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☆ Lauren Sánchez just made her Met Gala debut in a stunning black-and-white gown
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-06 | by ( Anneta Konstantinides | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Lauren Sánchez made her debut at the Met Gala on Monday night. AdvertisementLauren Sánchez has officially made her Met Gala debut. Lauren Sánchez attends the 2024 Met Gala. She told Vogue that she wanted something different for her first Met Gala than the "extremely sexy, low cut" styles she usually favors. Now, with a Met Gala under her belt, it's clear Sánchez hopes to join the ranks of fashion's biggest power players.

Persons: Lauren Sánchez, Oscar de La, Anna Wintour, Sánchez, —, Jeff Bezos, la, Jamie McCarthy, Vogue, It's, Bezos, Chrissy Teigen, Jessica Seinfeld, Keith McNally Organizations: Service, Vogue, White House, fashion's Locations: Hollywood

☆ Sony and Apollo in Talks to Acquire Paramount
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Benjamin Mullin | Lauren Hirsch | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Paramount has decided to formally open negotiations with a bidding group led by Sony Pictures Entertainment and the private equity giant Apollo, according to three people familiar with the matter. The move comes after a period of exclusive talks with the Hollywood studio Skydance lapsed on Friday night. A special committee of Paramount’s board of directors met Saturday and signed off on beginning deal talks with Sony and Apollo, which last week submitted a letter of interest valuing the company at $26 billion, the people said. The committee also decided to push for further negotiations with Skydance, a studio founded by the technology scion David Ellison. Any deal between the Sony group and Paramount faces hurdles.

Persons: David Ellison Organizations: Paramount, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Hollywood, Sony, Skydance, Nickelodeon, MTV, CBS, Paramount Pictures Locations: Japan, United States

☆ Bernard Hill, Actor in ‘Titanic’ and ‘Lord of the Rings,’ Dies at 79
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Alex Traub | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Bernard Hill, a British actor who incarnated a humble style of masculine leadership in three hugely successful Hollywood movies, “Titanic” and two films in the “Lord of the Rings” franchise, died on Sunday. His death was announced in a family statement sent by a representative of Lou Coulson Associates, a British talent agency. It did not say where he died or provide a cause. Mr. Hill drew praise from critics for his work in serious TV dramas, small-budget films and theater. But he was best known for playing the ship’s captain in “Titanic” (1997) and the ruler of a horsemen’s kingdom in the second and third installments of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “The Two Towers” (2002) and “The Return of the King” (2003).

Persons: Bernard Hill, Lou Coulson, Hill, King ”, ”, Ben, Hur Organizations: Rings, Lou Coulson Associates, Manchester Evening Locations: British

☆ 'Yellowstone' will have the 'best series finale in history,' according to one of its stars. Here's what we know about season 5, and whether Kevin Costner is returning.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Eve Crosbie | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

"Yellowstone" has been hit by several setbacks, delaying the release of its final episodes. There's a question mark over whether Kevin Costner will reprise his role as protagonist John Dutton. AdvertisementAfter months of speculation, it's official: "Yellowstone" is expected to return to wrap up its fifth and final season later this year. The first eight episodes of season five began airing on the Paramount Network in late 2022 before the cliffhanger midseason finale dropped on January 1, 2023. Now, it's been confirmed that the Dutton family saga will come to a close this year, with the final episodes scheduled to begin airing in November 2024.

Persons: it's, There's, Kevin Costner, John Dutton, —, Taylor Sheridan, John Linson, Costner, Sheridan, Dutton Organizations: Paramount, Service, Paramount Network, Hollywood

☆ OpenAI's Sora is inspiring human creators, who say they are optimistic it is a long way from replacing them
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Lakshmi Varanasi | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

In February, OpenAI introduced a text-to-video model called Sora to "understand and simulate the physical world in motion." Sora was touted for generating videos up to a minute long from text, and its proof-of-concept videos stunned the internet with their image quality. AdvertisementThe tool hasn't officially been released to the public, but workers in creative fields have already begun experimenting with it. AdvertisementOthers say Sora isn't always consistent, which can bring about new creative opportunities. Indie artist Washed Out's new music video, "The Hardest Part," is the longest video made with Sora, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Persons: —, OpenAI, Sora, Tyler Perry, Charlotte Bunyan, Bunyan, Sora isn't, Paul Trillo, AlhsVTO78B — Paul Trillo, Trillo Organizations: Service, Business, Hollywood, Brand, Financial Times, Financial, Los Angeles Times, Times Locations: Hollywood, Sora, Pika

☆ I use my psychic powers to help corporations make money. My best ideas have earned me more than $500,000.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Lakshmi Varanasi | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

So I did it and it worked, and I made an awful lot of money for people. My advice was so profitable that these clients started recommending me to their friends in other businesses and industries. By and large, the businesses I worked with are not good forces in the world — they're capitalist extractive machines. AdvertisementMy spiritual clients pay me a flat monthly fee ranging from a minimum of £4,000 to a maximum of £20,000. I charge a minimum retainer fee of £2,000 per month, but my real income comes through a success fee.

Persons: Kate Tomas, I've Organizations: Service, Business, Oxford Locations: Wales, London, Hollywood

☆ ‘The Fall Guy’ Fizzles With $28 Million in Ticket Sales
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Brooks Barnes | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

“The Fall Guy” seemed to have everything. Universal backed “The Fall Guy” with a six-month marketing campaign, releasing trailers that racked up 400 million views and carpet-bombing televised sporting events, including the Super Bowl, with ads. It added up to only $28.5 million in North American ticket sales from Friday to Sunday, the worst start to Hollywood’s all-important summer season since 1995. “The Fall Guy” cost Universal at least $200 million to make and market and was released in 4,002 theaters in the United States and Canada. “You want to explain to shareholders why you spent hundreds of millions of dollars on a newfangled idea that crashed?”

Persons: Guy ”, ”, David A, Gross Organizations: North, Universal Locations: United States, Canada

☆ Kevin Spacey Responds to Claims of Sexual Assault by 9 New Victims
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Eve Crosbie | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewKevin Spacey has addressed new allegations of sexual assault brought to light in a documentary set to air in the UK. In a 98-minute interview with British journalist Dan Wootton, posted to X on Friday, Spacey commented on the claims made in the documentary. For others, including claims by actors Ruari Cannon and Danny De Lillo, who have waived their anonymity to give interviews about their experiences with Spacey to publications this weekend, Spacey denied any wrongdoing. A representative for Spacey did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider sent outside regular working hours. AdvertisementThe following year, a London court found Spacey not guilty on nine charges, including sexual assault, which were alleged to have been committed between 2001 and 2013 against four men.

Persons: —, Kevin Spacey, Spacey, Ryan, Dan Wootton, who's, “ I’ve, ”, Oscar, — Dan Wootton, it's, Ruari Cannon, Danny De Lillo, Melinda Sue Gordon, Lillo, Cannon, Anthony Rapp Organizations: Service, Hollywood, Business, Channel, ID, British, London's Old, Business Insider Locations: British, @danwootton, New York, London

☆ Dating a celebrity is the ultimate fantasy. A PR expert and a therapist explain if it can actually work.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-04 | by ( Olivia Singh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

But being in a relationship with a celebrity isn't all it's hyped up to be in the movies. "It's not the people in the relationship," Anderson said. AdvertisementThis persistent surveillance can be exhausting and strain a relationship, Anderson said. To work, these relationships need time out of the spotlightEven though the odds might seem stacked against a celebrity and civilian couple, these relationships aren't necessarily doomed. AdvertisementIn a public setting, Anderson said that the normal person has to accept that they'll be sidelined by their famous partner.

Persons: —, Anna Scott, William Thacker, I'm, Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant, Tad Hamilton, Solène, Anne Hathaway, Hayes Campbell, Nicholas Galitzine, Robinne, Harry Styles, Matt Damon, Luciana Barroso, Taylor Lautner's, Tay, Edward, Jon Stewart, Tracey McShane, they're, Alisha Wetherill, Clay Cockrell, who's, — Cockrell, we've, Liza Anderson, Anderson, Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, Cockrell, Danny Moder, Patrick Dempsey, Jillian Fink, Keanu Reeves, Alexandra Grant, He's, Reeves, he's, It's, they'll Organizations: Service, Disney, Business, Coachella, Anderson Group Public Relations Locations: Notting, Miami, Hollywood, LA, New York

☆ Michael Showalter on 'the Idea of You' Controversial Ending, 'Wet Hot'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-04 | by ( Caralynn Matassa | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

Michael Showalter kept acting long after he realized he didn't want to do it anymore — mostly because he needed to eat. Showalter got his start in college doing sketch comedy as a member of The State (formerly The New Group). Fast forward roughly two decades and Showalter has found himself right where he was always meant to be. But as I grew older, it was a combination of I wasn't getting cast in things, but I also wasn't really needing to get cast in things. Is there any one moment where you realized acting wasn't what you loved doing?

Persons: Michael Showalter, Showalter, Michael Ian Black, Joe Lo Truglio, Thomas Lennon, Ken Marino —, he'd, didn't, wasn't, Baxter, he's, Sally Field, Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Oscar, Nanjiani, Jessica Chastain, Tammy Faye, Elizabeth Holmes, Amanda Seyfried, Holmes, Jennifer Westfeldt, Lee's, Anne Hathaway, Reid Scott, Ella Rubin, Nicholas Galitzine, Claudette Godfrey, Daniel Boczarski, You've, you've, … It's, Ivanov, Kevin Kline, I'm, Adam Jason Finmann, gee, Hayes, Alisha Wetherill, Nicholas, Nick, Cathy Schulman, He's, It's, Anne, Bernie Telsey, Maria Organizations: The, Business, MTV, Globe, BI, SXSW, Knitting Factory, Amazon, Netflix Locations: New Jersey, Austin, Hollywood , California

☆ This is the moment Trump changed American politics
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-04 | by ( Zachary B. Wolf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Being elected president shortly after surviving the publication of the leaked “Access Hollywood” tape in 2016 is the moment in which Donald Trump defied political gravity. The ‘Access Hollywood’ tape reexaminedTrump’s 2016 victory in the Electoral College seems only more improbable in the retelling. It is worth revisiting the earthquake the “Access Hollywood” tape set off in the 2016 campaign. Return of the tapeNow, the “Access Hollywood” tape is back. Video Ad Feedback Trump asked if he stands by comments from 'Access Hollywood' tape.

Persons: CNN —, Donald Trump, Trump, Hope Hicks, Hicks, –, ”, crassly, Billy Bush, Bush, Sen, Mike Lee of, Chris Christie, Paul Ryan, Reince Priebus, Christie, Steve Bannon, Melania, ” Trump, “, Bill Clinton, WAZiGoQqMQ — Donald J, Hillary Clinton, James Comey’s, Clinton, Comey, Anthony Weiner, Michael Cohen, Stormy Daniels, Cohen, Daniels, Maggie Haberman, Jonathan Martin, CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, ’ ”, Collins, Feedback Trump, Bannon, Charlie Rose, Rose, Jean Carroll Organizations: CNN, Republican, Electoral, Washington Post, Republicans, Trump, New, New Jersey Gov, Republican National, Twitter, Democratic, The New York Times, CBS Locations: New York, Mike Lee of Utah, New Jersey

Paramount’s proposed merger with Skydance has been the most tumultuous media deal in years. Now it has taken yet another turn after the exclusivity period for negotiations expired without an agreement in hand. Paramount shareholders grumbled that granting exclusivity was a mistake, and that the company should have engaged with Apollo instead. This week, the special committee told Skydance that it was letting the exclusivity period lapse. But it does allow Paramount to open up negotiations with Apollo and Sony Pictures Entertainment, which joined Apollo’s bid.

Persons: Paramount’s, Skydance, David Ellison — Organizations: Apollo Global Management, Paramount, Skydance, Apollo, Sony Pictures Entertainment

Much of Hicks’ testimony focused on her role on the Trump campaign in October 2016, just before Election Day. When cross-examining Hicks, Trump attorney Emil Bove elicited testimony that Trump was also concerned about what his wife would think. Video Ad Feedback Trump closed his eyes during Hope Hicks' testimony. There was a lot at play.”Hicks forwarded the email that included a transcript of the audio to several Trump campaign staffers including Kellyanne Conway. With Hicks’ testimony, prosecutors nudged closer to the repayment and the alleged charges.

Persons: Donald Trump’s, Hope Hicks, Hicks, Daniels, Michael Cohen, “, ”, Trump, Matthew Colangelo, ” Hicks, Karen McDougal’s, Emil Bove, Kellyanne Conway, chuckling, Steve Bannon, Conway, Jared Kushner, Jason Miller, McDougal, Cohen, nudged, –, Honig, CNN Hicks, Colangelo, Michael, ‘ Mr, ’ Michael Cohen Trump’s, Douglas Daus, Trump’s, Daus, DANY, Cohen ”, ” Daus, Prosecutors, Chris Conroy, Judge Juan Merchan, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, Daniel Dale, He’s, ” Merchan, ” Trump, Merchan Organizations: CNN, White House, Trump, Manhattan, Attorney’s Office, Trump White House, Trump Organization, Prosecutors, Wall Street, American Media, Inc, Wall, Washington Post, ” Prosecutors, House, New York Times, Trump “, Manhattan DA Locations: Washington, Manhattan, New York, Michigan

The development throws up a major roadblock for Skydance, a movie studio that has been negotiating a complicated deal to merge with Paramount for months. Many Paramount investors have come out against that deal, saying it would enrich Shari Redstone, the company’s board chair, at the expense of other shareholders. The 30-day period for exclusive talks with a special committee of Paramount’s board expires at the end of Friday. The company could wait for Paramount to re-engage in negotiations, could make a higher bid or could walk away. The company is wary of being used by Paramount to drive up the price for another bidder.

Persons: Shari, David Ellison Organizations: Paramount, Hollywood, MTV, Nickelodeon, RedBird Capital Partners, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Apollo Global Management

☆ AB InBev is making another push into Hollywood-style entertainment with a new primary partner
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

AB InBev is pushing into filmed entertainment again. It's leaning on Superconnector Studios to pitch its brands to Hollywood. AdvertisementAB InBev is renewing its filmed entertainment efforts with a new primary partner after shaking up its studio arm, the company confirmed to Business Insider. The beer giant signed startup Superconnector Studios to pitch TV shows and movies around its biggest brands like Bud Light and Stella Artois. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: —, Bud Light, Stella Artois, Jae Goodman, John Kaplan Organizations: InBev, Studios, Hollywood, Service, Business

☆ HGTV's new show 'Zillow Gone Wild' brings the popular Instagram account to life and shows off the one-of-a-kind homeowners behind the listings
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Dan Latu | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

HGTV's new show "Zillow Gone Wild" premieres May 3rd. AdvertisementHost Jack McBrayer tours one "Zillow Gone Wild" home with its owner Tracy Turco. Zillow Gone Wild is now driven by mostly user submissions, its founder tells BI. The "Pink Palace" is one home featured on HGTV's new show "Zillow Gone Wild." "Zillow Gone Wild" airs 10:30 p.m. on Fridays on HGTV and is streaming on Max.

Persons: —, Jack McBrayer, Kenneth, Tracy Turco, Samir Mezrahi, Mezrahi, perusing, Dan Latu, Magda Gabor, Gabor, glamor, McBrayer Organizations: Service, HGTV, NBC, Hollywood Regency, Hollywood, Max Locations: Instagram, North Carolina, California, Palm Springs, Hollywood, Florida

☆ Opinion: Hope Hicks’ testimony was a nightmare for Trump
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Opinion Norman Eisen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —It’s a cliché to say that electricity surged through a courtroom — but it did when Hope Hicks took the stand Friday morning for her testimony in the election interference trial of former President Donald Trump. That is because as special counsel for the first Trump impeachment, I took her testimony on the alleged 2016 election influence scheme. When I took Hicks’ testimony for the impeachment proceedings, I found her to be a compelling witness, and the same was true Friday. Trump appeared to nod off repeatedly, including during Hicks’ testimony about how she first learned of the Daniels story. !” Asleep or awake, for Trump, Hicks’ testimony was a nightmare.

Persons: Norman Eisen, “, Donald Trump, CNN —, Hope Hicks, Norm Eisen, Hicks, ”, Trump, Stormy Daniels, –, Daniels, ” Hicks, Matthew Colangelo, Michael Cohen, Cohen, — Organizations: CNN, Trump, Washington Post, Twitter, Facebook Locations: East

☆ Who is Hope Hicks, longtime Trump aide who is testifying in NY hush money case?
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Michelle Shen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Washington CNN —Hope Hicks, once a longtime trusted aide in Donald Trump’s inner circle, is testifying Friday in the New York hush money trial after being subpoenaed. As CNN reported previously, Hicks appeared before the grand jury last year before Trump was indicted, as did Trump counselor Kellyanne Conway. According to reporting from “The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021,” Trump is quoted as saying, “Well, Hope doesn’t believe in me.”“No, I don’t,” Hicks replied, according to the book. “Nobody’s convinced me otherwise.”In October 2022, Hicks testified before the House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. In a video clip played by the committee, Hicks testified about a conversation she had with Trump after the election, regarding his baseless claims of election fraud.

Persons: Washington CNN — Hope Hicks, Donald Trump’s, “, ” Hicks, Hicks, Trump, Kellyanne Conway, Cohen, Stormy Daniels, Rob Porter, Trump’s, Porter, ” Trump, Hope doesn’t, ”, “ Nobody’s, Trump “, ’ ” Hicks, Daniels, ” Cohen, Prosecutors, upended, –, David Pecker, Dylan Howard, Stephanie Clifford, I’ve, Sheila Jackson Lee, Jerry Nadler, Nadler, ’ Organizations: Washington CNN, CNN, Trump, Trump Organization, White, House Intelligence, Fox News, Trump White, House, Capitol, Politico, US, of, American Media Inc, AMI, National Enquirer, FBI, ” Prosecutors, Democratic Rep, New York Democrat Locations: New York, Southern, of New York, Trump’s

☆ The husband and wife team behind 'The Fall Guy' reveal how their own love affair inspired stars Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Jason Guerrasio | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Their latest film, "The Fall Guy," looks to continue that streak of success. 'The Fall Guy' evolved from film noir to action rom-comRyan Gosling plays stuntman Colt Seavers in "The Fall Guy." Eric Laciste/Universal Pictures"The Fall Guy" movie adaptation had been bouncing around Hollywood for decades, with everyone from Nicolas Cage to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson attached to star. AdvertisementIn "The Fall Guy," Gosling's Colt must clear his name after footage appears to implicate him in the death of another stuntman. AdvertisementThe Taylor Swift song "All Too Well" wasn't originally in the movieRyan Gosling and Emily Blunt in "The Fall Guy."

Persons: —, David Leitch, Kelly McCormick, they've, Shaw, Guy, it's, Lee Majors, Colt Seavers, Ryan Gosling, Jody Moreno, Emily Blunt, Leitch, McCormick, who's, Brad Pitt, McCormack, Gosling, Blunt's, Eric Laciste, Nicolas Cage, Dwayne, Johnson, David, Blunt, Jody, Emily, " Leitch, Ryan, Leitch David Leitch, Kiss, Yungblud, I'm, Tom Cruise's, Taylor, Colt, Harry Nilsson's, Taylor's Organizations: Service, Business, Pictures, Universal, Colt, deepfakes, Hollywood Locations: Hollywood

Hope Hicks, a former longtime advisor to Donald Trump, took the witness stand in his hush-money trial Friday. Hicks was Trump's 2016 campaign press secretary and later his White House communications director. AdvertisementHope Hicks, an ex-White House aide and longtime advisor to Donald Trump, broke down in tears while on the witness stand on Friday in the former president's hush-money criminal trial. After answering "yes," Hicks grabbed a tissue and turned to her left while sitting on the witness stand. Hicks took the witness stand again after about a five-minute break, looking flushed but calmer.

Persons: Hope Hicks, Donald Trump, Hicks, —, Emil Bove, Ms, Juan Merchan, Trump, Stormy Daniels, Trump's, Michael Cohen, Hicks —, Cohen, Daniels Organizations: White House, Service, White, Trump Organization, Trump, Prosecutors, Attorney's, Daniels, National Enquirer Locations: Trump, Manhattan

☆ Trump Trial Live Updates: Witness Who Extracted Secret Recordings to Return to the Stand
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Matthew Haag | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +5 min

Before the tape was revealed, Mr. Trump’s legal team aggressively attacked the credibility of Mr. Davidson during a cross-examination that quickly turned hostile. Frequently, Mr. Davidson would respond, “I don’t recall.”Mr. Bove confronted Mr. Davidson about his “fuzzy” memory and Mr. Davidson responded forcefully that his answers had been truthful. Image The jury heard a recording, made by Michael D. Cohen, Mr. Trump’s longtime fixer, during the 2016 campaign. That included one in which Mr. Trump and Mr. Cohen discussed a hush-money deal for Karen McDougal, a former Playboy model who was trying to sell a story about an affair with Mr. Trump. The potential witness list has several major names, including Ms. Daniels, Mr. Cohen and Hope Hicks, who is Mr. Trump’s former spokeswoman.

Persons: Keith Davidson, Stormy Daniels, Donald J, Juan M, Trump, Merchan, Daniels, Davidson, Michael D, Cohen, Mr, Emil Bove, ” Mr, Bove, ”, “, Trump’s, Maansi Srivastava, Davidson’s, Justice Merchan, Alvin L, Bragg, Todd Blanche, ” Trump, Blanche, Doug Mills, Biden’s, Biden, We’re, Douglas Daus, Karen McDougal, Hope Hicks Organizations: Trump, Prosecutors, Trump White House, New York, ., White, Playboy Locations: Manhattan, Michigan, Wisconsin

☆ Britney Spears shared a photo of her bruised ankle and said she felt 'harassed' after paramedics responded to a 911 call to her hotel
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Eve Crosbie | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Multiple sources reported that early on Friday, Spears was seen barefoot outside the Chateau Marmont after an ambulance was called to the hotel in response to an injury. Paparazzi photos published by TMZ show Spears, 42, wearing just a pair of shorts, with a blanket wrapped around her, clutching a pillow in her arms. According to a LAFD spokesperson, the paramedic crew departed the Chateau Marmont just over 30 minutes later at 1:17 a.m. with an empty ambulance, as no one required transport to a hospital. AdvertisementIn the post's caption, Spears appeared to accuse her mom, Lynne Spears, of calling the paparazzi on her. Representatives for Spears and her mom did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Persons: —, Britney Spears, Spears, Chateau Marmont, Paul Richard Soliz, Sam Asghari, Jamie Spears, Lynne Spears Organizations: Service, West Hollywood, TMZ, Business, Entertainment, Los Angeles Fire Department, Chateau Locations: West, Boston

☆ Hope Hicks Takes the Stand: 5 Takeaways From Trump’s Criminal Trial
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Jesse Mckinley | Kate Christobek | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Gasps were heard in the overflow courtroom when Hope Hicks was called as a witness on Friday in Donald J. Trump’s criminal trial in Manhattan, an audible sign of the anticipation as Mr. Trump’s former press secretary and White House communications director took the stand. In nearly three hours on the stand, Ms. Hicks described the impact on Mr. Trump’s campaign of the so-called “Access Hollywood” tape, in which Mr. Trump bragged about grabbing women’s genitals. As soon as the tape was disclosed in October 2016, Ms. Hicks said, she knew it would be “a massive story.”Taking the stand under a subpoena, Ms. Hicks said she was nervous, and at one point, early in the cross-examination, she broke down in tears. The Manhattan district attorney has charged Mr. Trump, 77, with falsifying 34 business records to hide a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels, a porn star who says she and Mr. Trump had a tryst in 2006 while he was married. Mr. Trump, the first American president to face criminal prosecution, has denied the charges and says he did not have sex with Ms. Daniels.

Persons: Gasps, Hope Hicks, Donald J, Trump’s, Hicks, Trump, Stormy Daniels, Daniels Organizations: White House Locations: Manhattan

☆ Move over, Barbenheimer: Critics say Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt's 'The Fall Guy' could be the next great summer blockbuster
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Jason Guerrasio | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Critics highlight the strong chemistry between stars Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. But what he's elevated here with "The Fall Guy" is telling the story within a movie-in-a-movie structure. "The Fall Guy" features everything from Phil Collins' "Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now)" to Taylor Swift's "All Too Well." AdvertisementEmily Blunt and Ryan Gosling are a perfect tandem, giving the movie a rom-com vibeRyan Gosling and Emily Blunt in "The Fall Guy." "The Fall Guy" definitely has that vibe with its lighthearted tone and thrills.

Persons: Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Guy, —, Lee Majors, Colt Seavers, Aaron Taylor, Johnson, David Leitch, Here's, Leitch, Drew Pearce, Chris O'Hara, Eric Laciste, Phil Collins, Taylor, Katie, Gosling, Blunt, Lovia Gyarkye, David Fear, Jonathan Sela, Peter Debruge Organizations: Rotten, Service, Universal Pictures, Universal, Hollywood, Variety Locations: Hollywood

Sony Pictures Entertainment and the private equity giant Apollo Global Management have formally expressed interest in acquiring Paramount for roughly $26 billion, according to two people familiar with the matter, a move that adds drama to an already chaotic deal making process. The nonbinding expression of interest, sent in a letter this week, comes as Paramount approaches an agreed-upon Friday deadline for the expiration of an exclusive negotiating period with Skydance, a Hollywood studio run by the tech scion David Ellison. Paramount has been in talks with Skydance for months, discussing a complicated transaction that would involve a merger and an investment from the private equity firm Redbird Capital Partners. The new, joint expression of interest would make Sony a significant majority and controlling shareholder and Apollo a minority shareholder. The proposed all-cash acquisition may appeal to Paramount shareholders who have come out against the Skydance deal over concerns it benefits the company’s controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, at the expense of others.

Persons: David Ellison, Skydance, Shari Redstone Organizations: Sony Pictures Entertainment, Apollo Global Management, Paramount, Redbird Capital Partners, Sony Locations: Apollo

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