Rihanna, Martin Scorsese hype Paramount movies at CinemaCon
Paramount Pictures, still riding high on the success of “Top Gun: Maverick’s” nearly $1.5 billion in worldwide ticket sales, brought a slew of stars from Rihanna to Martin Scorsese to CinemaCon for its presentation to theater owners Thursday.
New this week: Shania, 'Princess Power' and Pamela Anderson
This week’s new entertainment releases include a fresh album from Shania Twain, the megahit film “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” lands on Disney+ and a new PBS “Frontline” documentary delves into Russian President Vladimir Putin’s interaction with the last five U.S. presidents.
Major funders call for increased support of Black feminists
The need to increase funding for Black feminist organizations is urgent, according to an open letter from some of philanthropy’s most influential organizations – including Melinda Gates’ Pivotal Ventures, Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation, as well as the Ford Foundation and MacArthur Foundation – released Thursday.
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Scores protest in India against arrest of climate activist
Members of Aam Aadmi Party shout slogans demanding the release of Indian climate activist Disha Ravi, during a protest in Mumbai, India, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. The 22 years old activist was arrested Saturday for circulating a document on social media that allegedly incited protesting farmers to turn violent last month. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)NEW DELHI – Scores of people demonstrated in the Indian cities of Bengaluru and Mumbai on Monday after a climate activist was arrested for circulating a document on social media supporting months of massive protests by farmers. “The call was to wage economic, social, cultural and regional war against India,” police tweeted on Sunday. The protests attracted international attention earlier this month when pop star Rihanna, Thunberg and Meena Harris tweeted their support.
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India's top court tackles social media in free speech case
Critics say the government has used the massive demonstrations to escalate a crackdown on free speech, detaining journalists and freezing Twitter accounts. Hundreds of Indian Twitter accounts, including those of news websites, activists and a farmers union, were suspended on Monday. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)NEW DELHI – India’s top court on Friday asked for the government and Twitter’s response to a petition seeking greater regulation of content on social media platforms amid a debate over free speech. Critics have accused the Modi government of using the massive demonstrations to escalate a crackdown on free speech and silence opponents. “We are exploring options under Indian law — both for Twitter and for the accounts that have been impacted.
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LVMH to put Fenty fashion collection on pause
FILE - Rihanna poses as she unveils her first fashion designs for Fenty at a pop-up store in Paris, France, on May 22, 2019. LVMH Mot Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the worlds largest luxury group, has put Rihannas Fenty fashion collection on hold. (AP Photo/Francois Mori, File)NEW YORK – LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury group, has put Rihanna's Fenty fashion collection on hold. AdWWD first reported the news on LVMH's pause of Fenty fashion collection. ______Follow Anne D’Innocenzio: http://twitter.com/ADInnocenzio______This story has been corrected to show that WWD, not Business of Fashion, first reported the news.
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Twitter suspends more India accounts amid free speech debate
Critics say the government has used the massive demonstrations to escalate a crackdown on free speech, detaining journalists and freezing Twitter accounts. Hundreds of Indian Twitter accounts, including those of news websites, activists and a farmers union, were suspended on Monday. The social media company said in a blog post that the accounts will continue to be accessible outside India. None of the suspended accounts belonged to journalists, news organizations, activists or politicians, as doing so “would violate their fundamental right to free expression under Indian law,” it said. This gives the government a legal position to use other information technology laws to regulate social media and initiate criminal action against those who violate its orders,” Duggal said.
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India clamps down on free speech to fight farmer protests
A vendor reaches out for a copy of The Caravan, Indias leading investigating magazine, in Mumbai, India, Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. At the heart of the allegations is the magazine’s coverage of the ongoing farmers’ protests that have gripped India for more than two months. Critics say it has used the massive demonstrations to escalate a crackdown on free speech, detaining journalists and freezing Twitter accounts. Hundreds of Indian Twitter accounts, including those of news websites, activists and a farmers’ union, were suspended on Monday. But similarly, Twitter’s reaction of suspending accounts has also “set a terrible precedent” for free speech and press, said Jose.
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1 tweet from Rihanna on farmer protests gets India incensed
A person reads tweets by Indian celebrities, one of the many backing the Indian government, on his mobile in New Delhi, India, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021. It took just one tweet from pop star Rihanna to anger the Indian government and supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party, after she tweeted about the farmer protests that have gripped India. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)NEW DELHI – It took just one tweet from Rihanna to anger the Indian government and supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party. The pop star linked a news article in a tweet drawing attention to the massive farmer protests that have gripped India for more than two months. AdTharoor in a tweet said Indian government getting “Indian celebrities to react to Western ones is embarrassing."
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Lil Wayne, Kodak Black get clemency; Joe Exotic does not
President Donald Trump pardoned or commuted the sentences of more than 140 people in a last-minute clemency flurry after midnight on Wednesday, a list that included rappers Lil Wayne and Kodak Black. — Rapper Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., was given a full pardon. In the pardon, Lil Wayne was praised for his “commitment to a variety of charities, including donations to research hospitals and a host of foodbanks.” Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders backed the pardon. Lil Wayne is one of the seminal figures in rap in the last two decades, selling more than 20 million albums in the U.S. since releasing his debut in 1999. Supporters included Gucci Mane, Lil Pump, Lil Yachty, and athletes Lamar Jackson and Jack Brewer.
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Chunky bootmaker Dr. Martens to sell shares to public
FILE - In this Wednesday, April 23, 2003 file photo, a pair of Dr. Martens 1460 workboots, as interpreted by designers Michael & Hushi, are part of an exhibition of Dr. Martens boots in New York. Dr. Martens Ltd. said Monday, Jan. 11, 2021 that current investors plan to sell at least 25% of their stake in an initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange. Dr. Martens Ltd. said Monday that current investors plan to sell at least 25% of their stake in an initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange. Permira Funds, a London-based private equity investor, bought Dr. Martens for 300 million pounds (currently worth $400 million) in 2014. Dr. Martens Chief Executive Kenny Wilson said the IPO underscored the brand’s “global growth potential” after revenue increased by 39% over the past two financial years to an annual 672.2 million pounds ($900 million).
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Despite bleak 2020, celebrities make effort to brighten year
(AP Photo)LOS ANGELES – Yes, 2020 may seem like a complete fail with all the constant bad news and tragic moments. It’s been filled with gloom and doom(scrolling), but some celebrities and those inspired by them have tried to brighten a bleak year. He reassigned his 10 seamstresses in New York to produce thousands daily for health care workers on the frontlines. The singer and husband Emilio Estefan's restaurant Estefan Kitchen served up homemade meals for health care workers in Miami. The challenge coordinated offers by celebrities and athletes to raise funds to feed those in need during the pandemic.
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Hijab-wearing Somali-US model takes step back from industry
FILE - In this Feb. 23, 2017 file photo, Somali-American model Halima Aden wears a creation part of the Max Mara women's Fall-Winter 2017-18 collection, that was presented in Milan, Italy. Somali-American model Halima Aden has announced that she is taking a step back from the fashion industry, saying that the pandemic slowdown has given her time to see instances when her desire to maintain a hijab was not properly respected. MILAN – Somali-American model Halima Aden has announced that she is taking a step back from the fashion industry, saying the pandemic slowdown has allowed her to see instances when her desire to maintain a hijab was not properly respected. I wish I wasn’t so defensive,’’ the 23-year-old model wrote. “What I blame the industry for is the lack of MUSLIM stylists,'' she wrote.
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Drake bests Aretha Franklin, Wonder to set Billboard record
1 hit on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart, Drake has bested a record previously held by icons Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. Drake's “Laugh Now Cry Later," featuring rapper Lil Durk, reached the No. Wonder and Franklin, who died in 2018, each have had 20 songs top the chart. 1 hits on the R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart, 12 include him in the leading role, including “God’s Plan,” “In My Feelings,” “Hotline Bling,” “Hold On, We’re Going Home” and “Best I Ever Had,” his first major hit released in 2009. Earlier this year, 34-year-old Drake made Billboard chart history when he set a new record for most songs on the Hot 100 chart — Billboard's main songs chart that includes all music genres.
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A look at artists who've objected to Trump using their songs
FILE - Pharrell Williams attends the world premiere of "The Black Godfather," in Los Angeles on June 3, 2019. Dozens of artists have objected to Donald Trump using their music in his two presidential campaigns. Williams sent a cease-and-desist letter after his song Happy" was played at a Trump rally in 2018. He was especially angered that the event was hours after a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue. (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP, File)
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A look at artists who've objected to Trump using their songs
Dozens of artists have objected to Donald Trump using their music in his two presidential campaigns. Williams sent a cease-and-desist letter after his song Happy" was played at a Trump rally in 2018. (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP, File)From classic American rockers to British artists to the estates of late legends, here's a look at some of the musicians who have objected to Donald Trump using their songs at campaign events. JOHN FOGERTY, PHIL COLLINS, BRUCE SPRINGSTEENSome classic rockers say not only do they oppose Trump using their music, the choice of songs is ironic or downright wrong. Eddy Grant sued Trump in September over the use of his 1980s hit “Electric Avenue” in a Trump campaign animated video that mocked his opponent Joe Biden.
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Families seek new investigations into old police killings
But the protests against racial injustice since George Floyd was killed during a police encounter in Minnesota have the three men's families urging authorities to reopen the investigations. Because criminal laws and juries often give great deference to police and the split-second decisions they have to make, families sometimes turn to civil courts to seek justice. The footage begins trained on Peters' car. The officer, who is also Black, deployed the stun gun, which appeared to have no effect, then shot Peters with his service weapon. “Marcus needed help, not death,” Blanding said.
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Rihanna on new album: 'I just want to have fun with music'
FILE - Singer and fashion designer Rihanna attends the "Rihanna" book launch event in New York on Oct. 11, 2019. It's been four years since Rihanna released an album but the singer is working hard on recording new music. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – It's been four years since Rihanna released an album but the singer is working hard on recording new music. And with the music, I’m using that as my outlet." But I love challenges so, you know, I’m gonna get it done.”______AP Music Editor Mesfin Fekadu contributed to this report.
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Rihanna wants to cheer up a troubled world with fashion show
This image released by Savage X Fenty shows designer Rihanna on the set of The Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 2 Presented by Amazon Prime Video in Los Angeles. The lingerie fashion show, with musical performances, dancers and models, will drop Friday exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories. Its the lines second turn on the streaming platform. (Dennis Leupold/Savage X Fenty via AP)
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Rihanna wants to cheer up a troubled world with fashion show
This image released by Savage X Fenty shows designer Rihanna on the set of The Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 2 Presented by Amazon Prime Video in Los Angeles. The lingerie fashion show, with musical performances, dancers and models, will drop Friday exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories. Rihanna has quickly made a name for the company, launching Savage X Fenty in 2018 with splashy, performance-based shows before large (very excited) live crowds. Savage X Fenty, Rihanna said, is “one of those spaces” where “inclusivity is part of the brand, always."
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Police help defeat California bill on removing problem cops
Law enforcement groups successfully argued that the proposed system would be biased and lack basic due process protections. Removing California from that list was a top priority of the California Legislative Black Caucus and had support from hundreds of entertainers, including Rihanna, Mariah Carey and Robert De Niro. Law enforcement organizations and unions insist they also want a way to permanently remove troubled officers so they can't simply move from one department to another. Six of the nine members would be required to have backgrounds opposing police misconduct, while the remaining three would represent law enforcement. Rejecting some compromise language from the governor, but accepting 40 amendments that drove a wedge further with law enforcement, we think thats what derailed the measure, he said.
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Roc Nation partners with Brooklyns LIU to launch new school
NEW YORK Jay-Zs Roc Nation entertainment company is partnering with Brooklyns Long Island University to launch the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment. The new school will begin enrolling students for the fall 2021 semester, and 25% of the incoming freshmen class will receive Roc Nation Hope Scholarships. Roc Nation Sports was founded in 2013 and has worked with many athletes as well as the NBA, MLB and NFL, even co-producing this years Emmy-nominated halftime show with Shakira and Jennifer Lopez. The Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment will offer undergraduate degrees in music, music technology, entrepreneurship and production, and sports management. The school will also offer resources to high school students and those younger: Starting in spring 2021, the school will launch summer residential camps for high schoolers and Saturday programs for students ages 10-18 that focus on music and sports management.
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Jay-Z, other celebs ask feds to probe student's 2010 killing
Hess shot Henry as Henry drove through a parking lot, away from a disturbance that spilled out of a bar in October 2010 in Mount Pleasant, a New York City suburb. Hess has said Henry was trying to run him down and that he fired through the windshield to stop the driver. The Henrys have said Hess jumped front of the car, got onto the hood and shot their son for no good reason. Henry's father said new information that has come out since the criminal case was closed warrants a reexamination of his son's death. As human beings we should all want a standard of justice that is fair and right, Danroy Henry Sr. told The Boston Globe.
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Senate GOP police bill hits roadblock, as Dems seek changes
A new Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll shows almost all Americans support some degree of criminal justice changes. Ahead of Wednesday's vote, Trump tweeted his support for the GOP bill. This is not about them or us, said Sen. Tim Scott, the only Black Republican in the Senate and author of the GOP bill. Civil rights leaders and the Congressional Black Caucus urged a no vote on the GOP bill. The House is set to approve the Democrats' bill later this week.
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Virus: Elton John-led concert raises $8M; Rihanna ups aid
The Elton John-led starry benefit concert that featured Billie Eilish, Mariah Carey and Alicia Keys on Sunday has raised nearly $8 million to battle the coronavirus. The musicians performed from their homes for the hour-long event that aired on Fox and iHeartMedia radio stations. The money will go to Feeding America and First Responders Childrens Foundation. CONCERT RAISES MILLIONSThe Elton John-led starry benefit concert that featured Billie Eilish, Mariah Carey and Alicia Keys on Sunday has raised nearly $8 million to battle the coronavirus. The musicians performed from their homes for the hourlong event that aired on Fox and iHeartMedia radio stations.

Drake knows just how to turn his birthday into a lifestyle
The 6 God has mastered the concept of turning his birthday into a lifestyle -- he basically invented the idea in 2016. Nothing like some personalized party favors depicting yourself as an adolescent to help your guests remember the good times. Throwing himself another bar mitzvahDrake did have a bar mitzvah at 13. "I told myself that if I ever got rich, I'd throw myself a re-bar mitzvah," he added. The party featured red solo cups with the words "Aubrey's Re-Bar Mitzvah" printed on the side to pizza boxes that read "Papi's Pizzeria."

Eric Tse, 24, just became a billionaire overnight
Eric Tse, who recently graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's prestigious Wharton School of Finance, was gifted about $3.88 billion in his family company's shares on Tuesday. Tse, who is from Hong Kong, is the latest member of Asia's booming billionaire club -- but apparently wants no part in the wealth rankings. The company statement on Tuesday said Tse's parents had transferred the shares to him "to refine the management and inheritance of family wealth." Shares aside, Tse also gained a new position -- executive director of the company's executive board committee. According to the company statement, before being given this role, he previously served as CEO at the North America arm of recruitment company Liepin.

Rihanna on why she won't be performing at the Super Bowl
(CNN) - In an interview with Vogue magazine, Rihanna set the record straight about the Super Bowl -- and revealed that she has a new album up her sleeve. Her fan base went wild when she first teased the new raggae0style album, "R9," over a year ago on Instagram. On Wednesday, Rihanna confirmed to Vogue that the album is still happening, and it is still "reggae inspired." Rihanna also recently turned down the Super Bowl half-time show in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, who started kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice in America. There's things within that organization that I do not agree with at all, and I was not about to go and be of service to them in any way," Rihanna told Vogue.

Rihanna says don't expect her to perform Super Bowl show
Christopher Polk/Getty Images for NARAS(CNN) - Don't expect to see Rihanna perform at the Super Bowl this year. The singer is finishing an album and focusing on her fashion line instead, she told Entertainment Tonight. "I still got an album to finish," she said when asked about a half time performance at the big game. "You gonna ask me about Super Bowl? Rihanna reportedly passed on the opportunity to perform at the 2019 Super Bowl.

Rihanna among stars aiming to help the Bahamas recover from Dorian
LONDON - The destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas has prompted several celebs to step up and offer their support. At least 7 people were killed when Dorian battered the area and many people have been rescued from devastating flooding. Barbados native Rihanna tweeted her support and said she is exploring how to help via her Clara Lionel Foundation. "It truly breaks my heart to see the complete devastation that #HurricaneDorian is having on the Bahamas," she wrote. Rapper/actor Ludacris has announced that the proceeds from his annual charity event, LudaDayWeekend, will go to help the Bahamas.

Notable benefit concerts
Hope for Haiti Now This Jan. 22, 2010, charity telethon featured celebrities like George Clooney, Wyclef Jean, Clint Eastwood and Rihanna. The telethon, which was also conceived and developed by Clooney and Jean along with producer and director Joel Gallen, helped raise funds in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake that claimed the lives of nearly 200,000 people. Hide Caption