Jessica Chastain, the acclaimed US actress, has publicly expressed her disagreement with AppleTV+’s decision to postpone the release of her upcoming drama series, *The Savant*. The series, in which Chastain stars as an elite investigator tracking online hate groups, was set to premiere this Friday but has been delayed to an unspecified future date. AppleTV+ announced the postponement ‘after careful consideration,’ though the streaming platform did not provide detailed reasons for the decision. The delay comes in the wake of the recent killing of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, which has sparked widespread debate. Chastain, who also serves as an executive producer for the series, took to Instagram to voice her concerns. She emphasized the show’s relevance to current events, citing numerous violent incidents in the US, including school shootings, the January 6 Capitol attack, and Kirk’s murder. ‘The Savant,’ based on a 2019 Cosmopolitan article, follows a suburban mother who works as a top-secret investigator to prevent extremist violence. Chastain argued that the series honors the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to stop violence before it occurs. While she respects AppleTV+’s decision, she remains hopeful that the show will reach audiences soon. The series also features a star-studded cast, including Nnamdi Asomugha, Pablo Schreiber, and Richard Grant, though none have publicly commented on the delay. Directors Matthew Heineman and Rachel Morrison have shown their support by reposting Chastain’s statement on their social media accounts.
分类： entertainment
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Italian actress and star of The Leopard Claudia Cardinale dies aged 87
Claudia Cardinale, the legendary Tunisian-born Italian actress celebrated for her roles in cinematic masterpieces such as *The Leopard*, *8 ½*, and *The Pink Panther*, has died at the age of 87. Her passing occurred in Nemours, France, surrounded by her children, as confirmed by her agent, Laurent Savry. Cardinale’s illustrious career spanned six decades, during which she became a symbol of Italian cinema’s golden era, collaborating with iconic directors like Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti. Born in Tunisia in April 1938 to Sicilian parents, Cardinale’s journey to stardom began when she won a beauty contest at 16, earning her the title of ‘the most beautiful Italian woman in Tunis.’ This victory led her to the Venice Film Festival, where she was discovered by filmmakers. Despite her initial reluctance to pursue acting, she eventually embraced the craft, driven by a desire for independence and financial stability. Her early career was marked by personal challenges, including a traumatic assault and the secret birth of her son, Patrick, whom she initially introduced as her younger brother. Cardinale’s unique multilingual background initially posed challenges in Italian cinema, as her accent led to her voice being dubbed by other actors. However, her breakthrough came in 1963 with her roles in Fellini’s *8 ½* and Visconti’s *The Leopard*. She later ventured into Hollywood, starring in *The Pink Panther* and *Once Upon a Time in the West*, working alongside legends like Henry Fonda and Charles Bronson. Cardinale’s career was also marked by her advocacy for women’s rights, earning her the title of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 2000. She continued acting into her 80s, leaving behind a legacy of grace, resilience, and artistic brilliance. Italy’s Culture Minister, Alessandro Giuli, hailed her as ‘one of the greatest Italian actresses of all time,’ embodying ‘Italian grace.’
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Kimmel pulls no punches as he sends defiant message to Trump
In a highly anticipated comeback to US television, Jimmy Kimmel addressed the controversy surrounding his recent comments about Charlie Kirk’s death, striking a tone of sorrow without issuing a formal apology. The late-night host, who was briefly suspended by Disney, made it clear that he would not be silenced by his critics, particularly former President Donald Trump. Kimmel acknowledged that some viewers found his remarks ‘ill-timed or unclear,’ but he stopped short of apologizing, emphasizing that it was never his intention to trivialize Kirk’s murder or blame any specific group for the tragedy. He also reiterated his support for Kirk’s family, referencing a heartfelt Instagram post he shared before the controversy erupted. Kimmel’s return was marked by a defiant stance on free speech, as he declared that his show’s existence is a testament to the freedoms afforded by the United States. He also took jabs at Trump, mocking the former president’s attempts to ‘cancel’ him and suggesting that the backlash had only boosted his show’s viewership. Kimmel’s monologue included a satirical sketch featuring Robert De Niro, who played the new chairman of the FCC, criticizing the agency for allegedly suppressing free speech. The host’s return has reignited tensions between Trump and the media, with the former president signaling his intent to escalate the feud. Despite mixed reactions from critics and commentators, Kimmel’s supporters have praised his resilience and ability to command the stage during a high-pressure moment. As the battle between Trump and the media continues, Kimmel’s return marks a new chapter in this increasingly contentious relationship.
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‘Why does China prefer war?’ The K-drama line that infuriated the Chinese internet
South Korean actress Jun Ji-hyun, renowned for her breakout role in the 2001 romantic comedy *My Sassy Girl*, has found herself at the center of a heated controversy following her portrayal in the Disney+ spy romance series *Tempest*. In the show, Jun plays a diplomat investigating a deadly assassination, and a fictional line from her character—questioning China’s preference for war—has ignited outrage among Chinese social media users. Many have accused the series of misrepresenting China as belligerent, leading to calls for brands to sever ties with the actress. The backlash has reignited debates over China’s unofficial ban on South Korean entertainment, which has been in place since 2016 following South Korea’s deployment of a US anti-missile system. While recent months saw signs of easing tensions, with some South Korean performers returning to China, the *Tempest* controversy has fueled renewed support for the ban. Social media users have also criticized other aspects of the series, such as scenes depicting China’s Dalian city with dilapidated buildings and a table setting resembling the Chinese flag. Jun’s agency has clarified that her brand campaigns concluded before the show’s release, but Chinese consumers have continued to pressure brands like La Mer, Louis Vuitton, and Piaget to distance themselves from her. Despite some defending Jun, arguing she did not write the controversial line, the backlash has overshadowed such sentiments. The incident highlights the fragile state of cultural exchanges between China and South Korea, with the future of K-pop and K-dramas in China remaining uncertain.
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Israel and Eurovision: Why do countries want to boycott a song contest?
The Eurovision Song Contest, a globally celebrated cultural phenomenon attracting hundreds of millions of viewers annually, is now at the center of a brewing political storm. As tensions escalate over Israel’s participation, at least five nations—Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain—are threatening to withdraw from the 2026 event in Vienna if Israel is allowed to compete. This unprecedented move could significantly disrupt the contest, which has been a platform for unity and musical excellence since its inception in 1956. The controversy stems from the ongoing war in Gaza, where over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023. Israel faces accusations of genocide from a United Nations commission of inquiry and major human rights organizations, further fueling calls for its exclusion from Eurovision. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the event, has long maintained that Eurovision is apolitical. However, the 2022 ban on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine has set a precedent for excluding nations embroiled in geopolitical conflicts. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has cited this example, arguing that Israel’s participation would constitute a double standard. Meanwhile, Israel’s national broadcaster, Kan, has confirmed its intent to participate, and the EBU has denied reports of pressuring Israel to withdraw. The situation has divided the Eurovision community, with some countries, including France and Germany, opposing the boycott. As the deadline for attendance confirmation approaches, the EBU faces a critical decision that could redefine the future of the iconic competition.
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Walt Disney executives to meet with Kimmel, assess talk show future, Bloomberg News reports
Walt Disney executives are set to meet with Jimmy Kimmel, the suspended host of the late-night talk show ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live,’ to deliberate on the future of the program. This development follows the show’s recent suspension by Disney-owned ABC due to controversial remarks made by Kimmel regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Bloomberg News reported the upcoming meeting, citing three informed sources. The discussions will focus on potential strategies to bring the show back on air. Kimmel’s comments, which criticized the MAGA movement’s response to Kirk’s assassination, sparked significant backlash, including from Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr, who called for local broadcasters to cease airing the program. Carr warned of possible investigations and penalties for broadcasters if a pattern of distorted commentary is identified. Former President Donald Trump, during a state visit to Britain, commented on Kimmel’s suspension, labeling his remarks about Kirk as ‘horrible.’ Kirk, a close ally of Trump, played a pivotal role in garnering support among young conservative voters. Disney has yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter. The suspension of Kimmel’s show is part of a broader trend of actions taken against media figures and others for their statements about Kirk’s assassination.
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Explainer: Were Jimmy Kimmel’s free speech rights violated when ABC canceled his show?
Jimmy Kimmel, the renowned late-night talk show host, has found himself at the center of a heated controversy following his suspension by ABC. The decision came after Kimmel made contentious comments on his show, ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!,’ regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel suggested that Kirk’s shooter was a supporter of former President Donald Trump and criticized the ‘MAGA gang’ for politicizing the tragedy. His remarks also included a jab at Trump for allegedly diverting attention to White House renovations when questioned about Kirk’s death. The fallout was swift, with Brendan Carr, head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), condemning Kimmel’s statements as misleading and hinting at potential regulatory actions. Carr’s comments, made on a conservative podcast, emphasized the need for broadcasters to uphold community interests. Shortly after, Nexstar Media Group announced it would cease airing Kimmel’s show on its ABC affiliates, citing the need to align with FCC standards. ABC followed suit, suspending Kimmel’s show indefinitely. While Kimmel could potentially sue the FCC or ABC for free speech violations or breach of contract, legal experts suggest that such cases would face significant hurdles. The First Amendment protects against government interference in speech, but proving coercion by the FCC would be challenging. Additionally, ABC retains the right to decide its programming, further complicating any legal recourse for Kimmel. The incident has sparked a broader debate about free speech, media regulation, and the boundaries of political commentary in entertainment.
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Virtual K-pop stars win lawsuit against critic on social media
In a landmark ruling, a South Korean court has ordered a social media user to pay 500,000 won ($360; £265) for defaming the virtual K-pop boyband Plave. The group, whose members are animated characters voiced and performed by anonymous real-life individuals through motion-capture technology, has become a sensation in South Korea’s entertainment industry. The case, filed by Plave’s agency, Vlast, marks one of the first legal disputes involving virtual K-pop idols. The defendant had posted derogatory remarks online, including comments questioning the appearance and character of the real performers behind the avatars. The court ruled that attacks on widely recognized avatars also constitute defamation of the real individuals they represent. While Vlast sought 6.5 million won for each performer, the court awarded 100,000 won per person, citing the severity of the comments and the context of the incident. Vlast has appealed the decision, emphasizing the case’s significance in setting a precedent for protecting virtual avatars. Advocates argue that virtual idols can reduce the intense scrutiny faced by human performers, offering a new frontier in the K-pop industry.
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German journalists’ union criticises decision to take Jimmy Kimmel off air
In a bold statement on Thursday, Germany’s leading journalists’ union, DJV, called on major U.S. media outlets to stand by their journalists following ABC’s controversial decision to pull ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ from its lineup. The move came after host Jimmy Kimmel made remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, sparking widespread debate over freedom of expression and press integrity. DJV head Mika Beuster criticized ABC’s actions, labeling them as a symptom of the ‘rampant erosion of freedom of the press and expression in the U.S.’ Beuster further accused broadcasters of ‘servility’ towards U.S. President Trump, warning that such compliance would only invite greater pressure on journalists. The suspension of Kimmel’s show follows a threat from the head of the U.S. communications regulator against Disney, ABC’s parent company. This incident is part of a broader trend of punitive actions against media figures, academics, and corporate employees who have commented on Kirk’s assassination. Republican leaders and conservative commentators have urged Americans to mourn Kirk respectfully, with some individuals facing job losses or suspensions for discussing the killing online. The situation has reignited concerns about the state of free speech in the U.S. and the role of media in safeguarding democratic values.
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Disney’s ABC yanks ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ off air after remarks about Kirk
In a dramatic turn of events, ABC announced the indefinite suspension of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ following controversial remarks made by the host regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision came after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr urged broadcasters to cease airing the show, citing concerns over the content’s appropriateness. Carr hinted at potential investigations and penalties for broadcasters who continued to air the program. Nexstar Media Group, one of ABC’s major affiliates, swiftly complied, pulling the show from its 32 stations. Sinclair, the largest ABC affiliate group, also announced it would not air the show unless Kimmel issued an apology and took ‘appropriate steps.’ The move has sparked a heated debate over free speech, with Democrats condemning the suspension as censorship, while Republicans and conservative commentators praised the decision. President Donald Trump, who has long criticized media figures for their coverage of him, celebrated ABC’s action on social media, calling it a ‘courageous’ move. The controversy has reignited discussions about the role of media in political discourse and the boundaries of free expression in the United States.