ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Dax Shepard talks about how he and Kristen Bell make their relationship work. "What's allowed me to be vulnerable with her is the trust, that she is a good person" Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell are one of the few Hollywood couples constantly restoring our faith in true love. Whether is their cute date nights' snaps or them gushing about each other at any given interview, we can't help but wonder what their recipe for the perfect marriage. So grab paper and pen, y'all, because Dax just spilled all the love advice you'll ever need... In the actor's latest interview with Today, Dax opened up about their marriage, and insisted on saying: "Relationships aren't just perfect" - in fact, how they "make it work" is by putting in a whole lot of actual work. "If I had to sum it up in one word, it's work. Not unlike your body, which won't just stay in shape on its own volition, you really have to be maintaining the relationship, and it is work. And it's often uncomfortable work, but it needs doing or we won't stay together." He continued: "I think that we've all consumed a lot of fairytales and romantic comedies and sitcoms. In that architecture, it seems that your main job is just to select the right person, and I don't really think that's the main job. I think that's maybe the least important aspect of it, truly. I think it's far more about the work that goes into it to make it good." The pair have always been very vocal about the power of couples therapy - and Dax thinks communication is where a good relationship lies: "I think that the more vulnerable you are in expressing your desires or needs, the less triggering it'll be for your partner. Because you don't want your partner to feel like what you're saying is that they're not meeting your desires or they're not enough for you." And of course he finished by gushing about his wife: "What's allowed me to be vulnerable with her is the trust, that she is a good person, and I know that, and so I can trust this person with my feelings or fears or concerns." So there you have it, there's no such thing as a perfect relationship - even though theirs sounds pretty perfect to us. (British Glamour)

Here's a new sign Anna Faris and her bf are getting really serious -- they're blending their families for public outings. Anna, her son Jack, bf Michael Barrett and his son hit up the Redondo Beach Pier Friday where they chowed down on some fish and chips. This comes on the heels of Micheal helping Anna look for a new crib in the Venice, CA area. They were also spotted hanging out with Jack earlier this week. Sure seems like Anna and Michael are inching closer to a happy modern family. (TMZ)

Minnie Driver Takes Aim at Ex Matt Damon: Men Like Him ''Cannot Understand What Abuse Is Like'. Minnie Driver isn't backing down... After taking to Twitter to express her disbelief over her ex-boyfriend and former co-star Matt Damon's controversial sexual misconduct comments earlier in the week, the Speechless actress elaborated further during an interview with the Guardian. She told the publication, "I've realized that most men, good men, the men that I love, there is a cut-off. They simply cannot understand what abuse is like on a daily level." "I honestly think that until we get on the same page, you can't tell a woman about their abuse," she continued. "A man cannot do that. No one can. It is so individual and so personal, it's galling when a powerful man steps up and starts dictating the terms, whether he intends it or not." In Wednesday's episode of ABC News' Popcorn With Peter Travers, Damon shared his views regarding the wave of sexual misconduct allegations in Hollywood -- and in doing so, opened himself up to widespread criticism. As more people come forward to expose their abusers, the actor said, "I think we're in this watershed moment. I think it's great. I think it's wonderful that women are feeling empowered to tell their stories -- and it's totally necessary." Damon then argued there is "a spectrum of behavior" to take into consideration. "You know, there's a difference between, you know, patting someone on the butt and rape or child molestation, right?" the Downsizing actor told Peter Travers. "Both of those behaviors need to be confronted and eradicated without question, but they shouldn't be conflated, right?" In the case of Al Franken, for example, he would have "preferred if they had an Ethics Committee investigation." But, Damon argued, "We are so energized to kind of get retribution." In the interview, Damon also commended Louis CK for being remorseful in his apology. "That's the sign of somebody who-well, we can work with that...I don't know Louis CK. I've never met him. I'm a fan of his, but I don't imagine he's going to do those things again. You know what I mean? I imagine the price that he's paid at this point is so beyond anything." Over the weekend, Driver made her feelings known over her ex's comments, "I don't understand why Matt would defend Louis CK... It seems to me that he thinks that because he didn't rape somebody-so far as we know-that what he did do wasn't as bad." As to Damon's differentiating different levels of abuse, Driver told the publication, "How about: it's all f--king wrong and it's all bad, and until you start seeing it under one umbrella it's not your job to compartmentalize or judge what is worse and what is not." She made it clear what she wants from men (even the good ones): "Let women do the speaking up right now. The time right now is for men just to listen and not have an opinion about it for once." Initially after the Travers interview, Driver took to Twitter on Friday and wrote, "God God, SERIOUSLY?" with an quoting an article about Damon's latest interview. "Gosh it's so *interesting how men with all these opinions about women's differentiation between sexual misconduct, assault and rape reveal themselves to be utterly tone deaf and as a result, systemically part of the problem(

profoundly unsurprising)," added the star. Looks like she wasn't done! (Eonline)

Amber Tamblyn is not pleased with her friend Rose McGowan's decision to speak out against Hollywood actresses who plan to wear black to the Golden Globes in protest of sexual harassment. On Sunday, Tamblyn accused McGowan of "shaming" and "taunting" the women, writing "This is beneath you, Rose" on Twitter. "Rose McGowan is a friend and while I support her kind of movement, I do not support any woman (or man) shaming or taunting the movements of other women who are trying to create change," she tweeted. "Telling us to all wear Marchesa? This is beneath you, Rose." She continued: "You don't have to support and stand with us, but we stand and support you. You may take below the belt shots at us but we will not take them at you in return." Writing that the black dresses represents the darkness sexual assault victims feel, Tamblyn concluded, "We stand together in this fight, shoulder to shoulder, weapon to weapon, woman to woman (and man), body to burned body. And our arms are open. And our hearts two fold. And our fire will be a universal scorch." Tamblyn's tweet comes one day after McGowan, 44, spoke out against the "silent protest," criticizing women said to be taking part, who had worked with disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein in the past -- calling out Meryl Streep in particular. "Actresses, like Meryl Streep, who happily worked for The Pig Monster, are wearing black @GoldenGlobes in a silent protest," she wrote on Twitter, referring to Weinstein. "YOUR SILENCE is THE problem," McGowan continued. "You'll accept a fake award breathlessly & affect no real change. I despise your hypocrisy. Maybe you should all wear Marchesa," she added, referencing Weinstein's estranged wife Georgina Chapman's fashion line. After Tamblyn's initial tweet, McGowan's Charmed costar Holly Marie Combs criticized the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants actress for publicly addressing the issue rather than calling McGowan privately. "You just did to @rosemcgowan what you claim you don't support her doing to others. Every activist for every cause the world over has different methods but share a common and more important message that should remain the same," Combs tweeted. "And undiluted above all else." Writing that she did, in fact, speak to McGowan about the issue, Tamblyn replied: "Her statement was public and hurtful to some women so a public response was earned. I spoke to her at length today, she knows how I feel. I love Rose fiercely, that will never change. To be critical of an action is not to condemn the person behind it. There's your common message." Over 50 women have accused Weinstein, 65, of sexual assault and misconduct since The New York Times and The New Yorker documented decades of alleged sexual misconduct and sexual assault involving a number of women in detailed articles in October. McGowan was one of the first women to come forward -- accusing the producer of rape. In a statement to PEOPLE, Weinstein's attorneys have denied any allegations of sexual assault. "Mr. Weinstein has never at any time committed an act of sexual assault, and it is wrong and irresponsible to conflate claims of impolitic behavior or consensual sexual contact later regretted, with an untrue claim of criminal conduct," his lawyers said. "There is a wide canyon between mere allegation and truth, and we are confident that any sober calculation of the facts will prove no legal wrongdoing occurred. "Nonetheless, to those offended by Mr. Weinstein's behavior, he remains deeply apologetic." (People)

Responding on Twitter to revelations made by director Peter Jackson that Harvey Weinstein and Miramax allegedly called actress Mira Sorvino and Ashley Judd "a nightmare" and prevented their casting in Lord of the Rings, another filmmaker says he experienced the same thing when trying to make his movie. Bad Santa director Terry Zwigoff says Weinstein and his brother Bob would hang up the phone whenever he mentioned the Oscar-winning actress for his 2003 film. "I was interested in casting Mira Sorvino in BAD SANTA, but every time I mentioned her over the phone to the Weinsteins, I'd hear a CLICK," Zwigoff wrote. "What type of person just hangs up on you like that?! I guess we all know what type of person now." He ended the tweet with an apology to the actress, simply saying, "I'm really sorry Mira." I was interested in casting Mira Sorvino in BAD SANTA, but every time I mentioned her over the phone to the Weinsteins, I'd hear a CLICK. What type of person just hangs up on you like that?! I guess we all know what type of person now. I'm really sorry Mira. https://twitter.com/MiraSorvino/status/941689525960556544 ... "Mr. Weinstein denies speaking with Terry regarding casting. That was a Dimension film (Bob Weinstein) and Harvey had nothing to do with it," Harvey Weinstein's lawyer said in a statement to EW. Zwigoff's comments come after an interview published Friday by New Zealand publication Stuff, where Jackson categorized the comments by Harvey and Bob Wesinstein's Miramax in the '90s about the actresses as a "smear campaign." "I recall Miramax telling us they were a nightmare to work with and we should avoid them at all costs. This was probably in 1998," Jackson said. "At the time, we had no reason to question what these guys were telling us -- but in hindsight, I realize that this was very likely the Miramax smear campaign in full swing. I now suspect we were fed false information about both of these talented women -- and as a direct result their names were removed from our casting list." In a statement provided to EW about Jackson's claim, representatives for Harvey Weinstein said, in part, "Mr. Weinstein has nothing but the utmost respect for Peter Jackson. However, as Mr. Jackson will probably remember, because Disney would not finance the Lord of the Rings, Miramax lost the project and all casting was done by New Line. While Bob and Harvey Weinstein were executive producers of the film they had no input into the casting whatsoever." Jackson and wife and producing partner Fran Walsh later refuted Weinstein's statement. "Aspects of Harvey's denial are insincere. He is basically saying that 'this blacklisting couldn't be true because New Line cast the movie'. That's a deflection from the truth," they said in a statement obtained by EW, later adding, "We have no direct evidence linking Ashley and Mira's allegations to our Lord of the Rings casting conversations of 20 years ago-but we stand by what we were told by Miramax when we raised both of their names, and we are recounting it accurately." Weinstein, via his attorney, is "standing firm that this is untrue" in a statement to EW and says he "flew Judd to NYC around that time for casting in Good Will Hunting and pushed for her to get a leading role in it," while also maintaining that Sorvino was "working on Mimic at this same time which is a Miramax film." In October, Judd went public with claims that Harvey Weinstein sexually harassed her in the '90s, when, she alleges, he invited her to his hotel room and greeted her in a bathrobe, asking for a massage and to take a shower with him. "I said no, a lot of ways, a lot of times, and he always came back at me with some new ask," Judd said to The New York Times. "It was all this bargaining, this coercive bargaining." Sorvino, meanwhile, told The New Yorker's Ronan Farrow that Harvey Weinstein behaved inappropriately with her around the same time. "He started massaging my shoulders, which made me very uncomfortable, and then tried to get more physical, sort of chasing me around," Sorvino claimed of an incident in a Toronto hotel room around the release of Mighty Aphrodite in 1995. Weinstein has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex -- as well as claims that he retaliated against women who rebuffed him. "Any allegations of non-consensual sex are unequivocally denied by Mr. Weinstein," his representatives said in a statement released in October. "Mr. Weinstein has further confirmed that there were never any acts of retaliation against any women for refusing his advances. Mr. Weinstein obviously can't speak to anonymous allegations, but with respect to any women who have made allegations on the record, Mr. Weinstein believes that all of these relationships were consensual. Mr. Weinstein has begun counseling, has listened to the community and is pursuing a better path. Mr. Weinstein is hoping that, if he makes enough progress, he will be given a second chance." (People)

Gene Simmons Reacts to Sexual Misconduct Lawsuit. Kiss singer and bassist Gene Simmons says he intends to defend himself in court after a woman sued him for sexual battery and other alleged misconduct. In a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles on Friday and posted on the Orange County Register's website, an anonymous woman, who describes herself as a "long-time on-air personality for a local rock station," says that she interviewed Simmons in November and that he made "unwanted, unwarranted sexual advances" towards her. "Friends, I intend to defend myself against any alleged charges you may have been reading about in the media," Simmons, 68, wrote on Facebook on Sunday morning. "For the record, I did not assault the person making these accusations in the manner alleged in the complaint or harm her in any way. I am conferring with my lawyers with the aim of vigorously countering these allegations. And I look forward to my day in court where the evidence will prove my innocence." In her lawsuit, the woman says the interview with Simmons took place in the green room of the San Manuel Casino branch of the Rock & Brews restaurant chain, which the rocker co-founded. She claims that during the sit-down, he allegedly reached over and grabbed her hand and "forcefully, pleased it on his knee and held it on his knee." She said that she removed her hand, "feeling that this was an unwanted sexual advance" and continued the interview "despite feeling extremely uncomfortable." She said Simmons "continued his unwanted, unwarranted sexual advances" by reaching for her hand again and that she pushed his hand away with her elbow before he touched her hand. She said that through the interview, Simmons "turned standard interview questions into sexual innuendos," which also made her uncomfortable, and then grabbed her hand again, allegedly commenting with a "cooing sound" that she "must use lotion" and then allegedly made another sexual innuendo. She said she was "visibly powerless, as demonstrated by moving her hands in a nervous fashion." She said that shortly after, Simmons reached over and "forcibly flicked / struck" her in the "middle of her throat," then "provided an incoherent explanation" after he observed the impact of the hit and the shocked reaction by the co-host. The woman says she did her best to "promptly terminate the interview" but that Simmons wanted to continue. The woman said that after it was over, they took "customary promotional photos" together as a group and that as they were beginning to pose, Simmons reached over and touched her butt. She said she kept her composure and discreetly moved away. The plaintiff is suing Simmons for sexual battery, gender violence, assault, gender discrimination and negligent infliction of emotional distress and demands a jury trial. She seeks a "money judgment for mental pain and anguish and severe emotional distress, humiliation and embarrassment" as well as punitive damages. "My client is embarrassed and humiliated by the incident with Mr. Simmons," her lawyer told the Orange County Register. "She filed suit because she wanted to make a strong statement that this behavior is unacceptable, and she wants to see an end to this type of behavior." The lawsuit comes a month after The Daily Beast reported that Simmons was banned for life from Fox News after he allegedly "burst uninvited" into a website staff meeting, shouted "Hey chicks, sue me," bared his chest, told pedophilia jokes and bopped two employees on the head with his book. Fox News has not commented, while the rocker later said in a statement, "I have appeared frequently over the years on various Fox News and Fox Business programs and have a tremendous amount of respect for the talented women and men who work there. While I believe that what is being reported is highly exaggerated and misleading, I am sincerely sorry that I unintentionally offended members of the Fox team during my visit." News of the lawsuit also comes amid sexual harassment and assault allegations made against a growing list of male celebs and other powerful men, namely producer Harvey Weinstein, who has denied taking part in non-consensual sex. The woman's allegations that Simmons allegedly touched her butt during a photo call bring to mind Taylor Swift 's recent legal victory against a former DJ, who she accused of groping her while they posed for a photo. The jury determined he did assault the singer. (Eonline)

Ex Today Show Staffer Spills More Tea About Her Affair With Matt Lauer. More of Matt Lauer's dirty laundry is being outed. As you surely know, amid the newsman's ousting from NBC News for his "inappropriate sexual behavior" in the workplace, former Today show production assistant Addie Collins Zinone revealed that she had a month long affair with Lauer back in 2000. While she already shared her story with Variety, Addie stopped by Megyn Kelly's hour of Today to discuss her liaison with the 59-year-old journalist. Although the affair between Matt and Addie was consensual, Zinone told Megyn that the power dynamic between them ultimately made her regret the brief relationship -- especially since she was only 24 at the time. Not to mention, Lauer was already married to his second wife, Annette Roque. Despite having a professional relationship with Matt for most of her time at Today, things turned inappropriate when the (now) disgraced TV personality learned Addie had accepted a job in West Virginia. After some flirty messages and a sit-down lunch, the two professionals made their relationship a physical one. Specifically, the pair had sex in Lauer's dressing room. Zinone recalled: "I realize that sounds very naive and silly of me because I walked over there to do that. In that moment, I didn't have anybody to sort of share my fears and confusion with, except for him. What am I going to say to people? This just happened." The sexual relationship lasted between Matt and Addie for about a month as the blonde journalist moved down south for her new job. She always assumed she wasn't the only one to fall prey to Lauer's ways as he engaged with her so "effortlessly." As to why she's come forward with her story now, Addie explained that she hopes to help the victims "validate their claims." And, while her relationship with Matt was consensual, he certainly preyed on the fact that she was leaving AND a mere production assistant. She concluded: "I'm seeing they're being doubted. I thought, I have to validate their claims. I have to explain it in embarrassing detail because I want them to understand the commonalities in our stories. And to be able to identify the exact same behaviors and predatory behaviors. I recognize them in the stories that I heard. That's how I knew with the behavior." (Perez Hilton)

Harvey Weinstein might dodge prosecution on sex crimes, but he could still get nailed for financial crimes tied to settlement money he's paid alleged victims over the years. Law enforcement sources confirm the Manhattan D.A. is actively probing dozens of payments Weinstein has made to settle sexual misconduct cases out of court. We're told the D.A.'s Office is looking into the source of that settlement dough. If it was misappropriated from The Weinstein Company ... Harvey could potentially be charged with embezzlement. Think Al Capone getting taken down for tax evasion. We're told more than 20 grand jury subpoenas have been issued to people at The Weinstein Co. and several employees have already been interviewed for the financial investigation ... as well as the alleged rape cases. TMZ broke the story ... authorities have issues with Paz de la Huerta's alleged rape case against Weinstein, and feel it might be impossible to prosecute him on that one. We're told the embezzlement probe is plan B at this point. Weinstein's attorney Ben Brafman told the NY Post, "Any financial settlements by Mr. Weinstein were fully vetted and approved by legal counsel for Mr. Weinstein and The Weinstein Company. There was never any intent by Mr. Weinstein to violate the law and as a result, we do not believe that any criminal charges will be filed once all of the facts are carefully reviewed." (TMZ)

Sarah Palin's Son Track Palin Arrested for Alleged Assault and Burglary in Alaska. Track Palin is back in the spotlight. The oldest son of politician and former vice presidential hopeful Sarah Palin was arrested Saturday in Wasilla, Alaska. According to online court records, the 28-year-old was charged with domestic violence-related offenses, including alleged felony burglary, assault in the fourth degree and criminal mischief for alleged property damage, on Sunday morning. The property damage charge is for allegedly causing $250 to $999 worth of damage. He is scheduled to appear in court next on Dec. 27. "Given the nature of actions addressed last night by law enforcement and the charges involved, the Palins are unable to comment further," Sarah and Todd Palin's attorney John Tiemessen said in a statement to NBC News. "They ask that the family's privacy is respected during this challenging situation just as others dealing with a struggling family member would also request." This is not the first time Track has been arrested. The Wasilla Police Department confirmed Track was taken into custody in January 2016 and charged with allegedly interfering with a domestic violence report, misconduct involving weapons in the fourth degree for allegedly possessing a firearm while intoxicated and domestic violence-related alleged assault in the fourth degree. He was convicted of the misconduct involving weapons charge for possessing a weapon while intoxicated. The two other charges -- assault in the fourth degree and interfering with a domestic violence report -- were dismissed by the prosecution. (Eonline)

Kim Jong-Hyun Dead: SHINee K-Pop Singer Was 27. Kim Jong-Hyun, the lead singer of the Korean pop band SHINee, has died at the age of 27. According to multiple news outlets, the singer was found unconscious in an apartment in Seoul on Monday. South Korean news agency Yonhap reports the singer was taken to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead. Although the cause of death is yet to be confirmed, Yonhap is reporting the death as an "apparent suicide," and police told BBC Korean Service suicide is being investigated as a possibility. More commonly known as Jonghyun, the artist was one of five members of the K-pop group. According to Apple Music, the singer and songwriter was discovered by S.M. Entertainment in 2005 and joined the band in 2008. He later launched his own solo career in 2015 with his EP Base, which included his hits "Dejà-Boo" and "Crazy (Guilty Pleasure)." He also debuted his album Story Op. 1 that same year. He released his album Story Op 2, which featured his song "Lonely," this past April. Many fans of the artist expressed their condolences on social media. (Eonline)

THE OTHER STUFF . . .

Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince George and Princess Charlotte Wear Shades of Blue in Royal Family Christmas Card. The royals are having a blue Christmas. Prince William and Kate Middleton were "pleased to share a new photograph of their family" with the public Monday. The stunning shot -- which shows Prince George, Princess Charlotte and their parents wearing matching blue outfits -- is featured on the new royal Christmas card. Getty photographer Chris Jackson shot the family portrait earlier this year at Kensington Palace. "Delighted that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have chosen to use this family portrait I shot as their Christmas Card this year," Jackson wrote on Twitter Monday. "Merry Christmas!" For last year's Christmas card, the family used a candid shot Jackson took during the royal tour of Canada; the siblings looked on in awe as they were given balloon animals at the Government House in Victoria, British Columbia. Photographer Chris Jelf, meanwhile, shot their card in 2015. Next year's holiday card will feature five family members, as Kate will give birth in April 2018. In addition to sharing their 2017 Christmas card Monday, their Royal Highnesses shared some exciting news: Charlotte will attend the Willcocks Nursery School in London. "We are delighted that The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have chosen the Willcocks Nursery School for Princess Charlotte," a spokesperson for the school said. "We look forward to welcoming Charlotte to our nursery in January." George, meanwhile, is currently enrolled at Thomas's Battersea in London. (Eonline)

Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla Share Their 2017 Christmas Card. Christmas is only a week away, and the royal family decided to celebrate the season by sharing their annual holiday cards. Clarence House tweeted a picture of Prince Charles and Camilla's Christmas card on Monday. According to an official press release, the photo of the royal couple was taken at Camilla's private 70th birthday party on Saturday July 15. The party was held at the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall's private residence -- the Highgrove House -- and the photo was taken in the Orchard Room. In the photo, Prince Charles can be seen wearing a formal tuxedo and dapper bow tie. A pink flower is also pinned to his lapel. Camilla is wearing a long-sleeved, cream-colored ensemble, as well as a flower necklace. In addition to featuring a photo of the couple, the card includes a holiday greeting. "Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year," the card, written in a festive red font, reads. The photo was taken Hugo Burnand. Burnand has taken portraits of Prince Charles and Camilla before. He also photographed Prince William and Kate Middleton with their bridal attendants at Buckingham Palace on their wedding day back in April 2011. Speaking of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, they released their own Christmas card on Monday. The couple posed with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte. The family wore color-coordinating outfits -- each wearing a shade of blue. The photo was taken by Getty photographer Chris Jackson. (Eonline)

Pope Francis might've committed a cardinal sin on his birthday -- blowing out a candle on a 13-foot pizza instead of a cake. His Holiness turned 81 on Sunday and was treated to a 13-foot pizza with a single candle. Cool pic and all, but candles belong on pastries! A cupcake would've sufficed. That's a rule, right? The kiddos seemed to be diggin' the bday bash -- even though someone at the Vatican couldn't even spring for pepperoni or sausage. Just cheese, Pontiff??! (TMZ)

Naomi Campbell, Kaia Gerber & More Stun in Versace's New Campaign. Versace's newest ad campaign is iconic. In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the death of Gianni, Donatella Versace is reminding the world of her brother's influence with a tribute collection, featured during the 2017 Milan Fashion Week and, as of today, the brand's latest ad campaign. Like the runway show that closed with icons Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, Helena Christensen and Carla Bruni in sparkling gold gowns, the star-studded ad campaign is history-making...and a beautiful blast from our '90s past. In the campaign, Donatella not only showcases Gianni's muse, Naomi, one of the women that coined the term "supermodel" -- a term that pointed to a model's celebrity and global influence -- she's including current all-stars, like Gisele Bündchen and Gigi Hadid, and up-and-comers like Kaia Gerber. While Kaia may not have been able to work directly with Gianni (she was born four years after his death), including her in the ad campaign is a sign of his growing influence, long after his death. As a budding star and daughter to Cindy Crawford, she's clearly studied her mother's iconic images, and thus would also have a deep appreciation for the Versace brand. "We all feel part of the Versace family, that brand was such an important part of the beginning of my career," Cindy told The Telegraph. While her relationship with the brand marks the beginning of her career, both she and the brand have remained in the pop culture limelight through the decades, maintaining their authority by supporting the new generations in ways that don't feel forced. Case in point: Versace's ad campaign that seamlessly places three generations of models into one fashion collection. One month prior to the debut of FX's The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, it's a good time to get all eyes on the brand. The series stars Penelope Cruz as Donatella and Edgar Ramirez as Gianna, documenting the death of the design house creator, who was shot outside of his home. (Eonline)

Kevin Jonas and his wife Danielle are gearing up for Christmas in New York. "It's going to be probably New York-based again with us having the kids," Kevin, 30, told Page Six. Kevin and Danielle have two daughters together, Alena Rose, 3, and Valentina Angelina, 1. "[The family] kind of come to us," he said, joking that Alena feels like every day is Christmas right now. As for their holiday traditions, Kevin said, "We set up the Christmas tree typically like the week before Thanksgiving, but now it's been on Thanksgiving." And of course, the Jonas family makes cookies before Christmas. Kevin and Danielle have very short and specific Christmas wish lists this year. "I'm a huge coffee drinker," Kevin said. "There's a company called Ember that's really cool." Ember's claim to fame is a temperature-controlled smart mug ($149.95) that's perfect for coffee drinkers on the go. Kevin also said that he and his brother-in-law always "buy Ben Sherman stuff" when they go through London's Heathrow Airport and he wants to "bring a lot of that home" for the holidays. Danielle, on the other hand, wants a binder to use for all of Alena's drawings from preschool. "I want to save everything in it," she said. (Page Six)

Rob Lowe took matters into his own hands as a wildfire crept toward his Santa Barbara home -- by helping firefighters battle the flames, and then fueling them up. Rob's home was spared even though it looked like the blaze was knocking at his front door early Sunday morning. The Thomas Fire's been raging for 2 weeks now and has made its way to Santa Barbara where Rob, Oprah, Ellen and Katy Perry's folks have had to evacuate their homes. To show his gratitude for saving his community, Rob later invited the fire crew over for dinner to the home they saved, where they recharged on spaghetti and burgers. No stopping for these guys as the fire's only 45 percent contained. So far, Rob's been spared, but 18,000 structures are still in danger. (TMZ)

Master P says his dream of being an NBA coach nearly came true with the New Orleans Pelicans ... telling TMZ Sports he was actually up for a job on the NBA team's coaching staff this year. P sat down with us to talk about his coaching debut later this month in the Global Mixed Gender Basketball league he owns ... but also told us he almost got a shot at the big time. "I feel like I could help the New Orleans team this year. You know I was up for that job last year as an assistant coach?!" P didn't tell us exactly what kept him from getting the gig, but he did say it was ultimately the Pelicans loss, because he truly believes he could've made them a winner. "I would've turned that team around." Later adding, "That should be a championship team right now." (TMZ)

Listen up, LiAngelo and LaMelo Ball -- in case you're having any second thoughts about Lithuania ... we found a team for y'all that tours the whole damn globe! That's right -- we got Cheese and Jet of the Harlem Globetrotters out in NYC ... and they told TMZ Sports they'd be totally down to bring in the Ball bros. "If it doesn't work out, come to the Globetrotters! Or come here first -- forget Lithuania!" Cheese said. Dope offer for BBB ... but also kinda funny considering their teammate, Hoops, told us big bro Lonzo ain't exactly Globetrotter material. (TMZ)

Well that was fast -- Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson says he's putting the team up for sale at the end of the season ... the same day the NFL said it's investigating him. Richardson released a statement Sunday saying he was planning to sell the Panthers franchise to new ownership, but wouldn't start the process 'til the very last game. As we reported ... the Panthers launched an investigation into their owner this week for alleged misconduct in the workplace, including reported cash settlements for at least 4 employees. According to Sports Illustrated, the misconduct centered around alleged sexual harassment and the use of a racial slur. The NFL also announced Sunday that it was taking over the Panthers' original probe ... which appears to have forced Richardson's hand. Gotta say ... this reminds us a lot of when TMZ Sports revealed racist comments made by former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling ... who sold the team after news of his scandal broke. As for Richardson, he and some investors paid the NFL a reported $206 million in 1993 to create the Panthers as an expansion team. It's probably worth a lot more than that now. (TMZ)

Bombshell from ESPN ... longtime president John Skipper has suddenly resigned -- and says it's to focus on a secret battle with "substance addiction." "Today I have resigned from my duties as President of ESPN," 61-year-old Skipper said in a statement. "I have struggled for many years with a substance addiction. I have decided that the most important thing I can do right now is to take care of my problem." "I have disclosed that decision to the company, and we mutually agreed that it was appropriate that I resign. I will always appreciate the human understanding and warmth that Bob displayed here and always. "I come to this public disclosure with embarrassment, trepidation and a feeling of having let others I care about down. "As I deal with this issue and what it means to me and my family, I ask for appropriate privacy and a little understanding. "To my colleagues at ESPN, it has been a privilege. I take great pride in your accomplishments and have complete confidence in your collective ability to continue ESPN's success." Skipper is one of -- if not THE -- most powerful man in sports. He's been running ESPN since 2012. He's been with ESPN since 1997. (TMZ)

Music

Jay-Z Stops Concert to Bring Up Woman Who Beat Cancer Twice to the Stage. Jay-Z is a big star with a big heart... During a stop on 4:44 tour, the music man halted his show at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday night to bring up superfan Christina Cruz, who got some attention in the crowd when she held up a sign that stated she'd beaten cancer not once, but twice. Beyonce's husband couldn't help but catch notice of the sparkling sign and stopped the concert to speak to the brave woman. In an audience-captured video, the father of three read aloud the glittering sign that said, "I Beat Cancer 2X 2 C U! I LOVE U!!! SELFIE OR HUG?" In front of the huge crowd, Hova said to the woman, "You beat cancer twice I gotta give you at least a hug." Much to her joy, the rapper then brought her (and her eye-catching sign) on stage for all to see. The excited fan hugged her idol and even got to have a brief on-stage chat with the seasoned performer. Christina took to her social media after to post images from the memorable night and wrote, "I can't believe he pulled me on stage and I got to hug him not once but twice!!! Truly a dream come true!! Thank you Jay-Z!!!!" (Eonline)

Justin Timberlake has been teasing a new album for months, and we found some docs that might reveal what it's gonna be called. The singer just filed to trademark the phrase "Man of the Woods." According to docs, obtained by TMZ, Justin's aiming to use it for a bunch of things like CDs, DVDs, downloadable music, clothes, concert posters, programs ... and live performances and tours. He also applied to trademark "Fresh Leaves," which docs say could go on hats, robes, shorts, jerseys, long-sleeved t-shirts, and more. Educated guess? One's the album title and the other's the first single. Justin's filing comes less than 2 months before he performs the halftime show for Super Bowl 52 -- a gig that would exponentially boost his album sales. Sooo ... got wood, JT? (TMZ)

The Tokyo Dance Music Event Grows, Celebrates its Second Edition. More than 1,000 dance music professionals from across Asia plugged into the second annual Tokyo Dance Music Event, held Nov. 30–Dec. 3. The brainchild of Lauren Rose Kocher, an international marketing manager at Sony Music Entertainment Japan, the event focuses on strengthening the electronic music scene in Japan as well as encouraging international collaboration, particularly with other Asian artists. With a multi-faceted format comprising a conference, production workshops and DJ gigs, it remains the only electronic music conference in the world's second biggest music market. TDME is something of an anomaly in the inward-focused Japanese market. Korcher explains, "Japan has no international bilingual music conference to help connect international artists and Japanese artists-and electronic music as a genre is very friendly to international collaboration. We thought why don't we make an ADE for Asia?" The event delivered, featuring talks by industry stalwarts, a wealth of information on the growth of electronic music, workshops and master classes, and a network of shows throughout the hip Shibuya area of Tokyo. TDME is programmed for cross-fertilization, Korcher notes. It's an international platform for Japanese artists to "make global connections as well as a place for international organizations to address the Japanese music industry directly," she continues. "TDME offers a chance to meet with labels, promoters, and artists from around the world-just in our first two years we've welcomed major festival promoters from Malaysia, Thailand, China, and club promoters from India and the Philippines. Last year Toolroom Records participated in a big way, and this year we welcomed Spinnin' Records and together held the first Spinnin' Sessions show in Japan." Attendance at TDME 2017 grew about 25% from its first incarnation -- around 800 participated -- with 41 presentations and panels featuring 91 speakers. Steve Mayall, MD of Music Ally offered insightful highlights from a study of the Japanese electronic music industry his company conducted. He noted Japan is the No. 2 music market in the world and the leader in per capita spending on recorded music. Norway and Sweden are No. 2 and 3 because streaming has revolutionized those markets, but Mayall observed streaming is still not a major market factor in Japan, which is a mainly a physical market. His research found that, of the top 10 Billboard Japan songs from 2016, only one was available on Spotify -- PikoTaro's gimmick track PPAP. Six out of ten were available on Apple Music. While streaming has a long way to go to make an impact on the Japanese music market Mayall did relate that, according to the Record Industry Association of Japan, 42.7 % of Japanese discover new music through YouTube, so the digital platforms are making inroads in Japan. Vlada Didenko, director of IMS Asia-Pacific and director of A2Live, a leading Chinese electronic music company, gave an overview of her firm and a study it did on the Chinese market. A2Live is a promoter, venue owner, record label, artist developer and manager, and media company best known for the touring Storm Festival, which plays in multiple Chinese cities. Didenko noted that 53% of Chinese consumers of electronic music are between the age of 20 and 30. Most notably, she said the country had 197 million electronic music consumers in 2016 and the study predicted that number would be 455 million in 2020. In addition their research suggested in 5 years the Chinese electronic music market would have revenue of $10 billion. (Billboard)

Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Sam Smith & More to Perform at 2018 Brit Awards. Britain's biggest night in music is almost here and the first set of performers to take the stage have just been announced for the 2018 Brit Awards - Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Sam Smith and Stormzy. Each musician set to perform is no stranger to success within this past year making them each an excellent choice to perform at the 2018 ceremony. Sheeran, a three-time BRIT Award winner, is fresh off a hit arena tour and the success of his latest smash album ÷, which has become the fastest-selling album ever by a male in the UK. Dua Lipa created some "New Rules" this year by becoming the most streamed British woman with her infectious hit that you could not escape. Smith scored his second No. 1 album with The Thrill Of It All, which topped the UK charts and showcased why he won the BRIT's British Breakthrough Artist back in 2015. And rapper Stormzy put grime on the map with his debut album Gang Signs and Prayer that went No. 1 in the UK. More performers are set for announcement in the upcoming weeks, while the full list of nominations for the 2018 BRIT Awards will be released on Jan. 13 when 2017 BRIT Awards host Emma Willis will announce them along with performances from other British artists including Liam Payne, Paloma Faith, Clean Bandit, J Hus and Jorja Smith. The show will be held at the O2 Arena in London on Feb. 21 with comedian Jack Whitehall set to host. (Billboard)

Ed Sheeran's 'Perfect' Leads Race to U.K.'s Christmas No. 1. Ed Sheeran's "Perfect" takes an early lead in the race to the U.K.'s coveted Christmas No. 1, though tracks by Eminem and Wham aren't far behind. Following the release of a new orchestral version of "Perfect" featuring Andrea Bocelli, Sheeran's latest moves just ahead of Eminem's new entry "River" (which also features Sheeran) with Wham's timeless holiday hit "Last Christmas" coming in at No. 3, according to the Official Charts Company. Despite its enduring popularity, Wham's "Last Christmas" never quite made it to the chart summit. The track was beaten to the crown in 1984 by the all-star Band Aid project's "Do They Know It's Christmas" (which also featured Wham's George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley) and to this day is the biggest selling No. 2 single in U.K. charts history. The song could yet hit the mark thanks to a social media campaign to get it to the top in memory of Michael's death last Christmas day. Other singles lighting up the chart after 24 hours include AC/DC's "For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)," at No. 22, following a fan campaign in remembrance of the band's founding bass player Malcolm Young, who died last month. The sprint to the Christmas No. 1 started last Friday with sales and streams to be counted toward the chart until midnight Thursday (Dec. 21) local time. (Billboard)

Movies

Oprah Winfrey Says A Wrinkle in Time Is Like the New The Wizard of Oz. Ava DuVernay didn't read Madeleine L'Engle's 1962 novel A Wrinkle in Time as a young girl. But, when she agreed to direct the $100 million movie for Disney, she had some stipulations. Chief among them: The director wanted to hire a diverse cast of characters. "I wasn't just casting for actresses," she says in the current issue of TIME. "I was casting for leaders -- icons." And did she ever. Mindy Kaling, Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon were cast as Mrs. Who, Mrs. Which and Mrs. Whatsit, respectively, while Rowan Blanchard, Zach Galifianakis, Andre Holland, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Deric McCabe, Levi Miller, Michael Pena and Chris Pine round out the star-studded cast. "Reese is the hottest producer in town. Oprah's the most prolific, venerable legend of television and an artist and entrepreneur. And Mindy's one of the few women running a show with her name, about her," DuVernay says of beloved Hollywood trio. "When I think about the three of them together as a unit of celestial beings, it feels right." Newcomer Storm Reid was cast in the lead role of Meg Murray. After seeing the young star's audition, DuVernay tells the magazine, "She became the benchmark for what I was looking for." From the start, DuVernay was nervous. "Women directors, we're not getting people just saying, 'Hey, let's talk about this $100 million sci-fi epic." But Tendo Nagenda, a Disney executive who gave her the script, was persistent. "Ava, imagine the worlds you can create," she recalls him saying. "And I said, 'Worlds?' He said, 'There are planets, and you get to decide what they look like.' I was just like, 'I do?' How many women hear that? How many people of color hear that?" DuVernay impressed Witherspoon, who in the past has brought many books to the big screen. "I've never seen somebody demand inclusiveness like that. It's just a different perspective, and you don't get that unless we start to have powerful filmmakers of different colors, different genders," the Oscar winner says. "You're just gonna have the same 20 dudes making the same 20 movies over and over and over again." Winfrey agrees, recalling, "I looked at [DuVernay] in her jeans and sneakers and those dreads out there calling it. It's just the coolest damn thing to watch her with those big-ass machines. It just feels like, 'OK, next generation: There you are.'" In fact, Winfrey says, "I felt like we were making the new Wizard of Oz for another generation." Having a biracial heroine will have profound impact on audiences, she adds. "When you don't see yourself, there is a subconscious psychological manifestation," she says. "It's diminishing." But to have someone who looks like Reid finally in the forefront? "That will have impact far beyond anything any marketer, any researcher, any of us even know," Winfrey promises TIME. Walt Disney Pictures' A Wrinkle in Time premieres March 9, 2018. (Eonline)

Jay-Z's forthcoming docuseries, "Rest In Power: The Trayvon Martin Story," which follows the life and legacy of the titular Martin. The timely project, like many documentaries including "Whose Streets?" has drawn much-needed attention to social injustice, but also a peripheral feud between Snoop Dogg and George Zimmerman. Zimmerman, who was acquitted of the fatal shooting of Martin, threw in his two cents about the docuseries in a recent interview with The Blast saying that he would "beat Jay-Z" and feed him to "an alligator" after claims that executive producer Michael Gasparro and the production team behind the documentary harassed his family for interviews and footage. He also said, "I know how to handle people who f–k with me, I have since February 2012." Snoop Dogg took to Instagram to respond to Zimmerman's threats, defending Jay and that if one hair is touched on his head, "the revolution will be televised." He then went on to criticize "the system" and called Zimmerman a "bitch ass muthaf -- a." "Rest In Power" was picked up earlier this year for the 2018 relaunch of Spike as the Paramount Network. Jay-Z initially teamed with the Weinstein Co. for the six-part event docuseries. Since the Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment scandal broke, his name has been removed from Rest in Power along with other Paramount Network projects Waco and Yellowstone. The docuseries uses Lisa Bloom's book, "Suspicion Nation: The Inside Story of the Trayvon Martin Injustice" as source material. Bloom, interestingly enough, was the attorney advising Weinstein during the aftermath of the New York Times expose about Weinstein's harassment allegations. (Page Six)

Harvey Weinstein is set to be the leading man in a feature-length documentary about his sex scandal that has engulfed Hollywood. The BBC is to lift the veil on Weinstein after more than 80 women accused him of various inappropriate behavior ranging from rape to sexual assault through to intimidation, bullying and strange showering habits. Simon and Jonathan Chinn's Lightbox is making the 90-minute film, which will be directed by Ursula MacFarlane, who has directed docs including "Charlie Hebdo: Three Days That Shook Paris" and worked on Netflix series "Captive." The film, which has the working title "Weinstein," will aim to bring fresh insights and revelations to the story of Weinstein's rise and fall as well as providing an account of one of the most far-reaching scandals in Hollywood's history, one which is still developing. It will feature interviews with a number of the actresses who have told their stories. Some of the women who have come forward against Weinstein include Rose McGowan and "Boardwalk Empire" star Paz de la Huerta, who both alleged that Weinstein raped them, Asia Argento, who alleged that he forcibly performed oral sex on her, Salma Hayek, who claimed that he sexually harassed her and threatened to kill her during 2002 film "Frida," and Ashley Judd, who was one of a number of actresses who said that he asked for erotic massages and to be watched showering. "Weinstein" will also feature interviews with journalists, producers, directors, agents, lawyers and others who have previously been unable or unwilling to talk publicly about Weinstein and the culture of fear and abuse that permeates Hollywood. It will also aim to tell a broader story of Hollywood, through the prism of the sex scandal, from the emergence of the studio system in the 1930s and chart Weinstein's history in the business from the 1970s. The doc will air on BBC Two and was commissioned by the BBC's Head of Natural History and Specialist Factual Commissioning Tom McDonald, BBC Two Controller Patrick Holland and Commissioning Editor Simon Young. Academy Award-winning producer Simon Chinn, who was responsible for docs including "Man on Wire" and "Searching For Sugarman," and Emmy Award-winning Jonathan Chinn will exec produce. Distributor Drive will sell internationally. It marks the latest feature-length doc for Channel 4-backed Lightbox, which recently made "LA 92" for Nat Geo. Simon Chinn and Jonathan Chinn said: "Through telling the story of Weinstein's extraordinary rise and fall, this film will really get to the heart of the big questions that lie at the centre of the scandal: how did Weinstein get away with his behaviour for so long, what does his story reveal about how powerful men have operated in Hollywood and beyond and will this be a watershed moment in terms of the way women are treated in the workplace?" McDonald added: "This film promises to be the definitive take on the Weinstein scandal. As well as revealing the inside story of the past few months in minute detail, it will also look to the past to tell the story of abuses of power within Hollywood since its very origins and chart the rise of Harvey Weinstein himself over many decades. This is a film which will ask difficult and challenging questions about complicity, the price of silence and the corrosive effects of power and I'm certain that Lightbox will bring their signature approach to this important subject." (Page Six)

Sandra Bullock Plots a Heist in First Teaser Trailer for 'Ocean's 8'. The first footage from Ocean's 8 is finally here. Warner Bros. Pictures released a 15-second teaser for the highly anticipated film on Monday, December 18, one day ahead of the full trailer's debut. The sneak peek begins with Sandra Bullock (Debbie Ocean) plotting a top-secret jewelry heist with Cate Blanchett (Lou). "Why do you need to do this?" Lou, 48, asks Debbie, 53, while eating breakfast at a local restaurant. Later in the teaser, the Miss Congeniality actress responds, "'Cause that's what I'm good at." The clip is set to a cover of Nancy Sinatra's song "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" and includes a montage of the film's other all-female cast members: Anne Hathaway (Daphne Kluger), Mindy Kaling (Amita), Sarah Paulson (Tammy), Awkwafina (Constance), Rihanna (Nine Ball) and Helena Bonham Carter (Rose). A diamond necklace and a pair of earrings are shown at one point, teasing the group's plot to pull off a heist at the annual Met Gala in New York City. The teaser comes four days after the first poster for Ocean's 8 was unveiled. The bright red image assembled the eight women underneath the tagline, "Every con has its pros." Fans raved about the poster on social media, causing the hashtag #Oceans8 to become a worldwide trending topic on Thursday, December 14. "This looks dope and props on having two actors with one name," Seth Rogen tweeted, referring to Rihanna (real name Robyn Fenty) and Awkwafina (real name Nora Lum). Ocean's 8, directed by The Hunger Games' Gary Ross, hits theaters on June 8, 2018. (People)

Mark Cuban's Landmark Theatres Demands Dismissal of Antitrust Lawsuit. Facing litigation over art films, Landmark says the market is competitive with distributors and exhibitors making rational decisions. In new court papers, Mark Cuban-owned Landmark Theatres insists there's no antitrust conspiracy from seeking the exclusive rights to exhibit a movie in a geographic region as long as the theater chain is not using its nationwide footprint to coerce distributors. Landmark is facing a lawsuit from a group of independent community movie theaters who complain about being deprived of art films. According to the complaint in D.C. federal court, Landmark demanded and obtained clearances from those distributing such films as Moonlight, Birdman and The Illusionist. The plaintiffs, operating movie theaters in Washington, D.C., Denver and Detroit, suggest Landmark accomplished this by exploiting its circuit power. But in a motion to dismiss filed Friday, Landmark tells the judge that plaintiffs have failed to spell out "who, what, when, where, or how" the indie-cinema giant leveraged its circuit power in communications with distributors over film licenses. "Plaintiffs fail to allege facts sufficient to plausibly suggest that Landmark entered into any agreement with any distributor at any time at all," states the memorandum in support of dismissing the lawsuit. "Indeed, the most that can be gleaned from Plaintiffs' allegations is that Landmark in some instances preferred to not show the same film as theaters located near its own in these three cities, and that unnamed distributors have agreed in certain situations to honor Landmark's preference. Far from supporting an antitrust claim, these facts reveal a competitive market where distributors and exhibitors are unilaterally and rationally choosing the terms on which they do business with one another on a theater-by-theater, film-by-film, and city-by-city basis." For Landmark, the allegation it has engaged in anti-competitive conduct is either ironic, or in plaintiff's eyes, "hypocritical." That's because Landmark itself sued Regal Entertainment in 2016 and alleged the even larger movie chain used its power to coerce film distributors like Sony, Lionsgate and Disney to geographically clear movies such as Hunger Games: Mockingjay-Part 2 and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. That case settled approximately eight months later. But according to Landmark, unless there's some sort of factual support for an illicit agreement covering theaters beyond a given geographic region or more than one film, that's just fair competition and a "rational business practice." Landmark's memorandum also highlights a difference between art films and big-budget ones. "As Plaintiffs themselves allege, Specialty Film markets are inherently different from Commercial Film markets because of the limited audiences for Specialty Films -- thereby highlighting the reasonable business justification for Specialty Film theaters to decline to play a film that is simultaneously licensed to play at a nearby theater, diluting the already limited audience and ticket-sales potential," states the brief (read in full here). "And it is equally rational for Specialty Film distributors to honor such requests from a reliable, long-standing successful exhibitor." (Hollywood Reporter)

Athena Film Festival: J.J. Abrams to Receive Leading Man Award. The 'Star Wars' and 'Star Trek' director who created female-focused TV series 'Felicity' and 'Alias' will be recognized at the New York festival celebrating women's leadership in February. Writer/director/producer J.J. Abrams will be recognized for his ongoing support and advocacy of women in the entertainment industry with the 2018 leading man award at the female-focused Athena Film Festival, it was announced Monday. The Star Wars and Star Trek director, who will write and direct the upcoming Star Wars: Episode IX, broke through when he created female-focused TV series Felicity and Alias. Abrams "has been championing women in the industry throughout his entire career, and through his leadership has continued to push the gender equality conversation," Athena co-founder Melissa Silverstein said in a statement. Co-founder Kathryn Kolbert added, "At this time, it is particularly important for us to recognize men who are standing strong with women and joining our call for gender equality. He is a true ally and we are incredibly proud to have him on our side." Abrams, meanwhile, said, "I am deeply humbled to be recognized by the Athena Film Festival. Any good I've done has been achieved because I have worked alongside women, and I share my gratitude with all of them for being honored with this award." Past recipients of the Athena leading man award include Paul Feig and David Oyelowo. The Athena Film Festival celebrates women's leadership and, during its 2018 edition, is set to honor Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Barbara Kopple, writer-director Amma Asante and actress Bridget Everett. The festival, co-founded by the Athena Center for Leadership Studies at Barnard College and Women and Hollywood, will take place Feb. 22-25, 2018, at Barnard College in New York City. (Hollywood Reporter)

TV

Kim Kardashian Laughs Off Sex Tape and Kris Jenner Talks Drama With Caitlyn During Tough Media Training on KUWTK. The Kardashians are answering the tough questions! On Sunday night's mid-season finale of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Kim Kardashian convinced her sisters and mom to participate in a media training to prepare them for tough interviews in the future. During the session, lots of sensitive topics were brought up, including Kris Jenner's strained relationship with ex Caitlyn Jenner. "Kris, looking back, were there signs that Bruce at the time wanted to become a woman? Did you turn a blind eye?" one of the trainers asked Kris. "No, I don't think I turned a blind eye, I think I just didn't have the whole truth of what was going on in his life," Kris answered. Later on, Kris was asked, "What were some of the most hurtful things in Caitlyn's book?" "Well, I think just the general tone of the book. Very mean-spirited. A lot of inaccuracies," she said. "I think somebody with a little elegance and class and somebody that's been divorced but trying to stay on good term with the family might have written, 'Wow, married to her, didn't work out, she's a great girl, wish it could have been different.'" Caitlyn wasn't the only sensitive topic for Kris. "So The Hollywood Reporter has called it 'The Kardashian Decade: how a sex tape lead to a billion dollar brand,'" the leader said. "Kris, interestingly your eyes dropped when Jen got to the mention of the tape." "I know," Kris smiled. "I think try to keep that eye contact and not look like, 'Ugh.' Almost like that poked in the ribs a little bit," they told Kris. "Don't be ashamed!" Kim told Kris with a laugh. Meanwhile, Kourtney Kardashian was grilled about Scott Disick's troubles. Also on Sunday night's episode, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian try to start a business venture together that doesn't get off the ground very easily and Kendall Jenner is super pissed at sister Kylie Jenner over a party. (Eonline)

Defiant Tavis Smiley Says PBS Shouldn't Have Fired Him. The public broadcaster cut distribution of Smiley's show, citing "credible allegations" of misconduct. Tavis Smiley appeared on ABC's Good Morning America on Monday and denied that PBS had the grounds for cutting distribution of his nightly show, a decision announced last week by the organization following accusations of sexual misconduct. PBS said that accusations against Smiley were investigated and "multiple, credible allegations of conduct that is inconsistent with the values and standards of PBS" turned up. Smiley did not deny that he engaged in consensual sexual relationships with his employees, as was originally reported. But, he said: "I have never groped, I have never coerced, I have never exposed myself inappropriately to anyone." While he applauded the women who spoke out against him, he said that "nuance and proportionality" should not be lost -- suggesting that what he did or didn't do was not on par with some of the more serious offenses leveled against fellow media men like Charlie Rose and Matt Lauer. "If we do, then people end up being guilty simply by accusation," he said. Smiley also mentioned that his own company's handbook does not forbid employee relationships, because, he said, "I don't know where your heart is going to lead you." Under tough questioning, he admitted that one of his sexual partners is still a member of his staff. He also said that it took weeks for PBS to agree to talk to him as part of the investigation, which he said he wasn't originally told about. "They did this for weeks and refused to talk to me," he said, noting that he had to threaten to sue the company to facilitate a conversation. Like former Fox News host Bill O'Reilly before him, Smiley said that no complaints were ever filed against him. While his interview Monday may help him in the court of public opinion, it's unlikely to get PBS to reconsider its decision. Rose, it's worth noting, has not said anything publicly since his PBS-distributed show was cut Nov. 21. (Hollywood Reporter)

Randy Spelling on Trying to Follow in Dad Aaron's Legendary Footsteps: "I Felt Empty". The brother of Tori and son of Aaron and Candy, now a life coach in Oregon, describes finding his way after losing it to lack of purpose and addiction. It may seem hard to get lost when life is mapped out for you. There was an expectation that, because I was born into Hollywood "royalty," my path was paved. This made it complicated to find myself. Since my sister was an actor from an early age, I didn't aspire to be one. That changed when I was 16 and we were on a family trip to Las Vegas. Mobs of people surrounded my father and sister, but what I saw was a connection happening between strangers and my family, people they only knew from TV. The insecure part of me latched on to that, kick-starting my acting career, which lasted until I was 22. I then took a break to run an indie record label for a few years. I remember putting my feet up in my own office, thinking that this is what my father must feel like. But the purpose I longed for never showed up. I felt empty. It didn't help that from age 21 until my father passed away in 2006, I was falling deeper into alcohol and drug addiction. I saw my fair share of paramedics. I should've died 15 times. I got lucky. The turning point came when I was filming a reality show at the same time my father passed away. The show traded on the cast's last names; it felt as inauthentic to my core as it could get. I remember one scene where we got in Lotus sports cars and drove away. My dad had just died, and here I was, playing up how I was a wealthy kid, partying on camera. I felt: "If this is what my life is meant to be, I don't want to live anymore." After that period, everything started to change. I stopped the drinking and drugs and got a chance to do some incredible, transformational work including meditation. Most people work and work to have more. I was born with the more. It wasn't enough to live a fulfilling life. I signed up for a two-year life-coach training program in 2007, and it proved to be my higher calling. As I helped people change, both in and out of Hollywood, I changed. I'm proud that I started my life- and business-coaching company from scratch. I felt like a fraud with acting because some of my roles were given to me, but this was not given to me. I now live in Portland with my wife and two daughters. I went through years of struggling and agonizing that I was not making enough money to support my family in the way that I needed. But I stuck it out and kept honing my skills, and it finally paid off. I worked my ass off to get here. CelebrityNetWorth.com says that I'm worth $10 million. I know some great vacations I would take if it were true! Fulfillment is finding purpose and connection -- to the people in your life, to yourself and to something greater. Here's a tip: Look at your life. If this is the best your life could be, would you be happy? As fast-paced as life is, we still tend to wait. Wait to live, wait for happiness. Don't wait. (Hollywood Reporter)

TV Ratings: 'A Christmas Story Live!' Gets Cold Shoulder From NFL Viewers. The Fox musical fumbles in the face of football, including the highest-rated NFL game of the season. Fox's live staging of A Christmas Story Live! had a difficult time finding a crowd Sunday night. The holiday special, and the sixth live musical to air on the Big Four in recent years, suffered in the face of football on two networks and only barely matched ABC's annual encore airing of The Sound of Music in early ratings. Preliminary numbers give the network's song-and-dance spin on the 1983 feature film a 2.8 overnight rating among households, keeping Fox at the bottom of the Sunday ratings race. Fox's only other live musical, Grease Live!, back in 2016, aired without any NFL competition (or the obstacle of unfamiliar music) and pulled in nearly three times the returns. With Fast Affiliate returns, ones that don't yet reflect time zone adjustments, A Christmas Story is eying 4.5 million viewers and a 1.5 rating among adults 18-49. That at least made it a bigger draw among younger viewers than ABC's Sound, which took a 0.9 rating in the demo. It really didn't help Fox that it faced two particularly formidable football games. CBS' coverage of the New England Patriots' wild win over the Pittsburgh Steelers propelled the network's lineup, even though just a half-hour of it aired in primetime. The game averaged a 17.0 rating among households, airing on 32 percent of the country's TV's, easily making it the highest-rated NFL game of the 2017 season. The Dallas Cowboys' win over the Oakland Raiders inched up 6 percent from a week ago, averaging a 12.3 overnight rating among households. Unfortunately, even that winning score was a 20 percent dip from the comparable SNF showdown in 2016 -- another game featuring the Cowboys, who've been a particularly dampened primetime draw this season. In non-sporting TV, 60 Minutes was bolstered by the Patriots' game. It took in 15 million viewers and a 2.8 rating among adults 18-49 before lifted episodes of Wisdom of the Crowd (1.1 adults), NCIS: Los Angeles (0.9 adults) and Madam Secretary (0.7 adults). (Hollywood Reporter)

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Fall Book Discussion and Movie Series

Book discussion group to meet

City Page Survey