ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Here's to the next chapter! Halle Berry says she's "done with love" following her split from Alex Da Kid. The Oscar winner wrote just that in an Instagram Story on Wednesday, December 13. She also shared a photo of rope in the shape of a heart and added three emojis of a flexed arm muscle. Just hours earlier, Us Weekly exclusively revealed that Berry, 51, and the music producer had split after several months of dating. The exes first went public with their relationship in September when they posted black and white photos of themselves cuddling on their respective social media accounts. "My balance," they both wrote. They more recently attended the Treats! Magazine's 7th Annual Halloween Party at The Mayan in L.A. in October. Berry possibly hinted at the breakup in an Instagram post on Wednesday, too. "Grow out got me feelin' some kinda way every day ain't perfect... " she wrote. The Extant alum was previously married to David Justice from 1992 to 1997, R&B singer Eric Benet from 2001 to 2005 and French actor Olivier Martinez, whom she shares son Maceo, 3. She's also mom of daughter Nahla, 9, with ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry (US Weekly)

Jackie Mason denies comedian is his daughter. Jackie Mason isn't expected at the opening of "Alexander Schwartz Sleeps With Mae West" on Dec. 27 at the Cutting Room. The show stars Jackie's daughter, Sheba Mason, 31, but Jackie, 86, doesn't want anything to do with her or her mother, Ginger Reiter, who wrote the musical comedy. "She's not my daughter. The doctor said it's a lot of baloney," Jackie told me. "She makes a living calling herself my daughter. I don't want to hurt anyone. If you want to call yourself my son, go ahead." Sheba plays the secretively transgender mistress of an oversexed Miami Beach, Fla., man circa 1981. "Schwartz is not only stunned to discover that his beautiful young mistress used to be a man, but she is actually the long-lost child of his good buddy Milty," Reiter told me. "When Milty finds out that his son is now a daughter and that Al's been schtupping her, chaos ensues." Jackie confronted Sheba on the street five years ago because he heard she'd been mocking him in her stand-up act, joking, "Sometimes I wish a better-looking comedian was my father, like Woody Allen or Rosie O'Donnell." Sheba lives near the Applejack Diner in Midtown, where Jackie holds court most nights. "But I don't try to talk to him, because he doesn't want to talk to me," Sheba said. As for whether Jackie is her father, "The blood tests said I am his daughter, and he paid child support until I was 18." (PageSix)

Stephen Belafonte will haul in six figures annually from Mel B in their divorce settlement. According to new docs filed in the case, Mel B is paying her ex-husband $15,000 per month ... and that's over the next 3 years. That works out to $180k per year, and a total of $540k. As we reported, they struck a settlement deal in November where they share joint legal custody of their daughter, Madison. What we didn't know was how much Mel would have to pay. She's also paying an additional $200k for Stephen's attorneys' fees. That payment is due Dec. 20. Chances she sends the check in a Christmas card? Zero point zero. (TMZ)

Judd Apatow Takes Aim at Sexual Misconduct Allegations in Hollywood: "Everybody Should Be Disgusted." Judd Apatow is putting it plainly: when it comes to the ongoing sea of sexual misconduct allegations in Hollywood, everyone should be alarmed. "My instinct is always to say the thing they say don't say, which is like it concerns me as a father of two daughters it concerns me, but you shouldn't have to have daughters to get that it's disgusting," the comedian pointed out to Seth Meyers during a Late Night appearance on Wednesday. "You should be able to say as the owner of a bird, I'm disgusted. Everybody should be disgusted. It's horrible." As prominent male figures from every corner of the industry -- from Hollywood producers to morning show anchors to celebrity chefs -- are accused of a range of sexual misconduct, what's allegedly been going on behind closed doors is being brought out into the highly publicized open. "Women always knew men were disgusting and now men are going, 'I guess we are disgusting.' We didn't know how terrible that we were," Apatow quipped. Apatow noticed a recurring accusation against some men in Hollywood has been alleged masturbation in front of accusers. "Who knew that masturbation was so popular? Everyone has to masturbate in front of people," he told Meyers. "I always thought that the best part of masturbation was that you were alone and no one was judging you. Isn't that why we like it? That no one is there to go, 'What's the matter with you?'" In the meantime, Apatow said he went through 35,000 of his own photos to see "what do I have on the Cloud that someone will find one day that will end me?" "There were literally hundreds of me pretending to blow guys," he said. "But, we were all laughing and I think it's ok. But, I think we're all learning that men do not get it at all how awful they are." While the industry -- and the country -- begins to take new shape on the heels of this crucial movement, Apatow has some advice for other men. "It's so easy to not be a sexual harasser," he said. "You just literally do nothing. You do nothing." (Eonline)

Morgan Spurlock Admits to Sexual Misconduct in Open Letter: "I Am Part of the Problem." Morgan Spurlock believes he is "part of the problem" as sexual misconduct accusations continue to surround Hollywood and beyond. In a new Twitter post shared on Wednesday, the Hollywood director and producer reflected on recent headlines and admitted that he is "not some innocent bystander." "I'm sure I'm not alone in this thought, but I can't blindly act as though I didn't somehow play a part in this, and if I'm going truly represent myself as someone who has built a career on finding the truth, then it's time for me to be truthful as well," Morgan explained. "I am part of the problem." He continued, "Over my life, there have been many instances that parallel what we see everyday in the news. When I was in college, a girl who I hooked up with on a one-night stand accused me of rape. Not outright. There were no charges or investigations, but she wrote about the instance in a short story writing class and called me by name. A female friend who was in the class told me about it afterwards. I was floored." Morgan also shared an experience when he settled a sexual harassment allegation at his office. "This was around 8 years ago, and it wasn't a gropy feely harassment. It was verbal, and it was just as bad," he wrote. "When she decided to quit, she came to me and said if I didn't pay her a settlement, she would tell everyone. Being who I was, it was the last thing I wanted, so of course, I paid. I paid for peace of mind. I paid for her silence and cooperation. Most of all, I paid so I could remain who I was." Finally, Morgan admitted to being unfaithful to every wife and girlfriend he ever had. "Over the years, I would look each of them in the eye and proclaim my love and then have sex with other people behind their backs," he shared. While the man behind Super Size Me, The Greatest Movie Ever Sold and Mansome doesn't know why he acted this way, he wonders if drinking, depression or sexual abuse contributed to the way he behaves as an adult. Ultimately, Morgan is confident that he is part of the solution and admitting to his errors is a step in the right direction. He also revealed on Twitter that he is "seeking help." "We should all find the courage to admit we're at fault," he explained. "More than anything, I'm hopeful that I can start to rebuild the trust and the respect of those I love most. I'm not sure I deserve it, but I will work everyday to earn it back." Morgan concluded, "I will do better. I will be better. I believe we all can. The only individual I have control over is me. So starting today, I'm going to be more honest with you and myself. I'm going to lay it all out in the open. Maybe that will be a start. Who knows. But I do know I've talked enough in my life ... I'm finally ready to listen." Read his full letter on Twitter now. (Eonline)

Multiple women accuse Russell Simmons of rape. Music mogul Russell Simmons has been accused of rape by four women and additional "violent sexual behavior" by others who knew him professionally since the early 1980s, reports said Wednesday. The women include an executive at his Def Jam record label, a music journalist and a singer he managed, according to a report in The New York Times. Def Jam exec Drew Dixon said she was forced to sit on Simmons' lap during meetings and that he exposed himself to her "regularly," the paper said. Dixon said she was raped by Simmons in his downtown office and she quit the label soon after. Journalist Toni Sallie said she briefly dated Simmons in 1987. He later lured her to his Manhattan apartment where he "pushed me on the bed" and raped her in the fall of 1988, she said. The pop singer Tina Baker said Simmons once pinned her to a bed and raped her in the early '90s, when he was her manager. Simmons denied all the allegations, saying the "horrific accusations have shocked me to my core and all of my relations have been consensual." Meanwhile, The Los Angeles Times reported other allegations of sexual assault against the mogul. Sherri Hines, of an 1980's all-female hip-hop group, said that Simmons raped her in his office around 1983 when she was 17 or 18 years old.. "The next thing I knew, he was pinning me down and I was trying to fight him and he had his way," she told the paper about the encounter. "I left crying." A woman named Lisa Kirk told the paper that Simmons attacked her in the bathroom of a Manhattan nightclub in 1988. An actress Natashia Williams-Blach -- who appeared in a Simmons-produced film -- said that he tried to force her to perform oral sex on him after a yoga class in 1996 when she was 18. A massage therapist named Erin Beattie alleges that Simmons exposed himself and asked her to touch his penis while she was giving him a massage in 2005. In response to the LA Times story, Simmons said: "While there are many women with whom I have shared extraordinary relationships, whether through work or love, I regret with my whole heart any conduct that has led anyone to say or think of me in the ways that are currently being written." The hip-hop pioneer had stepped down from his company last month amid allegations of misconduct from two women including screenwriter Jenny Lumet. (PageSix)

Russell Simmons Denies New Rape and Sexual Misconduct Allegations. Russell Simmons is denying new rape and sexual misconduct allegations made by multiple women. On Wednesday afternoon, the New York Times published a report where three individuals accused the music and fashion mogul of rape. And close to a month after the Los Angeles Times first published a report detailing model Keri Claussen Khalighi's allegations of sexual misconduct (which Russell denies), the outlet reported that five additional women have come forward with new stories of alleged sexual misconduct. "I vehemently deny all these allegations. These horrific accusations have shocked me to my core and all of my relations have been consensual," Russell said in a statement to E! News this evening. "I am blessed to have shared extraordinary relationships, whether through work or love, with many great women; and I have enormous respect for the women's movement worldwide and their struggle for respect, dignity, equality and power. I am devastated by any reason I may have given to anyone to say or think of me in the ways that are currently being described." He continued, "In recent weeks, some former business, creative and romantic partners have aired grievances as claims I categorically reject. In some of these instances, financial motives and direct contradictory witness testimony has been supplied to the media, which has been completely left out of stories. In the last few days, one woman attempted to extort me for $500,000 only to recant her ridiculous claim. The current allegations sent to me by the New York Times and Los Angeles Times range from the patently untrue to the frivolous and hurtful. The presumption of innocent until proven guilty must not be replaced by 'Guilty by Accusation.'" Just last month, Russell announced in a statement that he has decided to remove himself from the businesses he's founded as not to "be a distraction." The decision came after screenwriter Jenny Lumet published a guest column for The Hollywood Reporter where she detailed sexual misconduct allegations against Russell. "While her memory of that evening is very different from mine, it is now clear to me that her feelings of fear and intimidation are real," Russell said after the column was published. "While I have never been violent, I have been thoughtless and insensitive in some of my relationships over many decades and I sincerely and humbly apologize." Looking towards the future, Russell says he is focused on spiritual learning and healing. At the same time, he assures fan that he is not "a man of violence." "I have re-dedicated myself to spiritual learning, healing and working on behalf of the communities to which I have devoted my life. I have accepted that I can and should get dirt on my sleeves if it means witnessing the birth of a new consciousness about women," Russell's latest statement read. "What I will not accept is responsibility for what I have not done. I have conducted my life with a message of peace and love. Although I have been candid about how I have lived in books and interviews detailing my flaws, I will relentlessly fight against any untruthful character assassination that paints me as a man of violence." (Eonline)

Tavis Smiley says PBS railroaded him during its investigation into claims he was having sex with staffers, and he's vowing to take a stand against the network's "overreaction." The talk show host, who PBS suspended Wednesday, says he only learned of the PBS investigation through former staffers who let him know they'd been contacted. Smiley says he confronted his bosses, and only then did investigators talk to him ... for 3 hours. It's clear Smiley isn't happy with what went down -- he says investigators refused to talk to his current staff or accept documentation supporting his side of the story. He insists he "never groped, inappropriately exposed myself or coerced any colleague in the workplace ever in my 30-year career." Smiley accuses PBS of running a sloppy investigation and says he will fight back. He also says there's a bigger picture conversation to be had about how men and women should be able to interact in the workplace. (TMZ)

Tyga took a huge hit when crooks knocked over his L.A. retail store, as in more than $50,000 in gear and merch ... TMZ has learned. Law enforcement sources tell us the burglars who hit Tyga's Last Kings boutique earlier this month made off with $53,150 worth of property. We're told clothing accounted for $50k of that loss. The rest of the damage was done when they jacked an empty safe worth $250, an $800 flat screen TV, a $500 iPad and part of the security system valued at $1,600. Cops tell us the burglars forced their way in by prying open the back door. They have no suspects yet, but they're not ruling out an inside job. Fact is, Tyga ... Last Kings have been cursed for a while now. (TMZ)

Nelly's fully off the hook now in that alleged rape in Washington State -- prosecutors say they can't proceed ... TMZ has learned. The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office tells us the alleged victim's refusal to cooperate made it impossible for them to go forward with charging Nelly with any crime. As we reported ... the woman who originally claimed Nelly raped her on his tour bus told police she did not want to press charges. Her attorney said the pressure of accusing a huge star like Nelly was just too much for her client. (TMZ)

Kylie Jenner needs to get on the horn to her IT guys to update her website ASAP because, as it stands, her blind customers are getting screwed ... according to a new lawsuit. Antoinette Suchenko says she's been legally blind for more than 20 years, and uses screen reader software to navigate the Internet -- but in the suit she says Kylie's cosmetics site isn't compatible. As a result, she's having a hard time bagging any of Kylie's uber-popular makeup products. She's not looking for any cash -- Antoinette says she just wants Kylie's site to get up to standards required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. She says doing so will be a major W for Kylie's bottom line ... sales. She's suing Kylie Inc., not KJ herself. As we reported, a similar suit was filed last year, by someone else, against the DASH Store's website. (TMZ)

THE OTHER STUFF . . .

Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince Harry and Adele Attend Grenfell Tower Fire Memorial. Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince Harry and other royals, as well as singer Adele, joined survivors and families and friends of victims of this year's Grenfell Tower fire at a national memorial service on Thursday. On June 14, exactly six months ago, a blaze destroyed a London tower block of apartments, killing 71 people, including a stillborn baby, in what marked the worst building fire in the city in years. Around 1,500 people, including rescue workers who saved and treated survivors, attended the multi-faith memorial service, which took place at St Paul's Cathedral in London. Kate, who is pregnant with her third child, covered her baby bump in a black Carolina Herrera double-breasted coat. William and Harry wore black suits. They were all spotted talking to mourners. The royals were joined by the princes' father Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. Harry's new fiancee Meghan Markle was not spotted. Adele appeared at the memorial dressed in a baggy black coat and carrying a wrapped white rose. She sat with actress Carey Mulligan and husband and Mumford & Sons frontman Marcus Mumford inside the cathedral. A day after the fire, Adele and husband Simon Konecki attended a vigil held on the site and comforted mourners. Days later, she surprised firefighters at a fire station to thank them for their work and also offered them cake. Earlier this month, Adele promoted a petition in which victims and their families call on British Prime Minister Theresa May "to take urgent action to restore their faith in the Grenfell Tower inquiry." The British Prime Minister also attended the memorial. Members of the Kensington and Chelsea council, which was responsible for the management of the building, did not attend after mourners requested they stay away, CNN reported. At the end of the service, people carried a Grenfell banner out of the Cathedral, while mourners, holding white roses and photographs of their loved ones, followed, the outlet said. Over the past few months, the royals have met with people affected by the Grenfell Tower fire at various events and locations, such as Kate, William and Harry's Royal Foundation's Support4Grenfell emotional support community hub. (Eonline)

Dwayne Johnson Gushes Over Daughter During His Star Ceremony on Hollywood Walk of Fame. Dwayne Johnson is surrounded by so many ladies! The Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle actor was honored with the 2,624th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday and brought along a couple of the wonderful women in his action-packed life. For the event, the 45-year-old was joined by his pregnant girlfriend Lauren Hashian and their almost-2-year-old daughter Jasmine. During the event, Johnson, who announced on Monday that he has his longtime love were expecting a second daughter, stopped by to chat with E! News about the momentous tribute, his recent baby news reveal and what it's like to be a famous father. When asked about what he knows now as a dad compared to when he was younger (Johnson also has a 16-year-old daughter Simone Johnson from a previous marriage), the movie man said he has learned that he can have it all. The Baywatch star said that he now understands, "It can all work together at the same time seamlessly in terms of your work and your career and your family. One doesn't have to be sacrificed for the other." The soon-to-be father-of-three added, "So many fall into that pitfall. I fell into the pitfall." His Jumanji co-star Jack Black also hit up the ceremony, as did Hollywood Chamber of Commerce's Chairman of the Board Jeff Zarrinnam, Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell and Leron Gubler, the president of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. The Chairman of Sony Entertainment's Motion Pictures Group Tom Rothman also stopped by to support the star. It's been a big week for the big-time movie mogul. In addition to his star ceremony and the baby reveal, Johnson and his girlfriend of 10 years also hit up the red carpet premiere of his new family friendly flick on Monday night. The Central Intelligence actor also made sure to gush about his teenage daughter Simone, who was announced last month as the 2018 Golden Globe Ambassador. "We have such a high-quality relationship...she continues to teach me," said the doting dad during the event. "I am incredibly proud of her." As for any tips for his daughter's duties at the 2018 Globes, the star said he's told the teen: "I want you to be present and in the moment. That's important and enjoy it because things happen so quickly. We're on this treadmill of life where there is no stop button." He had some other wise words: "Just be present in the moment, have fun and also know you are carrying the torch for our industry that we are making our living in and you are also carrying the torch for our family." Wise words from a wise man... Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle swings into theaters on Dec. 20. (Eonline)

Buzz Aldrin is now designing accessories. When not working on plans to send humans to Mars, astronaut Buzz Aldrin's designing fashion. The second man to walk on the moon has launched a "Mission to Mars"-themed capsule collection with Sprayground, which includes a solar-panel backpack and gloves. This year, Aldrin, 87, walked in designer Nick Graham's fashion show, telling us his favorite pose was "Michael Jackson's moonwalk," which he said he helped the late King of Pop develop. "Michael went backwards, so I had to tell him, 'You have to go forwards,'?" Aldrin said. "[Jackson] said, 'You don't know what you are talking about.'" (PageSix)

Oprah Winfrey will receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award at January's Golden Globes. Morgan Freeman made the announcement for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association during its broadcast of the "Golden Globe 75th Anniversary Special" Wednesday on NBC. HFPA President Meher Tatna called Winfrey "one of the most respected and admired figures today" and "one of the most influential women of our time" in a statement Wednesday. The DeMille Award is given annually to an "individual who has made an incredible impact on the world of entertainment." Past recipients include Freeman, Meryl Streep, Jodie Foster, Barbra Streisand, Sidney Poitier and Lucille Ball. Winfrey will receive the award during the 75th annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony on Jan. 7, 2018. (Page Six)

Patton Oswalt and his daughter, Alice, celebrated their annual Christmas tree decoration with Meredith Salenger in their first holiday as a family. Salenger, 47, shared a series of photos of the event on Instagram Wednesday night, sharing her excitement about decorating the tree with her family. "My first ever very own ??Christmas Tree! Fun night in: trimming the tree and sending Christmas cards! Also something I've never done! #family," she wrote in the caption. Salenger is of Russian Jewish and Austrian Jewish descent so Christmas is a new tradition for her. In the first photo, Salenger can be seen smiling with her new husband and step-daughter, holding them close while all three wear gold paper crowns from their Christmas crackers. The actress also shared photos of their tree complete with colored lights, a gold star and symbolic ornaments such as a gingerbread man, a dove, and candy canes. In a video, Alice can be seen dancing to a Christmas song playing in the background, her golden crown threatening to fall off with every move. Oswalt, 48, married Salenger in November in front of family and friends at the Jim Henson Studios in Los Angeles. Oswalt told PEOPLE he and his wife were on cloud nine. "I've only ever felt that level of joy once before in my life, and it was so profound and perfect it felt greedy to ever wish for it again," Oswalt said. "But I did, so now all I can do is show Meredith a level of gratitude and love that's greater than the joy she's brought me, and my daughter Alice. Because this is a new level of joy and a new life, and I'll always strive to deserve it." The couple's wedding came a little over a year after Oswalt's wife Michelle McNamara died unexpectedly in her sleep in April 2016, leaving the comedian to care for their 8-year-old daughter. But Oswalt, Salenger and their closest friends and family strongly believe it was McNamara who orchestrated their meeting. "When I first starting talking with Patton on Facebook, it was just sort of witty banter," Salenger said. "There was nothing to it, but as I started getting to know him better, I looked up Michelle on Facebook and I saw that we had like 15 mutual friends. One of them was my best friend since 7th grade. I called her and was like, 'Tell me about Michelle.' She was best friends with Michelle after college. She was like, 'I loved her. She's amazing. She's so funny and smart.'" She added, "Finding out about Michelle made me love Patton even more. I was like, 'He likes smart girls and he likes good girls.' That was something that made me think more highly of Patton because he loved a girl that was like us-me and my friends. My friend said, 'I think Michelle orchestrated this from heaven. She asked herself, who would be the best woman to raise Alice? And she picked you. And then, who would Patton love? You.'" Now, the family of three is looking forward to the next chapter. "Patton and I have been saying this since the very beginning -- we really are literally looking forward to the normalcy and stability of life," Salenger said. "All I want in life is to wake up and make Alice breakfast and take her to school. We're just looking forward to the daily routine of life. Family dinner, bath time, book time, bedtime. That's all I ever really fantasized about." (People)

The internet can't handle the picture of David Beckham and his niece. Hot men with babies. David Beckham's sister Joanne has welcomed a baby girl called Peggy with her boyfriend, Big Brother star Kris Donnelly. Wednesday night, David shared a picture of himself beaming with pride as he held his niece for the first time, and we can't handle the cuteness. The 42-year-old former football pro has four children of his own with Victoria Beckham, including six-year-old daughter Harper. Future BFFs? Joanne also shared a picture of her new arrival on Instagram, with the caption: "9.12.17 ??THE DAY OUR LIFE CHANGED FOREVER ... such an amazing feeling starting our own family , the love I have for our little princess Peggy is one that is so unconditional ! I'd never of been able to do it without the love of my life ... @krissydonners you was my strength! Thank you ... ??#myfamily" (British Glamour)

Adam Levine suddenly has $18 mil worth o' holiday cheer after striking a sweet real estate deal. TMZ has learned Levine is in escrow on his 9,221 square foot Holmby Hills home. We're told the purchase will be finalized in the coming week and the buyer is paying ALL CASH!!! His realtor, Kurt Rappaport, handled the sale. Adam bought the home just 5 months ago but decided to ditch it since it needed a ton of work, and he didn't want to deal with construction while he and Behati have baby #2 on the way. The 5-bedroom, 6 bath home was listed for $18.9 million, but he accepted an $18 mil offer -- exactly what he paid for it. Easy come, easy go. Levine's also got another house on the market for $15.95 million. (TMZ)

Although Omarosa Manigault-Newman denies being fired from her role in President Donald Trump's administration, the former reality star alluded to situations in the White House that made her feel "uncomfortable" and "upset," leading to her resignation. In a sit-down with Michael Strahan on Good Morning America Thursday, Manigault-Newman shot down reports that she was dramatically escorted out of the White House after being canned. "[Chief of staff] John Kelly and I had a very straight-forward discussion about concerns that I had, issues that I had raised, and as a result, I resigned and it will be taking place January 20, when I leave this very interesting administration," she said. Manigault-Newman explained that while Trump "chose me for his team," Kelly may not have wanted her on his roster. However, the former director of communications for the White House Office of Public Liaison revealed that she was unhappy with the handling of certain situations. When Strahan asked about reports that she was displeased with the handling of this year's Charlottesville riots and Trump's support of Roy Moore in the race for Alabama senator, she was vague but promised to share her thoughts someday. "Because I am serving until [Jan.] 20th, I have to be very careful about how I answer this," she said. "But there were a lot of things that I observed during the last year that I was very unhappy with. That I was very uncomfortable with. Things that I heard and observed. I can't expand upon it because I still have to go back and work with these individuals." Manigault-Newman continued, "When I have a chance to tell my story, quite a story to tell, as the only African American woman in this White House, as a senior staff and assistant to the president. I have seen things that made me uncomfortable, that have upset me, that have affected me deeply and emotionally, that has affected my community and my people. When I can tell my story, it is a profound story that I know the world will want to hear." Manigault-Newman explained that her pass had been changed to restrict her access at the White House and denied reports that she tried to enter the residence at the White House. "Certainly I had more access than most, and people had problems with that," she said. "People had problems with my 14-year relationship with his president, but I've always been loyal to him, straight-forward, and I've provided him with the support he needed throughout this year." (People)

A spokesperson on behalf of Harvey Weinstein responded to Salma Hayek's New York Times op-ed in which she detailed his inappropriate behavior and repeated sexual demands while making the 2002 Oscar-winning film Frida. "Mr. Weinstein does not recall pressuring Salma to do a gratuitous sex scene with a female costar and he was not there for the filming," said Weinstein's spokesperson in a statement obtained by Deadline. "However, that was part of the story, as Frida Kahlo was bisexual and the more significant sex scene in the movie was choreographed by Ms. Hayek with Geoffrey Rush." The statement also says that Weinstein pushed for Hayek for the lead role in Frida over Jennifer Lopez and how much money Miramax shelled out for the film. It also says that "All of the sexual allegations as portrayed by Salma are not accurate and others who witnessed the events have a different account of what transpired." Read the entire statement below. Mr. Weinstein regards Salma Hayek as a first-class actress and cast her in several of his movies, among them "Once Upon a Time in Mexico," "Dogma," and "Studio 54." He was very proud of her Best Actress Academy Award nomination for "Frida" and continues to support her work. While Jennifer Lopez was interested in playing Frida and at the time was a bigger star, Mr. Weinstein overruled other investors to back Salma as the lead. Miramax put up half of the money and all of the P&A; the budget was over 12 million. As in most collaborative projects, there was creative friction on "Frida," but it served to drive the project to perfection. The movie opened in multiple theaters and was supported by a huge advertising campaign and an enormous Academy Awards budget. Mr. Weinstein does not recall pressuring Salma to do a gratuitous sex scene with a female costar and he was not there for the filming. However, that was part of the story, as Frida Kahlo was bisexual and the more significant sex scene in the movie was choreographed by Ms. Hayek with Geoffrey Rush. The original uni-brow used was an issue because it diverted attention from the performances. All of the sexual allegations as portrayed by Salma are not accurate and others who witnessed the events have a different account of what transpired. Ed Norton, who was Ms. Hayek's boyfriend at the time, [worked with Mr. Weinstein on the rewrite of the script in Mexico] did a brilliant job of rewriting the script and Mr. Weinstein battled the WGA to get him a credit on the film. His effort was unsuccessful to everyone's disappointment. By Mr. Weinstein's own admission, his boorish behavior following a screening of "Frida" was prompted by his disappointment in the cut of the movie -- and a reason he took a firm hand in the final edit, alongside the very skilled director Julie Taymor. (Page Six)

Music

Halsey, Florida Georgia Line and More Join Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve Lineup. ABC and dick clark productions have added Alessia Cara, Florida Georgia Line, Halsey and Hailee Steinfeld to the lineup for their West Coast celebration of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rocking Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2018" special. But these artists aren't the only ones set to perform. Alesso, G-Eazy, Portugal. The Man, Bebe Rexha, Watt and Zedd are also scheduled to perform. In fact, many of these artists will be ringing in the New Year by collaborating for the Los-Angeles based special. The performers join a star-studded lineup that will help fans celebrate 2018 from coast to coast. (Eonline)

Ariana Grande fans hoping for new music from the "Break Free" singer are in luck! On Wednesday, the 24-year-old songstress gave her Arianators a peek on her life in the studio, where she's recording her first new music since the horrific bombing at her Manchester concert in May that left 22 dead and injured 250. The look behind the curtain was inspired by blurry picture shared by a Grande fan site that claimed it was her working in the studio. "I'm pretty sure dis is very old or fake," Grande explained, screen-grabbing the post on her Instagram Stories account. "If u wanted confirmation that I've been workin why didn't you just ask?" She then went on to post a photo and video of herself hunched over a computer in the studio, seemingly mixing tracks. Grande suspended her tour immediately following the attack to honor the victims and their families. On June 4, 12 days after the bombing, she returned to Manchester to perform at the star-studded "One Love" tribute concert, which she and mega-manager Scooter Braun organized. Then, on June 7, she resumed her Dangerous Woman Tour -- which wrapped on September 21. "Ariana was nervous, of course, but she was also excited to get back on the road, and so were we," Grande's tour photographer Alfredo Flores told Refinery 29 in October. "We didn't want terror to win, we didn't want to live in fear, because that's the whole point of terrorism," said Flores, who notes Grande wanted to return to the stage to inspire fans." "I'm convinced that experience happened to Ariana Grande, specifically, for a reason. I can't say that if it was another artist they wouldn't have continued with the tour, but I do know that Ariana is super, super brave," he added. "Her entire show is about spreading love, from beginning to end, so the fact that something that ugly happened on that tour, I feel like it happened for a reason. And she set an example for all of us that fear doesn't have to win. I don't know if that's something every 24-year-old would be able to push through." (People)

Post Malone Drops 'Rockstar' Latin Remix Featuring Nicky Jam & Ozuna. The song will officially be released on Friday (Dec. 15). Post Malone, Nicky Jam and Ozuna's "Rockstar" Latin remix has finally been released! On Wednesday evening (Dec. 13), superstar Malone surprised his fans by dropping the new remix on YouTube. The rebooted track includes two of the most in-demand Latin urban acts, Nicky Jam and Ozuna, who added their Spanish flavor to lyrics about who is the most famous and powerful rockstar. Jam raps: "A Panamanera (Porsche), an F12 in front of my house/ Gucci, Ferragamo, I buy the whole plaza/ Fine for the short rats that hunt you/ Thousands of hypocrites who come and hug you/ I live life like a king/ Kilos of music from Medellín to Monterrey/ Always crossing all the limits of the law/ My movie is always in play/ I live life like a rockstar." Meanwhile, Ozuna adds: "Okay, you are the ones who have the most/ But let's go by the numbers and you will see that you are my children/ What I buy myself is not to border you/ Is for me to take your wife in the Mercedes." The Latin remix is set to be released on all platforms on Friday (Dec. 15). (Billboard)

Justin Bieber Works on His Dance Moves to Ed Sheeran's 'Perfect'. Everyone's dancing to Ed Sheeran's "Perfect"... even Justin Bieber. Sheeran's sleeper hit got Bieber going in a pair of Instagram clips which are getting a ton of traction. In one, the 23-year-old Canadian pop singer does a spin as "Perfect" plays in the background, in the other he hits a forward tumble. "I'm gonna get this dancing thing down," Bieber captioned one of videos. "Perfect" is currently on top of the singles charts in the U.S., U.K. and Australia, fueled by a new version featuring Beyonce. The Divide track will get another new edit this Friday with legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli on guest vocals. (Billboard)

Jeezy Debuts Smooth New Single 'Like Them' On 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert'. With his forthcoming album Pressure set for release this Friday (Dec. 15), Jeezy took to the stage of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Wednesday night (Dec. 13) to debut his slow-rolling new single "Like Them." The song features Toronto artist Tory Lanez who lays down a delicate hook while Jeezy delivers smooth, relaxed rhymes shouting out a special woman in his life. Highlighted by a velvety bass line, soft chords and crisp drums, the "Trap or Die" rapper expresses an affection for the qualities of a certain love on this laid-back record. "I need a chick like you, so I don't rock with chicks like them," he preaches. (Billboard)

Future is gonna be forking over dough to his ex-pal and producer, Rocko, to settle their nearly 18-month long legal battle ... TMZ has learned. Court docs, obtained by TMZ and filed by both sides, request a dismissal of the case. Rocko's lawyers tell TMZ ... he's happy with the "very successful result." The legal team wouldn't give up an exact number. Rocko was originally seeking $10 million. Our sources say the payout is 7 figures. Future's camp had no comment. Rocko had sued Future claiming the rapper cut a side deal with Epic Records that stiffed Rocko out of millions. Future later countersued saying his deal with Rocko never made him exclusive, and also claimed it was Rocko who owed him dough. (TMZ)

Michael Jackson Estate, Sony Music Extend Partnership for Recordings. Sony will partner with the Jackson estate to "find new innovative ways to make Michael's music available to future generations of fans." The Michael Jackson estate has signed a contract extending its relationship with Sony Music as the Jackson economic juggernaut continues to generate tens to hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue. Even in a time of declining sales, the songs of Jackson, who died June 25, 2009, still generates over a million track downloads a year for the last three years running, while his album catalog still moves over 500,000 units annually. Moving over to streaming, so far this year's Jackson music has been played 1.05 billion times, of which 443 million were audio streams and 608 million were video streams. Since Nielsen Music began tracking streaming, Jackson's music has generated 3.1 billion streams, 1.2 billion in audio and 1.9 million in video. The audio streams alone translate into nearly 800,000 album consumption units. The signing not only continues a nearly 40-year relationship since Jackson released his Epic debut, Off the Wall in 1979, but also extends the landmark deal signed with the estate after the singer's death in 2010 that provided for the estate to reach up to $250 million in advances and other payments for about 10 recordings. Since then, four albums have been released, Michael, Immortal, Escape, and Scream which combined have scanned 1.29 million units; this is on top of the 1.8 million units that 2009's This Is It has generated since its release. "Michael Jackson was an unsurpassed genius and an iconic force in music entertainment," Sony Music CEO Rob Stringer said in a statement. "The music -- and videos -- he made as an artist as part of the Sony Music family are essential to pop culture history. We're proud to be part of that history, and to find new innovative ways to make Michael's music available to future generations of fans." As part of the deal, Sony will partner on additional projects that the estate may produce during the term of the agreement, which were undisclosed as was the value of the deal. Likely, those projects would include the additional 7 albums implied by the original 10-album deal. "We couldn't ask for more creative and innovative partners than Sony and Rob Stringer (whose history working personally with Michael goes back to the 1990s)," the Jackson estate executors John Branca and John McClain said in a combined statement. "Michael continues to inspire generations of artists who have come after him and attract new fans who understand that his music and message are more important than ever. We look forward to continuing to preserve and develop his remarkable musical legacy with Sony." Other projects that have been issued through Sony since the singer's passing include the production of two documentaries directed by Spike Lee: Bad 25 and Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall; a crowd sourced music video for "Behind the Mask" (2010), the first Twitter music video premiere for "A Place With No Name" (2014) and an augmented reality campaign for Scream (2017), according to the announcement on the new deal with Sony. According to that announcement, "the last seven years of the creative partnership between Sony and the Estate have been characterized by the same kind of record-setting achievements that Michael realized during his lifetime. His recordings continue to meet new sales benchmarks with Thriller [becoming] the first and only album in RIAA history to pass the triple Diamond mark with a 33X platinum certification; Bad also achieved Diamond status. Jackson's latest release, the compilation album, Scream, was his 16th Billboard Top 40 Album and 30th charting album and its release kicked off the worldwide, first annual Michael Jackson Halloween campaign." The announcement further noted that Jackson "ranks in the top five of all catalog artists for both audio streaming and video streaming for 2017, as well as in the top 5 of all artists for the combined audio and video streaming for 2013-2017." (Billboard)

Movies

Everyone's talking about THIS Harry Potter theory regarding Umbridge. We're questioning EVERYTHING. Dolores Umbridge is without a doubt, one of the vilest characters in the Harry Potter series. JK Rowling describes her as "one of the characters for whom I feel purest dislike". She added: "Her desire to control, to punish and to inflict pain, all in the name of law and order, are, I think, every bit as reprehensible as Lord Voldemort's unvarnished espousal of evil." Potter heads have been discussing a certain theory about the Slytherin's locket, which later became one of Voldemort's horcruxes. Upon finding out that the locket Harry and Dumbledore took from the cave was a fake, they quizzed Kreacher about the whereabouts of the real one. The house elf told them that Mundungus Fletcher had sold it to "some Ministry hag" and figured out that Umbridge was in possession of it. Following so far? So, they broke into the Ministry of Magic, epically won the locket, and then sought to destroy it. However, we notice that whenever Harry, Ron, or Hermione wore it, they became irritable and snappy. The evil magic was so powerful, that it would turn them against each other, and even drove Ron away (one of the most gut-wrenching scenes, you must agree). And when Umbridge wore it, she was putting Muggle Borns on trial and being a general nasty so-and-so (to put it lightly). So, was she just being vile because she was wearing the locket? However, as many fans have pointed out, Mundungus sold the locket after Sirius died - after the school year in Order of the Phoenix. Umbridge had been teaching for year and had been pretty damn awful. JK Rowling responded to the theories with "She has an affinity for this horrible object, which would help rather than hinder her." So, the horcrux certainly would add to her existing evil. But Umbridge is just that: plain evil. And as for the horcrux: Ron took care of that. What a hero. (British Glamour)

Bob Iger Tips James Murdoch for Future Studio Role. "I will continue to discuss whether there is a role for him here or not," the Disney CEO told analysts during a morning call. Disney chairman and CEO Robert Iger on Thursday touted the $52.4 billion deal for 21st Century Fox assets in a morning analysts call shortly after the pact was announced. And he hinted at a future role in the combined entity for 21st Century Fox CEO James Murdoch. "James and I have had a lot of conversations about the future of these companies," Iger told analysts during a morning call. He said Murdoch had helped Disney through the recent acquisitions process and will have a hand in integrating the companies over the next few months. "And during that period of time, he and I will continue to discuss whether there is a role for him here or not. But I look forward to talking to him about it," Iger said. During the call, the Disney boss also talked about acquiring big parts of 21st Century Fox to create a "multi-faceted global entertainment" company. Iger argued Disney had acquired a "stellar collection of entertainment business and franchises" from Fox. He added the Fox deal allows Disney to "fill in blanks for us," as the studio aims to remain in the pay-TV business while it develops direct-to-consumer offerings. The studio told analysts the wider deal for Fox assets is not contingent on securing a regulatory blessing in the UK for the Sky PLC assets. Iger also told Wall Street watchers that acquiring Fox's film and TV studio, the National Geographic and FX cable channels business, regional sports networks, international networks and Fox's 30 percent stake in Hulu and its 39 percent stake in European pay TV giant Sky will allow Disney to accelerate its push to offering content direct to consumers. He added the Fox deal, and the pick-up of digital assets like the added Hulu stake, would not undercut Disney's traditional linear channels. "Should the multi-channel ecosystem get to where it's not as viable as we need it to be, we can flip a switch and offer content direct to consumer," Iger explained. He added the transaction reflects a "changing media landscape," with "choosy" consumers looking for more content and choice in media to consume, especially as the studio drives towards offering more product direct-to-consumer content. Iger also said Hulu, of which Disney will acquire full control, is likely to become more "adult oriented" as an streaming service, compared with an ESPN sports service and a planned Disney family-oriented streamer that will skew to wider consumer audiences. Disney will also be "flowing" more content to Hulu, and managing the digital platform will be "clearer, more efficient and more effective" with one company having control, rather than equal partners. Disney expects the Fox deal to close within 18 months. In addition, the deal to acquire the remaining stake in Sky PLC that Fox doesn't already own is expected to secure regulatory acceptance by June 30, 2018. "That will give us a direct relationship with 23 million households that Sky currently reaches," Iger said. (Hollywood Reporter)

Palestinian Oscar Submission 'Wajib' Wins Big at Dubai Film Festival. The event drew to a close Wednesday with the regional premiere of 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi.' The Middle East's biggest film event drew to a close Wednesday night, the 14th edition of the Dubai International Film Festival ending with the regional premiere of Star Wars: The Last Jedi at the Madinat Jumeirah. Earlier in the day, Palestinian director Annemarie Jacir saw her Nazareth-set drama Wajib win the best fiction feature award, and the film's two co-stars, father and son duo Mohammad Bakri and Saleh Bakri, share the best actor award. Wajib is Palestine's current submission in the foreign-language Oscars race (and Jacir's third submission overall). Elsewhere, best actress went to Menha El Batraoui for her performance in Cactus Flower, Lebanese director Lucien Bourjeily's comedy-drama Heaven Without People took home the jury prize, while Algerian filmmaker Sofia Djama was named best director for The Blessed. Taste of Cement, from Syrian director Ziad Kalthoum and documenting the lives of construction workers in Lebanon, won the best non-fiction award. Earlier in the week, Saudi Arabian filmmaker Haifaa al-Mansour, behind 2013's Wadjda and the recent period drama Mary Shelley, won the IWC Schaffhausen award and a $100,000 grant towards her project Miss Camel, a family stop-motion animation about a camel that travels from Saudi Arabia to Abu Dhabi. (Hollywood Reporter)

TV

2018 People's Choice Awards to Air November 11 on E! November is getting hotter at E! E! is excited to announce the network's inaugural telecast of the People's Choice Awards will air Nov. 11, 2018 with Den of Thieves' Jesse Ignjatovic and Evan Prager as Executive Producers of the 44th installment of the PCAs. It was announced back in April 2017 that E! had acquired the People's Choice Awards, the annual award show that celebrates the best in pop culture and is voted on entirely by fans. "Den of Thieves, Jesse and Evan have an incredible track record in live event production, and we are excited to tap into their expertise, along with Wilshire Studios, as we evolve and supercharge this fan-centric, iconic franchise for the next generation," Jen Neal, Executive Producer of Live Events and Executive Vice President of Marketing for E!, said in a statement Thursday. "By moving People's Choice Awards outside of the traditional award season, we establish a new window to celebrate the best in pop culture and will harness E!'s tremendous multi-platform reach to engage fans and drive momentum throughout the year." "We are thrilled to be producing the 2018 People's Choice Awards for E!. The PCAs are an iconic award show because they truly reflect the fans -- through the power of their votes," said Jesse Ignjatovic, Executive Producer of Den of Thieves. "There is no better home for this show than on E! and we can't wait to bring that fan energy to the stage in 2018." The PCAs is the only major award show that lets fans vote for their favorites in movies, music, television and the digital space. Only fans determine the nominees and winners and nearly 300 million votes were cast for its most recent installment, which aired January 18. The PCAs previously aired on CBS. Britney Spears led with four wins, while TV host Ellen DeGeneres became the most awarded person in the show's history.

Will Netflix's New True Crime Shows Rotten and Dirty Money Be Your Next Obsessions? Netflix is rolling out more than one new show to feed your true crime obsession and hoping to change the way you eat. The streaming service announced Rotten, which will uncover the "pervasive greed and misconduct behind some of the world's biggest corporations and the global food production industry," and Dirty Money from Oscar winner Alex Gibney. Each episode of Dirty Money "provides an up-close and personal view into untold stories of scandal and corruption in the world of business." The series uses first-hand accounts from the perpetrators and victims, as well as rarely-seen video footage. Dirty Money episodes are: "Hard NOx"; "The Confidence Man," which is about Donald Trump's business career, "Payday"; "Drug Short"; and "The Maple Syrup Heist." Dirty Money drops Friday, Jan. 26 on Netflix. Meanwhile, Rotten, which hails from the team behind Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown and The Mind of a Chef, aims to give food the true crime treatment and delve into the underworld of food production. There's corruption, waste and real dangers behind the food you eat every day, Netflix said in a release. Episodes will take on honey, peanuts, garlic, chicken production, dairy milk and cod fisheries. Rotten debuts Friday, Jan. 5. Netflix's previous true crime offerings include the critically acclaimed documentary series The Keepers and Making a Murderer. Will you be tuning in for Rotten and Dirty Money? (Eonline)

Home Town's Erin and Ben Napier Are Ready to Take the HGTV Crown. When Erin and Ben Napier came onto the HGTV scene they were every bit an instant sensation. The premiere of their show Home Town was the second-highest rating of any in the network's history and it was consistently ranked among the most-watched series in its time slot. Their social media presence and surrounding buzz began to climb along with their television viewership and Home Town was almost immediately renewed for a second season. In short, they were firing on all cylinders. Now the Napiers are back. They just wrapped filming on their sophomore season, which will hit airwaves on January 8. Coincidentally -- or maybe not -- this is all going down as HGTV's biggest stars, Chip and Joanna Gaines are pulling back from the spotlight and Fixer Upper is set to end. That leaves a big gaping hole at the top and the Napiers are more than worthy contenders to launch into superstardom. And to make the couple even more the picture-perfect HGTV headliners, they're about to become three. The Napiers announced their pregnancy back in the fall and will be welcoming a baby girl next year. Now that filming is all set they're turning their focus completely to the baby (who they've announced will be named Helen). Things are already off to a great start thanks to what Erin describes as a fantastic pregnancy. "I feel amazing, I've felt awesome the whole time," she raved. "I was a little tired in the beginning and I'm a little tired now, but this is not what I thought pregnancy was gonna be like. I haven't had any of the terrible symptoms that I've heard of so I feel really lucky. I mean, I don't even feel pregnant most of the time until I feel somebody kick my ribs." There is one pressing matter at hand: The nursery. "We're not prepared at all," Erin said before explaining that she had laid out a plan for the nursery but found the process tricky. "It's hard to design for yourself. Luckily I have my best friend as a second set of eyes and she has a daughter so she's in the know about the things that I need and the things that I don't." Once Helen arrives all eyes will certainly be on their little bundle of joy. It's no secret that audiences love HGTV for the warm fuzzies they feel from the families as much as for the awe-inspiring home makeovers, which gives each of the networks' stars a big decision to make when it comes to putting their children next to them in the spotlight. "We're still new to this TV thing but we're more experienced at being on television than we are at being parents, so we're going to see how it goes," explains Ben. "Helen will be our priority and we'll wanna always protect her privacy and let her have the most normal childhood possible. She'll probably spend a lot of time behind the camera and not a lot of time in front of it." Erin adds that what they will always share is their own relationship, noting that they've learned exactly how much is enough. "I feel like I'm not good at a lot but what we are good at is our relationship," she says. "And if there's any way I could tell people what is working in our relationship that might help somebody else's marriage that may be struggling, then that's a huge blessing and a really special privilege we have with a public platform like this." Of course that's all a matter for future seasons -- right now the Napiers are looking forward to sharing seasons two with all their fans. They say the show will continue with what audiences have come to love about Home Town -- the craftsmanship, the focus on Ben's woodworking and the stunning architecture -- but they'll also be doubling down on the creative process and giving viewers a glimpse into all of the hard work and thought that goes down before the demo plans are even drawn up. "This season it was exciting to share that we really get to know the homeowner," Erin explains before Ben adds: "You actually get to see part of the interviews, when we sit down with the homeowner and get to know them. For instance one of the homeowners said she loved Gatsby style and 1920's music, so we implemented that into the house. One homeowner's favorite memories from childhood were playing hide and seek and watching I Love Lucy, which told us that there's a silliness about her she would appreciate in her home. Things like that give us a lot of visual cues, which is the coolest part of the whole process." So what have the Napiers learned now that they're bona fide HGTV experts? For starters that they love what the show has allowed them to do for their town. Much like Fixer Upper sent fans by the thousands on pilgrimages to Magnolia Market, people are starting to flow into Laurel, Miss., for a taste of the quaint and very picturesque life it has to offer. The result is not only a validation of all of Laurel's revitalization, which Erin and Ben say has been going on for the better part of a decade and was simply shown off to the rest of America on the show, but lots of love for all of the local shop owners the couple is so close with. Not that the Napiers would ever let us give them that credit, though. "We know Laurel's success is thanks to the TV show," Erin says. "It's not me and Ben, we don't take any credit for any of it. It's just been a really magical thing that in a year a ton has changed as far as how our downtown looks." They've also learned how to navigate the limelight. As their star power grows so does the public's ability to recognize them, and that affects each half of the now-famous couple differently. Ben relishes in meeting each and every new fan, learning their stories and taking in all of their kind words. Erin is admittedly less used to that part and, as such, chooses to shield herself from the spotlight when she can. "Erin's very introverted," says Ben. "The way she explains it is that when she wakes up in the morning her battery is 100% charged and every person that she talks to drains it a little bit more. Whereas for me, every person I talk to I get a little bit more amped." Erin cuts in to elaborate: "I'm just a little shy and it's a big adjustment. I'm incredibly grateful and I want to hug everybody that's been so kind to watch our show and love it so much, but it wears me out. So I protect myself and the little bit of energy reserve I have, especially now that I'm pregnant, by being a hermit." Although, the fact that Ben gets recognized is probably by design, and Erin's explanation is the most fitting description of the couple: "People see Ben out a lot more often than they see me, because I'll be sitting in the car waiting." And for now, a little bit of anonymity is probably the best thing that a budding HGTV superstar can hope for. (Eonline)

Riverdale Reveals the Black Hood's Identity, or Does It? Well that was...fun? Forgive us, we're still a little traumatized from watching Archie get closed up in a coffin, and witnessing Jughead assault a woman (who was blackmailing him and his family, but like, still...) during Riverdale's midseason finale. While yes, everything did (seem to) end well enough, we can't help but feel like there's something sinister still lurking, mostly because Jughead's voiceover there is. "In that void, she'd seen a dark reflection, a truth that could not be burned away. A truth that whispered to her, this isn't over," he told us dramatically as Betty dramatically stared into the dramatic fire. Wednesday night, the Black Hood was supposedly revealed to be that creepy janitor, which is exactly who it was obvious it was going to be as soon as there even was a creepy janitor. But at the same time, that's so obvious that we think it can't be true. Why would the janitor know so much about Betty? Why did it take so long for us to meet him? Something just seems amiss here, and that "reveal" didn't feel quite as significant as it should have, you know? Apparently, back when the janitor's entire family was killed, he accused a man who was actually probably innocent, and then when that man was murdered (by Betty's grandfather, among others, with an assist from Cheryl's Nana Rose), Mr. Janitor felt guilty enough to grow up to attempt to murder a bunch of people. It makes sense, we guess, but there is clearly something else going on. Elsewhere, Veronica blackmailed her parents into allowing her to pay for Fred's excessive medical bills and also to let her in on their shifty family business. She ended the night by declaring to Archie that she does, in fact, love him, thereby ending Riverdale's first venture into one of TV's biggest relationship tropes with only a minor, temporary break-up in the middle and some creepily photographed kisses to top it all off. Oh and Jughead is still really into this whole Serpent thing, which is fine we guess, maybe. But we honestly prefer it when he just blogs. Now we're off to Spiffany's to buy Glamourge eggs for our entire family for Christmas! Riverdale returns to the CW in January. (Eonline)

50 Cent's got a lot more money -- 8 figures worth -- to bring a lot more than just "Power" to the screen with Starz ... TMZ has learned. Sources close to the deal tell us ... it includes 3 projects the rapper-turned actor/producer already has in development -- "Black Family Mafia," "Tomorrow, Today" and a third to be announced soon. As you may know ... Fiddy currently boasts the hugely successful show "Power" on Starz, the most-watched series on the network. He also produces "50 Central" on BET and releases exclusive new music through his shows. Mr. Jackson's new deal with Starz extends their business relationship to September 2019. (TMZ)

Tavis Smiley's Show Suspended by PBS Over ''Troubling'' Allegations of Misconduct. PBS has suspended late-night talk show Tavis Smiley following an investigation surrounding claims of misconduct against its host, Tavis Smiley. "Effective today, PBS has indefinitely suspended distribution of Tavis Smiley, produced by TS Media, an independent production company," the public broadcaster said in a statement to multiple outlets. "PBS engaged an outside law firm to conduct an investigation immediately after learning of troubling allegations regarding Mr. Smiley. This investigation included interviews with witnesses as well as with Mr. Smiley. The inquiry uncovered multiple, credible allegations of conduct that is inconsistent with the values and standards of PBS, and the totality of this information led to today's decision." Smiley has not addressed his suspension or the claims made against him. Variety reports Smiley's representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment. E! News has reached out to his production company. According to Variety, who broke the story, PBS launched the investigation after allegations were made that the television personality engaged in sexual relationships with "multiple subordinates." Sources told the outlet that witnesses interviewed for the investigation believed their employment depended on the "status of their sexual relationship" with Smiley, and said he created a "verbally abusive and threatening environment that went beyond what could be expected in a typical high-pressure work environment." Variety also reports that several individuals interviewed expressed concern that Smiley might retaliate. Smiley has hosted the PBS program, which airs weeknights, since 2004. He also hosted his own radio program, The Tavis Smiley Show, from 2005 to 2013. He competed alongside Sharna Burgess on season 19 of Dancing With the Stars in 2014. PBS's decision to suspend Tavis Smiley comes week after colleague Charlie Rose was fired amid sexual harassment allegations leveled against him. (Eonline)

It looks like Khloe Kardashian confirms her pregnancy on the new KUWTK season. FINALLY! After E! News confirmed Khloe Kardashian was pregnant with her first baby, we were still waiting for Khloe to break the news herself - and in the new teaser of Keeping Up With The Kardashians it really looks like she is going to do so. It's been a while since people stopped talking about whether or not Khloe and her boyfriend Tristan Thompson were expecting their first child together - but of course the Kardashians would not let the dust settle. The new teaser of what's 'still to come' on Keeping Up With The Kardashians season 14 is here - and we're preeeetty sure this means we're soon going to be watching Khlo break the news to her family. In the video you can see the Kardashian-Jenners in what looks like a party for Khloe. Kourtney is then seen asking momager Kris Jenner: "You didn't know it?" - and everyone is giving Khloe loads of affection If you pay close attention you can see Kris whipping some tears in the background. We're convinced this is it you guys! Now we just sit and wait for Kylie to break her pregnancy news... The news comes after Kylie Jenner's baby news and her sister Kim Kardashian-West's surrogate news. Are you thinking what we're thinking? It's going to be a crazy 2018 for the Kardashian household. We're super happy for Khloe - it's no secret she wanted to have children, and she's so good with her sisters' children. Plus, in an episode of season 13 of Keeping Up With The Kardashians we watched her find out the heartbreaking news that her chances of conceiving were low. The doctor told Khloe: "What we're looking at is [if] there's nothing that's going to get in the way of a healthy pregnancy. "These are follicles, these hold eggs, so this is just giving you an idea of how young your ovaries are. There are fewer follicles than I anticipate for a normal 32-year-old." Panicked, Khloe replied: "Shut the f*ck up! This is definitely not at all how I thought this appointment was going to go. What if I can't get pregnant?" In another scene from the same episode, Khloe talks about how she wants to have a family with basketball boyfriend Tristan Thompson. Talking about if she would accept a marriage proposal from him, she said: "Yes I would. I have never been in this type of love. I would love to have a family. We've talked about it. "He [already] is a father, and I know for a fact that he would be an impeccable father. I definitely want to be a mom. But I don't put the pressure on it. It's not like, the clock is ticking. I feel in my soul it will happen." The pair have been dating since August 2016. (British Glamour)

Why HBO is defending 'Big Little Lies' It comes as no surprise that HBO's critically acclaimed "Big Little Lies" has scored on the awards circuit, grabbing four SAG nominations and six Golden Globe nods. It also won eight trophies at last summer's Emmy Awards, including best limited series. But what has raised eyebrows is that "Big Little Lies" is competing in the limited series race at the Golden Globes -- given the recent announcement that the show will be returning for a second season. HBO disputes any notion that the cabler is "gaming the system," given that the first season was entirely conceived of as a limited series -- and that the second season was only contemplated after the success of the first. "'Big Little Lies' was conceived, produced and aired as a limited series," said HBO in a statement to Variety. "The implication of impropriety regarding HBO's awards submission of 'Big Little Lies' in the Limited Series category is irresponsible and uninformed. The idea to continue the story came about only after the show aired. None of the cast or filmmakers had holdover contracts. Each deal had to be renegotiated, which is proof that no ongoing series was contemplated. Additionally, no source material beyond Liane Moriarty's novel existed. The accusation that HBO was 'gaming the system' is baseless and undeserved." The creative team recently announced their plans to return for a second season, with Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon set to star and executive produce, with most of the rest of the cast expected to make a comeback as well. David E. Kelley will once again write all of the episodes, and Andrea Arnold will take over from Jean-Marc Vallee as director. Kelley's scripts will be partially based on a story by Liane Moriarty, who penned the novel that inspired the series. (PageSix)

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