Facebook is considering a prohibition on political ads on its platforms, according to multiple media reports. If the social media giant made such a move, it would be a significant about-face to the company’s long-held laissez-faire approach to political ads and political speech more broadly, coming just months ahead of the 2020 U.S. elections. Facebook…
UPDATED: The emotional tete-a-tete between Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith on Facebook Watch’s “Red Table Talk” drew a huge audience in its first 24 hours of release, although it’s not clear at this point if that set a record as the social site’s most-viewed original episode in that time period. 6 more words
USC announced on Friday that its School of Cinematic Arts will remove an exhibit dedicated to John Wayne after student protests regarding the actor’s racist past. 31 more words
via John Wayne Exhibit to Be Removed at USC Following Protests Over Actor’s Racist Remarks — Variety
Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan, one of the most influential actors in the history of Indian cinema, has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been admitted to Mumbai’s Nanavati hospital. 30 more words
via Bollywood Superstar Amitabh Bachchan Tests Positive for Coronavirus — Variety
Top executives at Fox News Media condemned remarks made in an online forum by Blake Neff, a now-resigned member of the staff of primetime show “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” and said the network parted ways with him as soon as it learned of his behavior. 13 more words
via Fox News Condemns Remarks By Former Tucker Carlson Staffer — Variety
Gina Prince-Bythewood has always wanted to direct an action movie. Her dream was finally realized with “The Old Guard,” an adaptation of the graphic novel of the same name about a group of immortal mercenaries (Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Matthew Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari and Luca Marinelli). 13 more words
via ‘The Old Guard’ Director Gina Prince-Bythewood on Casting KiKi Layne — Variety
“Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” is back at the top of the box office this weekend for the first time in 23 years. The film has grossed a total of $175,000 so far at 483 locations, originally reported b Deadline, and is estimated to end the weekend in the $400,000 to $500,000 range. Directed…
via ‘Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back’ Leads Weekend Box Office 23 Years After Reissue — Variety
ESPN’s devotion to all things football is well known. But next week, it will cover a decidedly different version of that game. The Walt Disney-owned sports-media outlet intends to make exclusive reveals of the player ratings in Madden NFL 21, the latest title in EA Sports’ Madden NFL franchise. 8 more words
via ESPN Plans Week Filled With Madden NFL Ratings Coverage — Variety
UPDATED: The Recording Academy announced that it has extended membership invitations to more than 2,300 established music professionals. As part of the organization’s stated drive toward greater diversity, it notes that the 2020 class of invitees is 48% female, 21% African-American or African descent, 8% Hispanic, 3% Asian-American and Pacific Islander and 5% “other.” The…
“Finally, the voice known around the world tells her own story — unrestrained.” Just in time for the 30th Anniversary of Mariah Carey’s debut album comes a first memoir by the singer, songwriter and actress who will release “The Meaning of Mariah Carey” on Sept. 12 more words
via Mariah Carey Memoir Coming This Fall Via Andy Cohen Books — Variety
