Russell Brand Misconduct Allegations Prompt BBC Apology and Reforms

BBC's Peter Johnston investigated Russell Brand's 2006-2013 conduct, revealing eight complaints including sexual misconduct and studio exposure. Four women alleged assault, which Brand denied as consensual.

Recently criticized for spreading misinformation, Brand declined participation. BBC apologized, acknowledging presenter abuse of position, implementing new anti-harassment procedures.

Nora Roberts: Prolific Storyteller with a Focus on Relationships

Nora Roberts, writing also as J.D. Robb, has authored over 250 books, working 6-8 hours daily. Producing four books annually since 1995, including two 'In Death' installments yearly, she focuses on relationships rather than pure romance.

With no retirement plans, she aims to be remembered as a storyteller. Her favorites include 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' 'Catch-22,' and 'Jane Eyre.'.

FireAid: Billie Eilish, Gaga, Chili Peppers for Wildfire Relief

FireAid's January 28 benefit features Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Red Hot Chili Peppers at Kia Forum and Intuit Dome, streaming across multiple platforms. Event highlights wildfire impacts, including Dawes members' losses in Eaton fire. First responders will speak alongside celebrities.

Dave Matthews cancelled. Annenberg Foundation manages donations for Los Angeles fire victims.

A$AP Rocky Faces 24-Year Sentence Amid Career Highs

A$AP Rocky, 36, faces 24-year sentence for 2021 Hollywood shooting of A$AP Relli. Attorney Tacopina argues before Judge Arnold that Rocky used blanks.

Rihanna, 36, mother of RZA and Riot Rose, attended trial. Their relationship, since 2020's VMAs performance, continues as Rocky pursues Grammy nomination, Rolling Loud Festival, and Spike Lee film.

Glenn Martens Named Maison Margiela's New Creative Director

Glenn Martens, 41, immediately succeeds Galliano as Maison Margiela's creative director after his decade-long tenure. Known for cutting-edge textile techniques and street-savvy collections, Martens led Diesel since 2000, creating Milan runway sensations.

The third director after Martin Margiela and Galliano will oversee both haute couture and ready-to-wear shows in Paris.

Glenn Martens Takes Helm at Maison Margiela

Belgian designer Glenn Martens, 41, succeeds John Galliano's decade-long tenure as Maison Margiela's third creative director, following founder Martin Margiela. Since 2000, he's transformed OTB-owned Diesel with cutting-edge textile techniques and street-savvy collections.

Renzo Rosso praised Martens' talent as the house continues haute couture and ready-to-wear shows in Paris.

Glenn Martens Appointed to Lead Maison Margiela

41-year-old Belgian Glenn Martens, known for edgy street-savvy collections and cutting-edge textile techniques at Diesel since 2000, assumes immediate leadership at Maison Margiela. OTB chairman Renzo Rosso praised his couture prowess.

Following founder Martin Margiela and Galliano's decade tenure, Martens will direct haute couture and ready-to-wear collections shown in Paris.

Glenn Martens Named Maison Margiela's New Creative Director

Glenn Martens, 41, succeeds John Galliano as Maison Margiela's creative director after Galliano's decade-long tenure. The Belgian designer, praised by OTB chairman Renzo Rosso, transformed Diesel since 2000 with cutting-edge textile techniques and edgy street-savvy collections.

He follows founder Martin Margiela and Galliano, showing both haute couture and ready-to-wear collections in Paris.

FireAid 2024 Continues Benefit Concert Legacy

Benefit concerts evolved from Harrison's 1971 Bangladesh show through Live Aid ($140M), Farm Aid ($80M), 9/11's Concert for NYC ($35M), Sandy Relief, and One Love Manchester ($24.5M).

FireAid 2024, featuring Eilish and Gaga at LA's Kia Forum, continues this legacy, streaming globally for wildfire relief efforts.

FireAid 2024 Joins Legendary Benefit Concerts, Raising Millions for Charity

FireAid 2024, featuring Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga, continues a legacy of benefit concerts including Live Aid ($140M), Farm Aid ($80M), Concert for New York City ($35M), Sandy Relief ($50M), and One Love Manchester ($24.5M).

These events, streaming globally, unite artists from Willie Nelson to Ariana Grande, demonstrating music's enduring philanthropic power.

VH1 Save the Music Foundation Gains Independence, Boosts Education

Founded by Rock Hall chairman John Sykes in 1997 with Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, and Mariah Carey performing, VH1 Save the Music Foundation is separating from Paramount.

With a $10M endowment fund and MacKenzie Scott's $2M grant, it supports programs like Therrell High's Panther Records and traditional instruments, improving education through music nationwide.

VH1 Foundation Boosts Music Education with $10M Endowment Push

VH1 Save the Music Foundation, established 1997 by Rock Hall chairman Sykes, transitions from Paramount with $10M endowment goal and $2M Scott grant.

Supporting traditional instruments in Brooklyn's PS 20 and technology at Atlanta's Therrell High through J Dilla grants, it gained conservative backing by demonstrating music education's scientific and academic benefits nationwide.

Save the Music Foundation Transforms Education Through Music

Save the Music Foundation, launched in 1997 with Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, and Mariah Carey, evolved from VH1's initiative to an independent organization with a $10 million endowment, including MacKenzie Scott's $2 million grant.

It supports diverse programs nationwide, from PS 20 Brooklyn's instruments to Therrell High's Panther Records, improving education through music technology and traditional instruction.

Save the Music Foundation Gains Independence with $12M Boost

Save the Music Foundation, established 1997 by VH1's John Sykes, transitions from celebrity events to independent status with MacKenzie Scott's $2M grant and $10M endowment. Programs span traditional instruments at PS 20 Brooklyn to Therrell High's Panther Records.

Teachers Lonnie Hampton and Samuel Davis report increased engagement through J Dilla technology grants, supporting Rock Hall's mission linking music to academic success.

Save the Music Foundation Secures $10M for Education

Save the Music Foundation, founded 1997 by VH1's Sykes, transitions from Paramount with $10M endowment including Scott's $2M. Programs like J Dilla Technology Grant support schools nationwide, from PS 20 Brooklyn to Atlanta's Panther Records.

Rock Hall chairman emphasizes music education's impact on test scores and brain development, benefiting diverse careers.

Sundance 2024 Online Platform Streams Competition Films Jan 30-Feb 2

Sundance 2024's online platform streams competition films Jan 30-Feb 2, including 'Twinless', Sally Ride doc, and Ukrainian documentaries, excluding A24 and Focus Features releases like 'Opus'. Director Hernandez manages U.S.-only access with 5-hour viewing windows, $35-$800 pricing supporting artist programs.

Premieres section remains theatrical-only, continuing Park City tradition.

Ferrell and Witherspoon Clash in Hilarious Wedding Showdown

Nicholas Stoller's R-rated 'You're Cordially Invited' stars Ferrell and Witherspoon as feuding wedding planners at a double-booked Georgia venue.

The 109-minute Amazon MGM Studios release features Viswanathan, Blyden, Tatro, Weston, Monterroso Mejia, Scovel, and Morgan in a story balancing broad comedy, including alligator wrestling, with emotional family dynamics.

Fuji TV Leaders Quit Over Nakai Scandal Fallout

Fuji TV President Minato and Chairman Kanoh resigned following ex-SMAP star Nakai's 2023 assault scandal, exposed by Shukan Bunshun. The network admitted mishandling the case, exploiting female announcers, and bypassing compliance.

Connected to wider industry issues including Johnny Kitagawa abuse cases, the scandal triggered advertising losses, Nakai's retirement, and mandated independent panel investigation by March.

Copping Revives Lanvin with Art Deco Flair

Peter Copping's Lanvin debut featured 62 looks including antique-style lace aprons, gilded trousers, sheer blouses, spiral-draped ribbon dresses, and a silver mirror-embroidered T-shirt.

The 1920s and 30s-inspired collection showcased Art Deco influences through silver-studded black velvet capes, gold metallic lurex dresses, and mirror-embroidered pieces, maintaining the house's historic legacy while embracing modernity.

Lopez Shines in 'Spider Woman' Musical Premiere

Condon's 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' premiered at Park City's Eccles Theater, earning a standing ovation. Lopez, in spiderweb attire, stars with Luna and Tonatiuh, who play Argentine prison cellmates.

Adapting Puig's 1976 novel, following Tony-winning and Oscar-winning versions, the musical challenges gender norms while celebrating cinema's escapist power through spectacular song and dance.

Stars Shine in New Netflix Hits and Sequels

Sterling K. Brown stars as Secret Service agent with James Marsden. Noah Centineo returns in 'The Recruit' S2.

Tom Hanks' 'Here' and Nicole Kidman's 'Babygirl' stream on Netflix. The Weeknd concludes trilogy with 'Hurry Up Tomorrow.' Witherspoon and Ferrell clash at Georgia island wedding venue. 'SNL 50 Years of Music' and Citizen Sleeper 2 complete releases.

Everett's 'James' Sweeps Literary Awards

Percival Everett's 'James' won the Carnegie Medal and $5,000, joining winners like Tartt and Whitehead. The novel, retelling 'Huckleberry Finn' from Jim's perspective, earned the National Book Award, Kirkus Prize, topped NYT list, and received National Book Critics nomination.

Escoto praised this modern masterpiece from Penguin Random House.

New Claim Challenges Iconic Napalm Photo Credit

The Stringer documentary by Bao Nguyen, Gary Knight, and Fiona Turner reveals Nguyen Thanh Nghe's claim to Kim Phuc's 1972 napalm photo, challenging Nick Ut's Pulitzer credit. Former AP editor Carl Robinson confirms Horst Faas ordered crediting Ut.

INDEX forensics supports Nghe, who drove for NBC in Trang Bang. AP maintains Ut's authorship, requesting evidence review.

Sacai Merges Whimsy and Utility at Paris Fashion Week

Sacai's Paris Fashion Week show, featuring branded water bottles, rugged boots, and knit blousons, drew Chalamet, Osaka, and Lisa.

Chitose Abe's collection, inspired by Sendak's 1963 'Where the Wild Things Are,' merged olive suits, faux fur trims, and utility bags with shaggy faux-knit pelts and oversized scarves, blending functionality with whimsy.

Kenzo's Fusion: Tokyo Meets New York in Paris

Kenzo's Fall-Winter 2025 Paris show, directed by Nigo with Futura, featured bold patterns and avant-garde aesthetics. The collection merged weathered denim, paisleys, and workwear with train motifs and atom-floral logos.

Japanese calligraphy adorned shopping bag-inspired accessories. Chunky loafers and Mary Janes complemented six-button jackets, drawing fashion and music notables to witness Tokyo-New York fusion.

Bronstein's Thriller Premieres at Sundance 2025

Bronstein's A24 psychological thriller 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You' premiered at Sundance 2025's Library Theatre. Byrne stars as Linda, a mother facing breakdown during her daughter's illness.

The 27-day production features O'Brien as therapist, Macdonald and Zolghadri (absent facing gun charges). Following her acclaimed 'Yeast' with Gerwig, Bronstein explores caretaker burnout through supernatural elements.

Flight Risk Soars, Tops Box Office

Flight Risk, Gibson's thriller starring Wahlberg, Dockery, and Grace, topped box office with $12M despite C CinemaScore. Corbet's The Brutalist, 10-time Oscar nominee, earned $2.9M wide.

Jenkins' Mufasa reached $626.7M globally, placing second with $8.7M. One of Them Days, featuring Palmer and SZA, maintained strong performance with $8M, dropping 32% in week two.

Hermes Revs Up Menswear with Racing-Inspired Elegance

Veronique Nichanian's Hermes Fall-Winter 2025 collection at Paris Fashion Week transformed racing silks into contemporary menswear at Palais d'Iéna. The collection featured mohair coats, velvet varsity jackets, plush sheepskin outerwear, and streamlined pinstripe suits.

Geometric patterns, including chevrons, triangles, and rectangles, adorned turtlenecks and a distinctive shawl collar jacket, honoring the brand's equestrian heritage with modern sophistication.

McCartney Fights AI Copyright Law Changes

Paul McCartney, 82, urges British government to protect creative industries by opposing copyright law changes allowing AI training on copyrighted content without permission. December's consultation seeks balance between creator remuneration and AI development.

The Creative Rights in AI Coalition, including AP, fights weakened protections while tech giants profit from streaming platforms. Government must safeguard artists' rights.

Audiard's 'Emilia Pérez' Sparks Debate with Oscar Nods

Jacques Audiard's 'Emilia Pérez', starring Gascón, Saldaña, Gomez, and Paz, earned 13 Oscar nominations despite controversy.

The trans narco musical addressing Mexico's 121,000 missing persons and 772 trans femicides faces criticism from GLAAD, activists Belmonte and Miranda, and Mexican audiences for stereotypical portrayals and trivializing serious issues, despite Cannes and Golden Globe success.

Audiard's Musical Sparks Controversy, Earns $74K

Jacques Audiard's Oscar-nominated musical about Mexican drug trafficker Manitas del Monte's transgender journey, starring Selena Gomez and Adriana Paz, earned $74,000 amid controversy.

Despite Golden Globe wins and support from Guillermo del Toro, the film faces backlash over its portrayal of narco violence, Mexico's 121,000 missing persons, and transgender representation, prompting protests and criticism of its authenticity.

Yarros Wows Fans with 'Onyx Storm' Release

Rebecca Yarros discussed 'Onyx Storm,' her 526-page romantasy at Manhattan's Town Hall with Laurie Hernandez before 1,500 costumed fans. The third Empyrean book about Violet and Xaden sold 300,000 Barnes & Noble copies, topping Amazon charts.

BookTok drove sales while fans celebrated with midnight parties. Yarros balanced fame with family life, emphasizing real connections over internet popularity.

Conan O'Brien Tackles Oscars Amid Wildfires

Former Tonight Show host Conan O'Brien, at Park City's Library Theatre for Sundance on January 24, 2025, addresses hosting the twice-postponed 97th Oscars amid LA wildfires devastating Pacific Palisades and Altadena. Smoke damage prevents returns as 'Emilia Pérez' leads March 2 nominations.

His film with Rose Byrne premieres.

Sundance 2024: Docs Shine, Global Stories Rise

Sundance 2024 features 40 documentaries, including Chernov's Ukrainian frontline film, MacDonald's John & Yoko IMAX release, and 'SLY LIVES!' on Hulu. Institute-supported works include 'Sugarcane' about residential school abuse, 'Black Box Diaries' on sexual assault, and 'Porcelain War'.

The World Cinema Documentary Competition reflects growing international Oscar influence, continuing Sundance's 25-year Oscar nomination streak.

Guy Pearce Nabs Oscar Nod in 'The Brutalist'

Guy Pearce, 57, earned his first Oscar nomination playing Harrison Lee Van Buren in Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold's 'The Brutalist', which received 10 nominations. The film explores Van Buren's deteriorating relationship with Holocaust survivor László Tóth (Adrien Brody), inspired by the creators' experiences with 'Vox Lux' financiers.

Pearce, who lives in Netherlands with Carice van Houten, crafted his character's voice after Danny Huston.

Dior Men's Paris Show: Heritage Meets Modernity

Kim Jones's Dior Men's Paris Fashion Week show at Ecole Militaire featured Christian Dior's Ligne H-inspired masculine designs. The collection included leather bombers, opera capes, bow-capped boots, and hybrid sneakers from 1961 archives.

Glass-bead embroidery and a Pondichery-inspired pink robe exemplified heritage-meets-modernity. Kate Moss, Robert Pattinson, and other celebrities attended this pivotal presentation.

Lise Davidsen's Twin Joy Amid Opera Stardom

Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen, 37, expecting twins, performs Ariadne auf Naxos in Vienna through January 31, with recitals in San Francisco (Feb 4) and Los Angeles (Feb 11). Final pre-maternity show: Fidelio at Met March 4-15.

Cancellations: Die Walküre, Der Rosenkavalier, Barcelona concert, Cavalleria Rusticana at Verbier. Returns to Met 2026.

Watanabe Redefines Americana with Avant-Garde Flair

Junya Watanabe's Fall-Winter 2025-2026 Paris Fashion Week collection transformed classic Americana through avant-garde design. Beginning with beige hunting jackets and denim, the show evolved to incorporate vibrant checks, pastels, and innovative patchwork.

Traditional masculine silhouettes merged with gender-fluid elements through sophisticated layering techniques, creating a conceptual statement that balanced convention with subversion.

Matlin's Journey: From Silence to Oscar Glory

Marlee Matlin's American Masters documentary, directed by Shoshannah Stern, chronicles her journey from childhood deafness through Oscar-winning success in 'Children of Lesser God,' alleged abuse by William Hurt, and advocacy work.

The film features Henry Winkler's mentorship, her roles in 'The West Wing' and 'CODA,' activism for closed captioning and Gallaudet University, and influence on deaf representation, culminating in Troy Kotsur's historic Oscar win.

High-Flying Chaos: Alaska's Deadly Conspiracy

This 91-minute R-rated January Lionsgate release follows Marshal Dockery, witness Grace, and unstable pilot Wahlberg flying to Anchorage for mob testimony. At 3,000 feet over Alaska, Dockery uncovers government conspiracy while managing unexpected piloting duties and radio romance.

The film mixes brutal violence with comedy, featuring Grace's one-liners and Wahlberg's threatening behavior.

Paris Fashion Week: Volvo Buses Dodge Traffic Like Pros

During Paris Fashion Week, teams experiencing the Eiffel Tower and cuisine in the city of lights face dramatic police-escorted Volvo bus rides. Indiana's Carlisle and Spurs' Johnson describe drivers casually weaving through traffic, often on wrong sides, with sirens wailing.

Carlisle, who unpromptedly thanked police, compares the skilled bus handling to Call of Duty vehicles.

Elton John Hits 16th Oscar Nomination Milestone

The 2024 Oscar music nominations feature veteran Elton John's 'Never Too Late' with Carlile, Taupin, and Watt, marking a 16th nomination milestone. 'Emilia Pérez' earned three nods for Ducol and Camille, while first-time nominees Alexander and Quesada's 'Like A Bird' from 'Sing Sing' joins Original Score contenders Blumberg's 'Brutalist', Bertelmann's 'Conclave', Powell's 'Wicked', and Bowers' 'Wild Robot'.