We’re living in an exceedingly political time, with what feels like a million insane new things happening every day. But despite the overzealous news cycle, we can’t help but continue to ponder . And so Seth Meyers spent his new “A Closer Look” segment Wednesday ripping Trump a new one over it.Midway through the segment, Meyers wanted to take a, ahem, closer look at the part of the interview when Trump tried to whip out a series of graphs that he thought showed that the United States was handling the pandemic incredibly well. It didn’t go well — Trump didn’t have a graph to counter Swan’s...…We’re living in an exceedingly political time, with what feels like a million insane new things happening every day. But despite the overzealous news cycle, we can’t help but continue to ponder . And so Seth Meyers spent his new “A Closer Look” segment Wednesday ripping Trump a new one over it.Midway through the segment, Meyers wanted to take a, ahem, closer look at the part of the interview when Trump tried to whip out a series of graphs that he thought showed that the United States was handling the pandemic incredibly well. It didn’t go well — Trump didn’t have a graph to counter Swan’s...WW…

“You have to look at these artists as small businesses. It’s going to be devastating,” Loeb & Loeb partner and music lawyer Derek Crownover saysMusic attorney Tim Mandelbaum had to be at an Allman Brothers concert at Madison Square Garden on the night of March 10, at the behest of his client, longtime Allman Brothers guitarist Warren Haynes. It was a big deal: The band was celebrating 50 years, but Mandelbaum couldn’t think of anywhere he wanted to be less.It would be the last live concert at the “World’s Most Famous Arena” before the coronavirus pandemic cut the mics and turned the stages...…“You have to look at these artists as small businesses. It’s going to be devastating,” Loeb & Loeb partner and music lawyer Derek Crownover saysMusic attorney Tim Mandelbaum had to be at an Allman Brothers concert at Madison Square Garden on the night of March 10, at the behest of his client, longtime Allman Brothers guitarist Warren Haynes. It was a big deal: The band was celebrating 50 years, but Mandelbaum couldn’t think of anywhere he wanted to be less.It would be the last live concert at the “World’s Most Famous Arena” before the coronavirus pandemic cut the mics and turned the stages...WW…

Hedda Muskat was one of the first producers recruited for “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in 2003Following weeks of reporting and a third-party investigation into the toxic work culture at “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” one former producer has chosen to speak publicly about her experience with what she described as a “culture of fear” in the show’s earliest days.Hedda Muskat was an early hire on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” back in 2003 when the show was still in development. A veteran of “The Howie Mandel Show” and “The Martin Short Show,” she was among a handful of writers and producers recruited...…Hedda Muskat was one of the first producers recruited for “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in 2003Following weeks of reporting and a third-party investigation into the toxic work culture at “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” one former producer has chosen to speak publicly about her experience with what she described as a “culture of fear” in the show’s earliest days.Hedda Muskat was an early hire on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” back in 2003 when the show was still in development. A veteran of “The Howie Mandel Show” and “The Martin Short Show,” she was among a handful of writers and producers recruited...WW…

BuzzFeed has laid off 67% of employees who were furloughed earlier this year in response to the financial downturn caused by the pandemic, a company spokesperson confirmed to TheWrap on Thursday.The cuts, which affect 50 of the 74 furloughed employees, amount to 5.7% of BuzzFeed’s U.S. staff. Included in the layoffs are 10 in the News division, as well as those on the business side of the company. BuzzFeed will still be covering health insurance for those laid off until the end of September.In early May, when informing staff of a , BuzzFeed CEO Jonah Peretti said that the company’s goal was...…BuzzFeed has laid off 67% of employees who were furloughed earlier this year in response to the financial downturn caused by the pandemic, a company spokesperson confirmed to TheWrap on Thursday.The cuts, which affect 50 of the 74 furloughed employees, amount to 5.7% of BuzzFeed’s U.S. staff. Included in the layoffs are 10 in the News division, as well as those on the business side of the company. BuzzFeed will still be covering health insurance for those laid off until the end of September.In early May, when informing staff of a , BuzzFeed CEO Jonah Peretti said that the company’s goal was...WW…

As COVID-19 infections continue to surge in U.S. states, Disney announced on Thursday that it is indefinitely postponing the release of Niki Caro’s remake of “Mulan,” effectively ending hopes of salvaging the summer blockbuster season.“Over the last few months, it’s become clear that nothing can be set in stone when it comes to how we release films during this global health crisis, and today that means pausing our release plans for ‘Mulan’ as we assess how we can most effectively bring this film to audiences around the world,” the studio said in a statement.In addition, all scheduled...…As COVID-19 infections continue to surge in U.S. states, Disney announced on Thursday that it is indefinitely postponing the release of Niki Caro’s remake of “Mulan,” effectively ending hopes of salvaging the summer blockbuster season.“Over the last few months, it’s become clear that nothing can be set in stone when it comes to how we release films during this global health crisis, and today that means pausing our release plans for ‘Mulan’ as we assess how we can most effectively bring this film to audiences around the world,” the studio said in a statement.In addition, all scheduled...WW…

A 2005 animal rights documentary narrated by Joaquin Phoenix called “Earthlings” in part helped Ukrainian officials defuse a tense hostage situation.reported Wednesday that a 12-hour hostage situation ended after a gunman demanded, among other things, Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky endorse the documentary, which he did in a now-deleted post to his Facebook.“Everybody watch the 2005 film ‘Earthlings,'” Zelensky said in a post to his Facebook.The documentary, directed by Shaun Monson and narrated by Phoenix, uses hidden camera footage that captures animals suffering and being abused for...…A 2005 animal rights documentary narrated by Joaquin Phoenix called “Earthlings” in part helped Ukrainian officials defuse a tense hostage situation.reported Wednesday that a 12-hour hostage situation ended after a gunman demanded, among other things, Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky endorse the documentary, which he did in a now-deleted post to his Facebook.“Everybody watch the 2005 film ‘Earthlings,'” Zelensky said in a post to his Facebook.The documentary, directed by Shaun Monson and narrated by Phoenix, uses hidden camera footage that captures animals suffering and being abused for...WW…

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“Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek plans to stop cancer treatment if his current round fails, according to an interview with the .“Yesterday morning my wife came to me and said, ‘How are you feeling?’ And I said, ‘I feel like I want to die.’ It was that bad,” Trebek told the paper. “There comes a time where you have to make a decision as to whether you want to continue with such a low quality of life, or whether you want to just ease yourself into the next level. It doesn’t bother me in the least.”Trebek has been battling Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, which has a 9% survival rate, since last year....…“Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek plans to stop cancer treatment if his current round fails, according to an interview with the .“Yesterday morning my wife came to me and said, ‘How are you feeling?’ And I said, ‘I feel like I want to die.’ It was that bad,” Trebek told the paper. “There comes a time where you have to make a decision as to whether you want to continue with such a low quality of life, or whether you want to just ease yourself into the next level. It doesn’t bother me in the least.”Trebek has been battling Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, which has a 9% survival rate, since last year....WW…

Mickey Rourke has thrown another jab in his 30-year feud with Robert De Niro, threatening to “embarrass” the “Irishman” star over a quote from his spokesperson last year.“Hey Robert De Niro,” Rourke wrote in an on Friday. “That’s right i am talking to you, you big f—ing crybaby. A friend of mine just recently told me that a few months back you’re quoted as saying to newspapers ‘Mickey Rourke’s a liar he talks all kind of s—‘.”Back in September, Rourke said on an Italian talk show that Martin Scorsese wanted to meet with him for ” but the discussion was called off when De Niro refused to...…Mickey Rourke has thrown another jab in his 30-year feud with Robert De Niro, threatening to “embarrass” the “Irishman” star over a quote from his spokesperson last year.“Hey Robert De Niro,” Rourke wrote in an on Friday. “That’s right i am talking to you, you big f—ing crybaby. A friend of mine just recently told me that a few months back you’re quoted as saying to newspapers ‘Mickey Rourke’s a liar he talks all kind of s—‘.”Back in September, Rourke said on an Italian talk show that Martin Scorsese wanted to meet with him for ” but the discussion was called off when De Niro refused to...WW…

ViacomCBS has cut ties with “Wild ‘N Out” host Nick Cannon after a podcast episode which the company said “promoted hateful speech and spread anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.”“While we support ongoing education and dialogue in the fight against bigotry, we are deeply troubled that Nick has failed to acknowledge or apologize for perpetuating anti-Semitism, and we are terminating our relationship with him,” a spokesperson said in a statement late Tuesday.Cannon’s comments came in an episode last month of his podcast series “Cannon’s Class” in which he interviewed former Public Enemy member...…ViacomCBS has cut ties with “Wild ‘N Out” host Nick Cannon after a podcast episode which the company said “promoted hateful speech and spread anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.”“While we support ongoing education and dialogue in the fight against bigotry, we are deeply troubled that Nick has failed to acknowledge or apologize for perpetuating anti-Semitism, and we are terminating our relationship with him,” a spokesperson said in a statement late Tuesday.Cannon’s comments came in an episode last month of his podcast series “Cannon’s Class” in which he interviewed former Public Enemy member...WW…

“Better Things” creator Pamela Adlon has signed a new overall deal with FX Productions, the network announced Thursday.Under the agreement, Adlon will develop and produce scripted and unscripted projects for FX and potentially for other divisions of Walt Disney Television. It expands on the existing relationship between Adlon and FX that includes “Better Things” and previously serving as a writer, producer and actor on “Louie.”In addition to the new deal, FX has renewed “Better Things” for a fifth season, which is expected to premiere next year.Also Read:“We are truly honored to work with...…“Better Things” creator Pamela Adlon has signed a new overall deal with FX Productions, the network announced Thursday.Under the agreement, Adlon will develop and produce scripted and unscripted projects for FX and potentially for other divisions of Walt Disney Television. It expands on the existing relationship between Adlon and FX that includes “Better Things” and previously serving as a writer, producer and actor on “Louie.”In addition to the new deal, FX has renewed “Better Things” for a fifth season, which is expected to premiere next year.Also Read:“We are truly honored to work with...WW…

Naya Rivera, the singer and actress best known for her acclaimed portrayal of Santana Lopez on “Glee,” is missing after a swimming accident in Ventura County, California.Rivera had rented a boat at Lake Piru, a reservoir near Santa Clarita in nearby Los Angeles county, which departed from the dock around 1:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. She was swimming with her 4-year-old son when, for unknown reasons, she submerged and did not resurface, Captain Eric Buschow of the Ventura County Sheriff’s department told TheWrap.“She’s missing at this point and we have an active search and rescue operation...…Naya Rivera, the singer and actress best known for her acclaimed portrayal of Santana Lopez on “Glee,” is missing after a swimming accident in Ventura County, California.Rivera had rented a boat at Lake Piru, a reservoir near Santa Clarita in nearby Los Angeles county, which departed from the dock around 1:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. She was swimming with her 4-year-old son when, for unknown reasons, she submerged and did not resurface, Captain Eric Buschow of the Ventura County Sheriff’s department told TheWrap.“She’s missing at this point and we have an active search and rescue operation...WW…

Jude Law is in talks to play Captain Hook in Disney’s “Peter Pan & Wendy” live-action film, an individual with knowledge of the deal told TheWrap.Ever Anderson is set to play Wendy while Alexander Molony will play the famous boy who wouldn’t grow up. “Pete’s Dragon” director David Lowery is directing from a script he co-wrote with Toby Halbrooks. Jim Whitaker is producing.Disney adapted J.M. Barrie’s famous novel and play in 1953, and since then, there have been many on-screen adaptations, such as Steven Spielberg’s “Hook” starring Robin Williams and Joe Wright’s “Pan.” Benh Zeitlin...…Jude Law is in talks to play Captain Hook in Disney’s “Peter Pan & Wendy” live-action film, an individual with knowledge of the deal told TheWrap.Ever Anderson is set to play Wendy while Alexander Molony will play the famous boy who wouldn’t grow up. “Pete’s Dragon” director David Lowery is directing from a script he co-wrote with Toby Halbrooks. Jim Whitaker is producing.Disney adapted J.M. Barrie’s famous novel and play in 1953, and since then, there have been many on-screen adaptations, such as Steven Spielberg’s “Hook” starring Robin Williams and Joe Wright’s “Pan.” Benh Zeitlin...WW…

For fifty years, San Diego Comic-Con’s greatest superpower has been its ability to avoid any obstacle in its way — from inclement weather to recessions — that could have possibly led to its cancellation. But 2020 has brought Comic-Con a villain that nobody has been able to conquer: COVID-19.However, any comic-book fan would tell you the hero always comes through when all hope seems lost. For Comic-Con International, that meant turning its first-ever cancellation into another first: Its first-ever virtual convention, And even though there won’t be 6,500 fans screaming at the top of their...…For fifty years, San Diego Comic-Con’s greatest superpower has been its ability to avoid any obstacle in its way — from inclement weather to recessions — that could have possibly led to its cancellation. But 2020 has brought Comic-Con a villain that nobody has been able to conquer: COVID-19.However, any comic-book fan would tell you the hero always comes through when all hope seems lost. For Comic-Con International, that meant turning its first-ever cancellation into another first: Its first-ever virtual convention, And even though there won’t be 6,500 fans screaming at the top of their...WW…

Cirque du Soleil has filed for Chapter 15 bankruptcy protection in order to restructure its capital structure and has been forced to layoff just shy of 3,500 of its employees, the acrobatic entertainment company announced on Monday.The company said that it has brought in zero revenue since COVID-19 forced the French-Canadian circus group to shut down all of its performances, including six in Las Vegas and suspend 44 of its live shows internationally back in March.The cuts of 3,480 employees come from the over 4,600 individuals who were furloughed back in March, with multiple saying that...…Cirque du Soleil has filed for Chapter 15 bankruptcy protection in order to restructure its capital structure and has been forced to layoff just shy of 3,500 of its employees, the acrobatic entertainment company announced on Monday.The company said that it has brought in zero revenue since COVID-19 forced the French-Canadian circus group to shut down all of its performances, including six in Las Vegas and suspend 44 of its live shows internationally back in March.The cuts of 3,480 employees come from the over 4,600 individuals who were furloughed back in March, with multiple saying that...WW…

WarnerMedia leadership told staffers Monday that the CNN Center in Atlanta will be sold, downplaying questions about whether the move signals impending layoffs.Answering questions on an internal FAQ-style information sheet, WarnerMedia leadership explained why the iconic location in Georgia is being sold, but maintained that WarnerMedia will not be leaving Atlanta altogether: “Our strategy is to consolidate our teams in state-of-the-art hubs to maximize collaboration. This is a strategy we are also implementing at our other primary business locations, most recently at Hudson Yards in New...…WarnerMedia leadership told staffers Monday that the CNN Center in Atlanta will be sold, downplaying questions about whether the move signals impending layoffs.Answering questions on an internal FAQ-style information sheet, WarnerMedia leadership explained why the iconic location in Georgia is being sold, but maintained that WarnerMedia will not be leaving Atlanta altogether: “Our strategy is to consolidate our teams in state-of-the-art hubs to maximize collaboration. This is a strategy we are also implementing at our other primary business locations, most recently at Hudson Yards in New...WW…

“Beavis and Butt-Head” are back, trading in music videos for TikTok.Comedy Central has ordered two seasons of a new “reimagined” version of the MTV animated series, with creator Mike Judge returning to write, produce and voice the two lead characters. The network’s deal with Judge and 3 Arts Entertainment includes spinoffs and specials.Per Comedy Central, in this new iteration, “Beavis” and “Butt-Head” are entering a whole new Gen Z world.Also Read:“We are thrilled to be working with Mike Judge and the great team at 3 Arts again as we double down on Adult Animation at Comedy Central” says...…“Beavis and Butt-Head” are back, trading in music videos for TikTok.Comedy Central has ordered two seasons of a new “reimagined” version of the MTV animated series, with creator Mike Judge returning to write, produce and voice the two lead characters. The network’s deal with Judge and 3 Arts Entertainment includes spinoffs and specials.Per Comedy Central, in this new iteration, “Beavis” and “Butt-Head” are entering a whole new Gen Z world.Also Read:“We are thrilled to be working with Mike Judge and the great team at 3 Arts again as we double down on Adult Animation at Comedy Central” says...WW…

“Cobra Kai” is upgrading its dojo: The “Karate Kid” sequel series is moving from YouTube to Netflix.Apparently, fear does not exist on that streaming service.Seasons 1 and 2 will become available on Netflix “this year,” with Season 3 “to follow,” according to Netflix. A person with knowledge of the move told TheWrap that the release plan for the new season is “in the works.”While there is currently no Season 3 premiere date, production on the new episodes has been completed, the person told us. It is entirely conceivable that the third season does not get released until 2021, a second...…“Cobra Kai” is upgrading its dojo: The “Karate Kid” sequel series is moving from YouTube to Netflix.Apparently, fear does not exist on that streaming service.Seasons 1 and 2 will become available on Netflix “this year,” with Season 3 “to follow,” according to Netflix. A person with knowledge of the move told TheWrap that the release plan for the new season is “in the works.”While there is currently no Season 3 premiere date, production on the new episodes has been completed, the person told us. It is entirely conceivable that the third season does not get released until 2021, a second...WW…

A woman has accused Ansel Elgort, star of Disney’s upcoming Steven Spielberg movie “West Side Story,” of sexually assaulting her in 2014 when she was 17.The woman named Gabby, who did not reveal her last name, tweeted a on Friday and made an unverified claim that the actor, now 26, sexually assaulted her when she was a teenager. Gabby described sobbing and being in pain and said, “I didn’t want to do it the only words that came out of his mouth were ‘we need to break you in.'”Gabby said that in 2014, she direct messaged Elgort letting him know that it would soon be her 17th birthday and...…A woman has accused Ansel Elgort, star of Disney’s upcoming Steven Spielberg movie “West Side Story,” of sexually assaulting her in 2014 when she was 17.The woman named Gabby, who did not reveal her last name, tweeted a on Friday and made an unverified claim that the actor, now 26, sexually assaulted her when she was a teenager. Gabby described sobbing and being in pain and said, “I didn’t want to do it the only words that came out of his mouth were ‘we need to break you in.'”Gabby said that in 2014, she direct messaged Elgort letting him know that it would soon be her 17th birthday and...WW…

Ansel Elgort has denied an accusation of sexual assault against him from 2014, saying in an Instagram post Saturday evening that the events described in a social media post from Friday are “simply not what happened,” and that he has “never and would never assault anyone.”The “West Side Story” actor said of the incident that his relationship with a 17-year-old known only as Gabby took place in New York when he was 20 and that the relationship was “brief, legal and an entirely consensual relationship.”“I was distressed to see the social media posts about me that have been circulating in the...…Ansel Elgort has denied an accusation of sexual assault against him from 2014, saying in an Instagram post Saturday evening that the events described in a social media post from Friday are “simply not what happened,” and that he has “never and would never assault anyone.”The “West Side Story” actor said of the incident that his relationship with a 17-year-old known only as Gabby took place in New York when he was 20 and that the relationship was “brief, legal and an entirely consensual relationship.”“I was distressed to see the social media posts about me that have been circulating in the...WW…

After nearly 30 years, Michael Keaton is in talks to return to the role of Batman, to appear alongside Ezra Miller in Warner Bros.’ upcoming movie “The Flash,” TheWrap has learned exclusively. Talks with Keaton are in the very early stages, it is far from a sure thing, and can go either way. No details are currently available about how big or small Keaton’s role is.That plot will introduce general audiences to the idea of the multiverse, one of the of core concepts underpinning DC Comics. For the non fanboy set, the multiverse refers to a shifting number of alternate universes that coexist...…After nearly 30 years, Michael Keaton is in talks to return to the role of Batman, to appear alongside Ezra Miller in Warner Bros.’ upcoming movie “The Flash,” TheWrap has learned exclusively. Talks with Keaton are in the very early stages, it is far from a sure thing, and can go either way. No details are currently available about how big or small Keaton’s role is.That plot will introduce general audiences to the idea of the multiverse, one of the of core concepts underpinning DC Comics. For the non fanboy set, the multiverse refers to a shifting number of alternate universes that coexist...WW…

Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan aren’t mincing their words when it comes to President Trump.Zuckerberg and Chan, in a letter shared with a number of scientists supported by their nonprofit organization, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, ripped the president’s recent comments on protesting and rioting following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The date of the letter was not specified.“We are deeply shaken and disgusted by President Trump’s divisive and incendiary rhetoric at a time when our nation so desperately needs unity,” they wrote, according to....…Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan aren’t mincing their words when it comes to President Trump.Zuckerberg and Chan, in a letter shared with a number of scientists supported by their nonprofit organization, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, ripped the president’s recent comments on protesting and rioting following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The date of the letter was not specified.“We are deeply shaken and disgusted by President Trump’s divisive and incendiary rhetoric at a time when our nation so desperately needs unity,” they wrote, according to....WW…

Following backlash to “Friends” co-creator Marta Kauffman’s recent remarks about the hit sitcom’s lack of diversity, Kauffman told TheWrap it was only in the last two weeks — amid the resurgence of #BlackLivesMatter protests in response to George Floyd’s killing at the hands of a police officer — that her eyes have been opened to how she perpetuated “systemic racism.”“Look, I — and I’m going to try not to get emotional about this — the question that she asked is what do you wish you knew now as a showrunner? What do you wish you knew then that I know now. And what I have to say is, it’s...…Following backlash to “Friends” co-creator Marta Kauffman’s recent remarks about the hit sitcom’s lack of diversity, Kauffman told TheWrap it was only in the last two weeks — amid the resurgence of #BlackLivesMatter protests in response to George Floyd’s killing at the hands of a police officer — that her eyes have been opened to how she perpetuated “systemic racism.”“Look, I — and I’m going to try not to get emotional about this — the question that she asked is what do you wish you knew now as a showrunner? What do you wish you knew then that I know now. And what I have to say is, it’s...WW…

Bon Appétit’s editor in chief, Adam Rapoport, will be resigning from his position after an and quickly drew backlash.“I am stepping down as editor in chief of Bon Appetit to reflect on the work that I need to do as a human being and to allow Bon Appétit to get to a better place,” Rapoport shared in an Instagram post. “From an extremely ill-conceived Halloween costume 16 years ago to my blind spots as an editor, I’ve not championed an inclusive vision. And ultimately, it’s been at the expense of Bon Appétit and its staff, as well as our readers. They all deserve better.”Though the photo drew...…Bon Appétit’s editor in chief, Adam Rapoport, will be resigning from his position after an and quickly drew backlash.“I am stepping down as editor in chief of Bon Appetit to reflect on the work that I need to do as a human being and to allow Bon Appétit to get to a better place,” Rapoport shared in an Instagram post. “From an extremely ill-conceived Halloween costume 16 years ago to my blind spots as an editor, I’ve not championed an inclusive vision. And ultimately, it’s been at the expense of Bon Appétit and its staff, as well as our readers. They all deserve better.”Though the photo drew...WW…