Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Taylor Swift adds new North American dates to her Eras Tour

Taylor Swift has announced a new run of North American dates on her ‘Eras Tour’ for late 2024. The 33-year-old singer-songwriter announced 15 more shows, sharing on social media: “Turns out it’s NOT the end of an era 😝 Miami, New Orleans, Indy and Toronto: The Eras Tour is coming to you in 2024 with @gracieabrams! Verified fan registration for all shows is open now – visit http://TaylorSwift.com for more information”

Swift’s return to North America in 2024 will kick off with three shows each in Miami, New Orleans and Indianapolis, with six performances set for Toronto in October and November of next year. Gracie Abrams will serve as support all dates.

Swift will wrap the first leg of her North American run with six shows in SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles that kicked off on August 3rd running through August 9th.  She then heads to Mexico for three dates in August followed by South American stops in Argentina, Rio de Janeiro and Brazil in November. Swift will spend most of 2024 on the European leg of the Eras Tour, beginning May 2024 with stops in Sweden, Portugal, France, Spain, The UK, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, and Austria.

Verified Fan registration is open now on Ticketmaster through 5 p.m. ET Saturday, August 5th at 5 pm ET/2 pm PT. Fans will receive confirmation if they will have access to the Verified Fan on sale or if they’ve been placed on a waiting list on Tuesday, August 8th. The Verified Fans on sale runs Wednesday, August 9th through Friday, August 11th with assigned specific on sale windows.

Editorial credit: e.backlund / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Lizzo responds to allegations made against her by former backup dancers

Lizzo is speaking out after news broker earlier this week that a lawsuit was filed against her by three of her former backup dancers. Lizzo — whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson — addressed the claims made by Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez in the lawsuit, which accused her of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment.

The 35-year-old singer posted a lengthy statement to her social media accounts, saying: “these last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized. Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed. These sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behaviour on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.” Lizzo added: “I take my music and my performances seriously because at the end of the day I only want to put out the best art than represents me and my fans. With passion comes hard work and high standards. Sometimes I have to make hard decisions but it’s never my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they aren’t valued as an important part of the team.”

Sayiing that she doesn’t want to be “looked at as a victim”, Lizzo wrote: “But I also know that I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be these last few days. I am very open with my sexuality and expressing myself but I cannot accept or allow people to use that openness to make me out to be something I am not. There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world. I know what it feels like to be body shamed on a daily basis and would absolutely never criticize or terminate an employee because of their weight … I’m hurt but I will not let the good work I’ve done in the world be overshadowed by this. I want to thank everyone who has reached out in support to lift me up during this difficult time.”

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on August 1, names Lizzo, as well as her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. (BGBT), and Shirlene Quigley, the captain of her dance team as defendants. The dancers are suing Lizzo for sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment, as well as seeking damages for emotional distress including unpaid wages, loss of earnings, and attorney fees.

Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

WWE Executive Chairman Vince McMahon served with subpoena by federal agents

The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) disclosed on Wednesday that federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant on executive chairman Vince McMahon  last month, serving him with a federal grand jury subpoena.

The WWE also revealed Wednesday that McMahon “went on medical leave after undergoing major spinal surgery.”   The WWE said in its quarterly report to the Securities and Exchange Commission that McMahon’s leave began July 21, and he will “remain on medical leave until further notice but will remain Executive Chairman” of WWE. WWE CEO Nick Khan revealed news of McMahon’s surgery during the company’s second-quarter earnings call on Wednesday. Khan said McMahon had major spinal surgery nearly two weeks ago and is taking the leave in order to focus on his recovery, but did not specify the duration of the leave.

The new subpoena is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations that McMahon paid millions of dollars over the years to women after being accused of sexual misconduct. WWE said in the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that while government investigations into McMahon remain ongoing, no charges have been brought in them. The company said it has received voluntary and compulsory legal demands for documents concerning the investigation and related subject matters, sharing in a statement: “WWE has cooperated throughout and fully understands and respects the government’s need for a complete process.”

It was revealed last year that the WWE was investigating an alleged $3 million payment from McMahon to a departing female employee following a consensual affair. WWE’s investigation into the misconduct allegations was completed last year. McMahon said in a statement: “In 2022, WWE formed a special committee to review allegations of misconduct against me. That review was concluded in November 2022 following an extensive investigation. Throughout this experience, I have always denied any intentional wrongdoing and continue to do so. I am confident that the government’s investigation will be resolved without any findings of wrongdoing.”

Editorial credit: John Hanson Pye / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces separation from wife Sophie Grégoire

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire are separating after 18 years of marriage.

Trudeau, 52, shared the news on Wednesday in a post published in both English and French on Instagram, writing: “Hi everyone, Sophie and I would like to share the fact that after many meaningful and difficult conversation, we have made the decision to separate. As always, we remain a close family with deep love and respect for each other and for everything we have built and will continue to build. For the well-being of our children, we ask that you respect our and their privacy. Thank you.”. Sophie shared the same statement on her social media accounts.

The Canadian Prime Minister’s office confirmed the news in a statement, sharing that the couple have “signed a legal separation agreement. They have worked to ensure that all legal and ethical steps with regards to their decision to separate have been taken, and will continue to do so moving forward. They remain a close family and Sophie and the Prime Minister are focused on raising their kids in a safe, loving and collaborative environment. Both parents will be a constant presence in their children’s lives and Canadians can expect to often see the family together. The family will be together on vacation, beginning next week.” The couple share three children — 15-year-old Xavier, 14-year-old Ella-Grace and 9-year-old Hadrien.

Trudeau and Grégoire met as children in Montreal, where Grégoire was a classmate and friend of the Trudeau’s brother, Michel.  They reconnected in 2003, when Grégoire, a television personality in Quebec, was given the job as Trudeau’s co-host for a charity ball.  They began dating, and in October 2004 they became engaged. The couple tied the knot on May 28, 2005 at Montreal’s Sainte-Madeleine d’Outremont Church.

Trudeau was elected as a Liberal member of Parliament in 2008, going on to become party leader and assuming the office of Prime Minister on November 4, 2015.

Editorial credit: Art Babych / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Netflix shares teaser of new Korean dark thriller series ‘Mask Girl’ 

Netflix shared a teaser trailer for the South Korean dark thriller Mask Girl.

According to an official synopsis, Mask Girl follows an office worker (Go Hyun-jung) who is insecure about her looks and “becomes a masked internet personality by night — until a chain of ill-fated events overtakes her life.” The teaser shows the character take a dark turn, as she appears to take three lives.  A tagline reads: “3 Names, 3 Lives, 3 Murders.”

Created by Kim Yong-hoon, Mask Girl also stars Nana, Ahn Jae-hong and Yeom Hye-ran. Netflix announced in January that it will release 34 Korean titles this year, and Mask Girl is part of Netflix’s Korean film and TV slate for 2023.

Mask Girl premieres Aug. 18 on Netflix.  Take a look at the teaser – here.

Editorial credit: Areef Mamud / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

‘Welcome to Wrexham’ Season 2 to premiere in September

Season 2 of the FX series Welcome to Wrexham will premiere Sept. 12. FX tweeted: “More than just a town. FX’s Welcome to Wrexham is back for Season 2. Premieres 9/12. Stream on Hulu.” And Hulu, which streams the show, tweeted: “Grab the lads. Let’s play some footy.”

Welcome to Wrexham follows actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as they run Wrexham A.F.C., a U.K. soccer club hailing from a working-class town in Wales. The club is the third-oldest soccer team in the world. Season 2 will follow the Wrexham Red Dragons as they are promoted from the fifth tier in U.K. soccer.

Welcome to Wrexham originally premiered in August 2022 and is nominated for six Primetime Emmy Awards for its first season. The actors shared of the series: “The story of Wrexham has resonated with millions of people because you don’t have to be Welsh or a football fan to be moved by this town. We are so grateful for today’s 6 Emmy nominations and are continuously honored the people of Wrexham allow us to tell their tale. Diolch! Cymru am byth!”

‘Welcome To Wrexham’ Sets Season 2 Premiere Date

Editorial credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Angus Cloud, best known for his role on ‘Euphoria’, dies at age 25

Actor Angus Cloud, best known for his role as Fezco on the HBO drama series “Euphoria,” has died at age 25.

Cloud’s representative Cait Bailey confirmed Cloud’s death in a statement from his family: “It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today. As an artist, a friend, a brother and a son, Angus was special to all of us in so many ways. Last week he buried his father and intensely struggled with this loss. The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend. Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence. We hope the world remembers him for his humor, laughter and love for everyone.” No cause of death has been shared.

Cloud will be remembered for his breakout role as Fezco in “Euphoria,” which he starred in for two seasons. “Euphoria” was Cloud’s first-ever acting gig, but he was classmates with the series’ star, Zendaya, at the School of Production Design at Oakland School for the Arts. Cloud’s other credits include roles in the films “North Hollywood” and “The Line” and cameos in music videos for Noah Cyrus, Juice WRLD and Becky G and Karol G. At the time of his death, Cloud had several projects in the pipeline, including an untitled Universal Monsters film.

An HBO spokesperson said in a statement: “We are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Angus Cloud. He was immensely talented and a beloved part of the HBO and Euphoria family. We extend our deepest condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time.”

Editorial credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Paul Reubens, beloved Pee-wee Herman actor and creator, dies at age 70

Paul Reubens, the beloved actor and comedian best known for his role as Pee-wee Herman, died Sunday following a private battle with cancer at the age of 70. The news of Reubens death was posted inon his social media accounts: Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness. Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.

Alongside the official statement, a quote from the comedian read: “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years. I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.” Reubens’s social media added that any expressions of sympathy could be made in honor of his late parents Judy and Milton Rubenfeld, Stand Up to Cancer, or organizations involved in dementia and Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.

Reubens created the character of Pee-wee while a member of the Groundlings comedy troupe. The character was popularized in a stage show Reubens performed that introduced many characters who would later appear in his Saturday morning show Pee-wee’s Playhouse. HBO aired The Pee-wee Herman Show to mass audiences. Reubens brought the character to the movies in the original film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, the first feature film directed by Tim Burton. A sequel, Big Top Pee-wee saw Herman as a farmer when a traveling circus came to town, and a third Pee-wee film, Pee-wee’s Big Holiday premiered on Netflix in 2016.

Outside of his Pee-wee Herman character, Reubens appeared in the film Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Batman Returns, Matilda, Blow and recently on What We Do in the Shadows and The Conners. Prior to his death, Reubens had been developing a Pee-wee black comedy movie titled The Pee-wee Herman Story. 

Paul Reubens Dies At Age 70: Justin Theroux, Cher, Jimmy Kimmel & More Pay Tribute

Editorial credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Apple TV+ announces new French haute couture drama “La Maison”

Apple TV+ has announced the new series La Maison, a new, 10-episode fashion drama. The series will star Lambert Wilson, Amira Casar, Carole Bouquet, Zita Hanrot, Pierre Deladonchamps, Antoine Reinartz, Anne Consigny, Florence Loiret Caille and Ji-min Park.

La Maison follows the family behind a contemporary French iconic fashion house, and according to a press release, the series “gives an immersive look behind the scenes of the ever-evolving world of fashion, aspirational French elegance and luxury, and the lives of its powerful families.”

An official series synopsis reads: “High fashion meets high drama in this behind-the-curtain look at how a family dynasty of an iconic fashion house is thrown into scandal and reinvention by a viral video featuring star designer Vincent LeDu (Wilson), leaving his family’s legendary haute couture house hanging by a thread. Perle Foster (Casar), Vincent’s former muse who is still in his shadow, teams up with next-generation, visionary designer Paloma Castel (Hanrot) to save and recreate the century-old Maison LEDU, claiming their rightful place in both the LeDu family and the fashion world.”

La Maison is created by José Caltagirone and Valentine Milville, who also serve as showrunners.

Editorial credit: Denis Makarenko / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Emmy Awards ceremony postponed because of SAG, WGA strikes

The Emmy Awards has been postponed due to the ongoing Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild strikes. The unions for both guilds have also forbidden members to attend awards shows or take part in promotional events.

The Emmys, which honors excellence in television and streaming, had been planned for Sept. 18, but will now take place on a later date to be determined by the Television Academy and Fox, pending the outcome of the strikes. The presentation is now expected to air in January.

The ongoing Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild strikes have shut down TV and film productions all over the world, as members have been picketing in Los Angeles and New York. Actors and writers are seeking higher wages and clear guidelines regarding the use of artificial intelligence. The WGA has been out of work since May.

Editorial credit: Elliott Cowand Jr / Shutterstock.com