: The Spy Who S****ed Me’ in 1999, and ‘Austin Powers in Goldmember’ in 2002 – and he would be up for reprising the roles again, but couldn’t confirm whether or not another film is in the works.

He said: « I can neither confirm nor deny the existence or non-existence of such a project, should it exist or not exist. »

When it was suggested his comment felt « like a confirmation, » he told SiriusXM’s Jess Cagle: « It was a non-confirmed, confirmation confirmation. »

Myers – who also wrote and produced the trilogy – spoke about the possibility of a fourth ‘Austin Powers’ movie in November 2018, admitting it was « looking good. »

He said at the time: « Well you’re gonna see Dr. Evil soon, somewhere in the culture. But the movie, you know I’ve had three kids under the age of seven. They take a long time to write, they always have. Jay [Roach]’s been super crazy. He’s doing a fantastic movie right now that he’s working on. But … it’s looking good. »

Myers also previously claimed he would love to make a fourth movie in the franchise, as he explained the film series was created as a « tribute » to his father, who passed away in 1991.

He said: « After my dad died in 1991, I was taking stock of his influence on me as a person and his influence on me with comedy in general. So Austin Powers was a tribute to my father, who [introduced me to] James Bond, Peter Sellers, The Beatles, The Goodies, Peter Cook and Dudley Moore.

« I would love to do another, but you just have to see. I was devastated by my father’s death. But to have that turn into something that makes people happy is unbelievably satisfying. It’s that kind of stuff you never get used to or get tired of. »

BANG Showbiz – May 5, 2022 / 7:31 am | Story: 368038

Steve Burton has separated from his pregnant wife after 23 years of marriage, and claims her unborn child isn’t his.

The former ‘General Hospital’ star took to his Instagram Stories to reveal he and Sheree Burton – who have three kids, daughters Makena, 18, and Brooklyn, seven, as well as son Jack, 16 – have gone their separate ways, and he insisted her unborn child « is not mine. »

He wrote: « I wanted to clear something up. Sheree and I are separated. She recently announced that she’s expecting her 4th child. The child is not mine. We are still co-parenting our three beautiful kids. We would appreciate privacy at this time. Much luv, Steve. »

Sheree – who married Steve in 1999 – recently announced her pregnancy on her own Instagram Stories, sharing a picture of herself holding her baby bump.

She captioned the image: « Life sure is full of surprises! »

In November, Steve confirmed he had been fired from US soap ‘General Hospital’ after deciding not to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The 51-year-old star – who played Jason Morgan in more than 2,000 episodes of the daytime drama from 1991 to 2021 – admitted at the time it « hurts » to have lost his job as a result of the vaccine mandate after his bid to be exempted from the jabs was denied.

He said in a video shared to Instagram: « I know there’s been a lot of rumours and speculation about me and ‘General Hospital’, and I wanted you to hear it from me personally.

« Unfortunately, ‘General Hospital’ has let me go because of the vaccine mandate.

« I did apply for my medical and religious exemptions, and both of those were denied. Which, you know, hurts. But this is also about personal freedom for me. I don’t think anyone should lose their livelihood over this. »

But Steve – who contracted COVID in August last year – insisted he will always be « grateful » for his stint on the show and said he was optimistic about the future.

He added: « I’ll always be grateful for my time at ‘General Hospital’. I love it there, I grew up there…. so I’ll always be grateful.

« I believe that when one door closes, multiple doors open. That’s always been my perspective. So I am excited to see what the future brings. »

BANG Showbiz – May 5, 2022 / 7:28 am | Story: 368037

BANG Showbiz – May 5, 2022 / 7:24 am | Story: 368036

Kailia Posey died by suicide, her mother has confirmed.

The ‘Toddlers and Tiaras’ star – who appeared on the beauty pageant reality show along with mum Marcy Posey Gatterman at the age of five back in 2013 – tragically died on Monday, aged 16.

In a statement, Marcy told TMZ: « Although she was an accomplished teenager with a bright future ahead of her, unfortunately in one impetuous moment, she made the rash decision to end her earthly life. »

Kailia’s mother also paid tribute to her late daughter’s achievements at such a young age.

She added: « She won countless crowns and trophies after competing on the pageant circuit her entire life…

« Her highly acclaimed talent as a contortionist had already led to professional touring job offers, and she had recently been selected to be a cheerleader at her high school next fall. »

She confirmed Kailia’s sad death this week in a brief post on Facebook.

She wrote: « I don’t have words or any thoughts. A beautiful baby girl is gone. Please give us privacy as we mourn the loss of Kailia. My baby forever. »

During her short career, Kailia managed to reach global fame on social media when a gif of her five-year-old self grinning on the TLC reality show went viral as a meme.

She continued to compete in pageants following her stint on the reality show and had even starred as Agnes in Netflix film ‘Eli’, while back in January she announced she was competing in Miss Washington Teen USA.

Her bio on the website reads: « Kailia loves to entertain, from performing contortion with Cirque du Soleil, to playing Agnes in the Netflix movie ‘Eli’ in 2018.

« A 15-year-old freshman at Lynden High School, Kailia plans to study aviation in college and become a commercial pilot.

« She was named to the Dean’s List for the 2020/2021 school year.

« Kailia hopes to show members of her generation that they can positively impact the world if they are patient and work hard. »

BANG Showbiz – May 5, 2022 / 7:22 am | Story: 368035

Kaley Cuoco is dating Tom Pelphrey.

The ‘Big Bang Theory’ star and the ‘Ozark’ actor have made their romance Instagram official as they shared two sweet posts on the social media platform.

The 36-year-old actress shared a number of photos including Polaroids of them cuddling up during a mountain getaway, as well as a picture of him kissing her on the cheek.

She captioned the post: « Life lately. the sun breaks through the clouds, rays of gold slipping into my eyes and heart, rays of yellow to break the grey. »

Tom, 39, also shared some Polaroid photos of them together alongside a lengthy a caption.

He added: « ‘But nothing can save you. Not your friends, not the best Fred Astaire musical you’ve ever seen- the grace of it, not your mother’s beauty, not a line from a letter you find at the bottom of a drawer, not a magazine or the next day.

« ‘Nothing can save you. And you stand in the moonlight and a sweetness comes off the top of the trees, and the fence around the yard seals you off from the dark and you can’t breathe.

« ‘It is all so familiar and possible. It is too simple that there is this much good in the world and you don’t know how to have it. And it makes you wonder when it was you lost your place.

« ‘Then you catch a breeze, so warm and ripe, it makes you hope that someone will come who also cannot save you, but who will think you are worth saving.’ – from Noah’s wall – 1/31/04. »

Kaley’s new relationship comes after she filed for divorce from her husband Karl Cook in September after three years of marriage.

In a joint statement, they said: « Despite a deep love and respect for one another, we have realized that our current paths have taken us in opposite directions.

« We have both shared so much of our journey publicly so while we would prefer to keep this aspect of our personal life private, we wanted to be forthcoming in our truth together. There is no anger or animosity, quite the contrary. »

Meanwhile, Kaley recently discussed her love life and insisted while she didn’t want to remarry, she wasn’t ruling out a relationship.

She said: « I would love to have a long-lasting relationship or a partnership. But I will never get married again. Absolutely not. You can literally put that on the cover. »

BANG Showbiz – May 4, 2022 / 9:48 pm | Story: 368016

Amber Heard thought it was « a joke » when Johnny Depp allegedly slapped her for the first time.

The ‘Aquaman’ actress is being sued for defamation by her ex-husband over a 2018 op-ed she wrote about being a victim of domestic abuse and she took the stand at Fairfax County Circuit Court for the first time in the trial on Wednesday, when she recalled how the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ allegedly got violent after she questioned him about the ‘Wino Forever’ tattoo he has on his arm.

Amber – who is countersuing Johnny – said: “It changed my life. We were sitting on the couch. We were having a normal conversation…there was no fighting no argument no nothing. He was drinking. I didn’t realize at the time but I think he was using cocaine. There was a jar of cocaine…a vintage jar of it. I ask him about the tattoo he has on his arm.

“To me, it just looks like black marks. I didn’t know what it said. I said ‘what does it say.’

“He said it says ‘wino.’ I didn’t see that. I thought he was joking. I laughed. And he slapped me across the face. And I laughed. Because I didn’t know what else to do. I thought, this must be a joke. I didn’t know what was going on. I just stared at him, kinda, laughing still, thinking he was gonna start laughing too. He said ‘You think it’s so funny b****?’ « 

The 36-year-old actress said Johnny then hit her again and she fell.

She continued: “It was clear it wasn’t a joke anymore. I stopped laughing. He slapped me for no reason. Second slap, I know he’s not kidding. I just stared at him. I didn’t move or freak or out defend myself. I just stared at him because I didn’t know what to do. And he slaps me one more time. Hard. I lose my balance.”

Amber claimed she knew straight away she « had to leave » her husband, but he cried and promised not to do her again.

She said: “I knew it was wrong and I knew I had to leave him. I wish I could sit here and say I walked out of that house…and stood up for myself.

“I wanted to believe him. I believed there was a line he wouldn’t cross again and that was it.”

BANG Showbiz – May 4, 2022 / 9:47 pm | Story: 368015

Simon Cowell is getting married next month.

The ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ star got engaged to Lauren Silverman – with whom he has eight-year-old son Eric – late last year and it’s now been revealed they will tie the knot in front of friends and family in London in just a few weeks time.

A source told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre column: “Simon cannot wait to have Lauren as his wife and didn’t see the point in delaying it.

“He has taken charge of the planning and the date has been set for June.

« The ceremony is going to take place in London, with their son Eric front and centre, naturally.

“Simon and Lauren are looking forward to coming together with their family and friends to tie the knot.

“It’s been a long time coming and now Simon wants to get Lauren up the aisle as quickly as he can.”

The 62-year-old music mogul – who has been in a relationship with Lauren since 2013 – previously revealed he was doing all the planning for the couple’s big day because he didn’t want the celebrations to spiral « out of control ».

He said: “I am planning it all, otherwise I know what will happen — there will be 600 people and it’ll get out of control, like my 50th birthday party.

“No one knows when it’s going to be — that’ll be a surprise, even for Lauren.

“But I don’t want to have one of these ghastly wedding planners and all the arguments that happen, and who you do invite and who you don’t invite.

« The whole thing just seems like too much hassle.”

Simon previously explained the coronavirus pandemic made him realise he and Lauren should get married.

He said: « I’ve kind of felt myself engaged for a long time, if I’m really being honest with you. Lockdown and COVID was probably make or break for many relationships.

« We were in the same house for over a year and I thought, ‘Well, actually, we get on really, really well’. And for Eric, as he gets older, he will be asked more and more about his parents, and I thought it was the right thing to do for him. »

BANG Showbiz – May 4, 2022 / 2:00 pm | Story: 367935

UPDATE 2 p.m.

A man has been charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly attacking Dave Chappelle on stage.

The 48-year-old comedian appeared to be tackled to the ground as he performed as part of the ‘Netflix Is A Joke’ festival at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on Tuesday night and now LAPD officers have confirmed they are holding 23-year-old Isaiah Lee in custody on a $30,000 bond in connection with the incident.

A spokesperson said Lee had « a replica handgun with a knife, » describing it as a « replica handgun-slash-knife, » but neither Dave nor any law enforcement officers were injured.

Footage shared online showed a man in a black hoodie rushing the stage and pushing the comic before being stopped by security guards and members of the star’s team as he attempted to flee.

The would-be attacker was removed from the venue on a stretcher and an LAPD spokesperson said Lee was treated for injuries before being charged and booked.

---

ORIGINAL 10:10 a.m.

Dave Chappelle was reportedly attacked on stage during a live performance.

The 48-year-old comedian appeared to be attacked by a man who attempted to tackle him to the ground as he performed as part of the ‘Netflix Is A Joke’ festival at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.

In videos shared on social media, Chappelle can be seen standing on stage when a man suddenly charges at him from the side.

Security guards and actor Jamie Foxx ran on stage to help the comedian, while another video allegedly shows the man being detained by guards at the venue.

Chappelle later told the crowd: « I grabbed the back of that n***** head, his hair was spongy, absorbent. »

While Foxx added: « Listen, I just want to say I’ve had an incredible time. This guy is a genius, we’ve got to protect him at all times, man. This is what it’s about.

« For every comedian that comes out here, this means everything. You’re a genius, you’re a legend, I enjoyed myself thoroughly and we’re not gonna let nothing happen to you. »

In another short clip seemingly taken after the incident, the Chappelle appears to joke that the alleged attacker was a « trans man ».

The comedian previously faced a lot of backlash with fans accusing him of making transphobic comments in his 2021 Netflix special ‘The Closer’.

He later posted on Instagram and explained while he was willing to discuss the show with members of the transgender community, he wouldn’t be « bending to anybody’s demands ».

He said at the time: « To the transgender community, I am more than willing to give you an audience.

« But you will not summon me. I am not bending to anybody’s demands. »

He added: « If they had invited me I would have accepted it, although I am confused about what we are speaking about.

« I said what I said and boy I heard what you said. My god, how could I not? »

#DAVECHAPPELLE TACKLED BY MAN WHO RUSHED THE STAGE AT #HOLLYWOODBOWL #LA pic.twitter.com/HyCMfPbdia

— CR33P (@whenmo0n) May 4, 2022

The Canadian Press – May 4, 2022 / 9:47 am | Story: 367927

Actor Amber Heard is expected to take the stand in her own defence today in a civil suit filed by her ex-husband, Johnny Depp.

Heard’s anticipated testimony comes after a psychologist hired by her lawyers testified that Heard suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder from multiple acts of abuse, including sexual violence, inflicted on her by Depp.

Depp is suing Heard for libel in Fairfax County Circuit Court after she wrote a December 2018 op-ed in The Washington Post describing herself as “a public figure representing domestic abuse.” The article never mentions Depp by name, but Depp’s lawyers say he was defamed nevertheless because it clearly referred to accusations she made in 2016 during their divorce proceedings.

Depp spent four days on the stand earlier in the trial, testifying he never struck Heard and that he was the abuse victim. He said he was punched and struck by her on many occasions, and that she threw things at him. He described Heard as having a “need for conflict.”

Psychologist Dawn Hughes, in her testimony Tuesday, acknowledged that Heard at times perpetrated physical violence against Depp, but said it paled in comparison to violence she suffered, which left her intimidated and fearful for her safety.

During cross-examination Wednesday, Hughes acknowledged that she wasn’t making factual determinations that Depp assaulted Heard on specific occasions. But she testified that Heard’s account of her experiences are consistent with accounts of those experiencing domestic violence.

Hughes testified that sexual assaults included being forced by Depp to perform oral sex. On cross-examination, though, Depp’s lawyers noted that Heard denied being forced to perform oral sex during psychological testing performed as part of Hughes’ evaluation.

Hughes said Heard initially was framing the encounters as consensual but “angry sex.”

“She wasn’t framing them as physical force,” Hughes said.

The trial, now in its fourth week, continues to capture public attention. More than 100 people were lined up Wednesday before 7 a.m. — three hours before proceedings began — outside the courthouse for the 100 seats made available in the courtroom. Most are Depp supporters and fans.