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Kanye West Suddenly Issues Self-Serving Apology — in Hebrew — to Jewish Community as He Readies New Album Release

Roger Friedman
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Kanye West Suddenly Issues Self-Serving Apology — in Hebrew — to Jewish Community as He Readies New Album Release

Don’t believe a word of it.

At 2:52 am, Kanye West — proudly antisemitic — issued an apology to the Jewish community on Instagram. It’s in Hebrew, no less.

As one follower commented, he’s getting ready to release a new album, called “Vultures,” on Friday. (It’s already floated around on YouTube and other platforms.)

Another observer said, West — who has openly praised Adolf Hitler — wrote the apology in “Yewish.” This is because the rapper calls himself Ye.

The so-called apology comes from a man who once said: “I’m a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I’m going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE. The funny thing is I actually can’t be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew also You guys have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda.”

West’s statement — devoid of any personal contrition — reads like it came from Google Translate, or some kind of AI program:

“I sincerely apologize to the Jewish community for any unintended outburst caused by my words or actions. It was not my intention to hurt or disrespect, and I deeply regret any pain I may have caused. I am committed to starting with myself and learning from this experience to ensure greater sensitivity and understanding in the future. Your forgiveness is important to me, and I am committed to making amends and promoting unity”

That’s nice, but it doesn’t account for years of expressed antisemitism, West’s doubling down on hate that caused him to lose all his businesses and alienate not only the Jewish community but a major portion of his following. Companies that severed ties with him include Adidas, Balenciaga, The Gap, Foot Locker, and MRC (aka the film company that shares its owner with The Hollywood Reporter, Dick Clark Productions, and the Golden Globes).

West’s talent agency, CAA, dropped him. He’s persona non grata at Universal Music.

It’s clear from the comments on Instagram that no one believes West, and that he’s done this in the most self-serving way because he needs to sell music fast. His finances are in shambles because of his outspoken, bigoted views. It was just reported that he’s having a fire sale on a Malibu mansion, for example.

It was only 10 days ago that we were outraged about lyrics from “Vultures” in which Kanye said he couldn’t be antisemitic — and then gave an antisemitic reason. Here’s a good piece on his history from the Miami Herald.

Keep the apology, Kanye. And your album, ugly sneakers, and over priced clothes. We got the message a long time ago.

Oscars: Annette Bening Makes Waves as the Dark Horse Candidate for Best Actress Because She Makes Diana “Nyad” Look So Easy

Roger Friedman
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Oscars: Annette Bening Makes Waves as the Dark Horse Candidate for Best Actress Because She Makes Diana “Nyad” Look So Easy

“Nyad” is on Netflix right now. Four time Oscar nominee Annette Bening plays celebrity swimmer Diana Nyad who, at 64, became the only person to make it from Cuba to Key West swimming without a shark cage. Two time Oscar winner Jodie Foster is her gutsy, indefatigable coach and life partner.

Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Oscar winners for their spectacular work on the  2019 documentary “Free Solo,” made “Nyad” their directorial debut in features. Oscar winner Claudio Miranda is the cinematographer.

Yet, no one in the grinding world of FilmTwitter, or influencers, or Gold Derby, any place else where buzz is created, has shown much enthusiasm for  “Nyad.” The Golden Globes did nominate Bening, but otherwise overlooked the rest of the film. The Critics Choice Association threw a bone to Foster, but nothing for the film or Bening.

All of this is ridiculous. If you haven’t seen “Nyad,” it’s easier to do than brushing your teeth. It’s playing on Netflix even as you read this. Bening and Foster do some of the best work of their heralded careers. They are sensational playing difficult roles. Diana Nyad is a great swimmer but no day at the beach. She’s abrupt, caustic, and focused on herself. Coach Bonnie is more likable, but she’s also a tough cookie. These two are not “Thelma and Louise.”

But what Best Actress has ever won, in our lifetimes, for being an overachieving athlete? One who won’t accept the word “no”? Bening finds the heart at Nyad’s core, shows a vulnerability that makes this superstar human, and makes her root for her. You can see all the blood, sweat, and tears that went into the performance. Ignoring Bening’s accomplishment would be a crime.

Bening has been nominated four times — for “The Grifters” in 1991 (Supporting), “American Beauty” in 2000 (she should have won), 2005 for “Being Julia,” and 2011 for “The Kids Are Alright.” She was overlooked for “Bugsy,” “The American President,” “20th Century Women,” and “Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool.” It’s a career of 32 years, but like Glenn Close, Bening makes it look too easy.

So put on a life preserver, and watch “Nyad” if you’re serious about great acting. Bening and Foster, and even cinematographer Miranda are at the top of their respective games. Don’t leave them treading water. They’re Olympians — even if Nyad wasnt!

(Watch) Disgraced Fox Host Tucker Carlson Interview Hollywood Pariah Kevin Spacey In Character as Frank Underwood of “House of Cards”

Roger Friedman
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(Watch) Disgraced Fox Host Tucker Carlson Interview Hollywood Pariah Kevin Spacey In Character as Frank Underwood of “House of Cards”

Once a year or so Hollywood pariah Kevin Spacey pops up with odd video.

Today, it’s in a mock interview with disgraced ex Fox News host Tucker Carlson, king of conspiracy theories. Spacey appears as his “House of Cards” character, Frank Underwood, complete with a Southern accent. Carlson wants to know if he would run for president.

Spacey remains cancelled in Hollywood despite wiggling out of a couple of sex harassment lawsuits. He is still totally creepy, and definitely guilty of just that if nothing else.

Carlson can only be seen on Elon Musk’s Twitter X since no network will have him.

Spacey was fired from “House of Cards” and Underwood was killed off before the series ended. Underwood was a double or triple murderer, a villain of major proportions who was beyond redemption. He was a sicko. But Spacey obviously misses him, which says a lot. Carlson, who loves Donald Trump in real life, seems very comfortable with Underwood.

Happy Twisted Christmas.

“Aquaman 2” All Wet with 5 Day Holiday Take Just $40 Mil, Warner’s “Wonka” Wows, “Iron Claw” Wrestled to the Ground

Roger Friedman
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“Aquaman 2” All Wet with 5 Day Holiday Take Just $40 Mil, Warner’s “Wonka” Wows, “Iron Claw” Wrestled to the Ground

Tomorrow concludes a five day holiday weekend at the box office.

So far, “Aquaman 2” is all wet with just $40 million for the five days. Throw him a life preserver! Glub glub glub.

Warner Bros, however, has a hit in “Wonka,” which will clear $100 million later this week. I’m actually surprised this worked so well, but Timothee Chalamet is charming, and the sets are spectacular. This was the family film.

Not everything is booming. “The Iron Claw,” kind of the feel bad movie of Christmas, has made just $5 million over the four days. We’ll see what happens tomorrow. Even with a trio of hot leading men, the movie wrestles with the truth of the von Erich family — it’s a tragedy. Even the best made wrestling movies — think “Foxcatcher” — are not crowd pleasers.

Sony’s rom com “Anyone But You” took in $6.5 million over the four days. I’m reading that it didn’t cost much, but a fortune was spent on ads and publicity.

Big hits: “Poor Things” and “All of Us Strangers” from Searchlight have strong starts. They’re all mixed up in the awards races, too. Quality films. “Poor Things” is not to be missed.

Meanwhile, the repetitive and very grim “Zone of Interest,” which I didn’t think would have a big following in theaters when I saw it in Cannes, is already down 31% from last week and it hasn’t even gotten a middling release yet. I can’t imagine people sitting through this movie, especially at this time of year. Show it in museums! Perfect for MoMA, MOCA, etc.

UPDATE: Pete Davidson “Could Have Been Exhausted” After 55 1 Man Shows in a Row, “Didn’t Want to Do This Much,” Quietly Changed Agents, Movie Flopped

Roger Friedman
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UPDATE: Pete Davidson “Could Have Been Exhausted” After 55 1 Man Shows in a Row, “Didn’t Want to Do This Much,” Quietly Changed Agents, Movie Flopped

EXCLUSIVE

Here’s what I’m hearing about Pete Davidson suddenly canceling a dozen shows over Christmas and New Year’s.

For one thing, Davidson has performed at least 55 1 man shows since June on a grueling schedule. If you’re in a city that was just canceled, keep in mind that the SNL comic has been working like a dog for months without a significant break.

On top of that: on November 10th came word that Davidson had signed with William Morris Endeavor for representation in movies and TV. He had already been a client for ages with Mike Berkowitz for touring. Pete was on tour when that announcement was made.

EXCLUSIVE: It’s unclear what happened, but very quietly in the last month — since that big announcement — Davidson exited WME and Berkowitz in matters of touring and jumped to the Gersh Agency. He did this in the middle of this wild tour schedule. (WME and Berkowitz still are his agents for film and TV.)

A source says: “He must be exhausted. He didn’t want to do this much.”

We can only imagine that after 55 stand up dates, show after show, few breaks for recharging, the idea of hitting the New York area, plus other key cities, might have seemed daunting.

During the tour, Davidson — who pays to put audiences’ cell phones in locked pouches — lost it with a fan at New York’s City Winery on November 2nd who’d somehow smuggled one in. Pete cursed the guy out — he was ejected from the show — complained about paying $10,000 for the pouches that performers are using more and more to keep their content safe, and off social media.

Davidson’s tour — which was sometimes billed as “with Friends” — but still required solo sets, was so popular dates were being added spontaneously to keep up with the demand.

On top of that, Davidson was no doubt looking forward to being in a hit comedy this fall. “Dumb Money” was, however, dumped by Sony and was a flop — partly because of the strikes but also because lawsuits were threatened from people depicted in the movie. “Dumb Money” had an 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes among critics, and an 85% from audiences. It should have been a huge hit, and certainly in the awards talk this fall after a successful premiere in Toronto. But it all went away overnight. Poof! The total box office was $13.9 million with almost no foreign release.

So let’s cut this guy some slack, and hope he’s getting some earned rest. He deserves it.

Where is Pete Davidson? Troubled Ex “SNL” Comedian Raises Concern About Health After Suddenly Canceling All Shows Through January 6th

Roger Friedman
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Where is Pete Davidson? Troubled Ex “SNL” Comedian Raises Concern About Health After Suddenly Canceling All Shows Through January 6th

Pete Davidson is MIA.

The ex “SNL” comedian has cancelled all his comedy shows through the beginning of next year.

Davidson abruptly cancelled his show at the Beacon Theater with an email to ticket holders.

“Please be advised that the Pete Davidson performances scheduled to take place at the Beacon Theatre on Fri, Dec 22 and Sat, Dec 23 have been canceled,” the email said. Refunds are automatic.

All the rest of Davidson’s shows were cancelled as well including cities like Nashville, San Antonio, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Louisville, and Milwaukee.

Is it drugs? Crohn’s disease? Mental health? It could be one or all three. Davidson has battled with all these issues for years, periodically checking into rehab. He’s a gifted comedian with real demons, starting with the death of his father in 9-11 when Pete was very young.

The cancellations are a headache for the promoters and theaters, but worth it if it means Davidson is taking care of himself.

Ticketmaster is still selling tickets starting January 6th at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. Everything before that will be refunded.

Davidson has a Netflix schedule set for January 9th, but it’s unclear if it was already taped.

Laura Lynch, Founding Member of the Chicks, Dies in Texas Auto Accident at Age 65

Roger Friedman
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Laura Lynch, Founding Member of the Chicks, Dies in Texas Auto Accident at Age 65

Laura Lynch, the original lead singer of the group known as the Dixie Chicks, died today in an auto accident in Texas. She was 65, and not wearing a seat belt according to reports.

Lynch made three albums with the Chicks. She was replaced by Natalie Maines when she left. The other founding members were Robin Lynn Macy, Martie Erwin and Emily Erwin in 1989. Lynch played upright bass and was the group’s vocalist.

Condolences to her family, friends, and fans.

Box Office: Quiet Christmas Looms as Weekend Could Be Lowest in Years As “Aquaman 2,” Big Releases Disappoint

Roger Friedman
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Box Office: Quiet Christmas Looms as Weekend Could Be Lowest in Years As “Aquaman 2,” Big Releases Disappoint

This is going to be one weird Christmas at the box office.

So far, the numbers for everything are way off, with all signs pointing to one of the lowest holiday weekends in years.

The number 1 movie, “Aquaman 2,” will be lucky to clear $40 million through Christmas Day, Monday.

After a strong start, “Wonka” is already slowing down. Currently at $64 million, it might hit $90 by end of the day on Monday. But it’s certainly the best of the season.

Two entries, “The Iron Claw,” and “Anyone But You,” are not causing lines at the box office. The former film, a wrestling saga with Zac Efron, is grim, not a crowd pleaser like “Rocky.” Basically, everyone dies. And “Anyone But You” is what a friend of mine calls “a rental,” good for airplanes. If one of them takes off, it will be a miracle.

Part of the problem is that studios took the words Christmas Day literally this year. Christmas Day is Monday. Christmas releases should have included this weekend. On Monday we’re going to get “The Color Purple” — an Oscar film, “The Boys in the Boat” — family film, and “Ferrari” with a Penelope Cruz performance for the ages. It’s a shame they weren’t given a headstart now.

One possibility: Searchlight’s wild, sexy, funny “Poor Things” is in limited release has already made $4 million. The Emma Stone- Mark Ruffalo-Willem Dafoe extravaganza must be seen — by adults, thank you. Many Oscar nominations are forthcoming. It’s the one actually cool new movie of the holiday.

Taylor Swift Sold Over 450K Albums This Week Including the Number 1 Record “1989 (Taylor’s Version)”

Roger Friedman
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Taylor Swift Sold Over 450K Albums This Week Including the Number 1 Record “1989 (Taylor’s Version)”

The record business now consists entirely of Taylor Swift.

In this week’s top 50, Swift sold over 450,000 albums. That includes 125,000 for the number 1 album, “1989 (Taylor’s Version).”

She placed 5 albums in the top 20 alone.

Last week’s number 1 album, a chart debut, was Nicki Minaj. She fell to number 2 this week, and behind Taylor by 30,000.

The numbers here are from hits daily double.com and include streaming. “1989” sold nearly 85,000 actual paid downloads or CD or LPs. So that was most of the sale. The rest was streaming.

The whole thing is mind boggling. In 2023, we’ve had few releases by anyone other than Taylor Swift. This is the least productive music generation since rock and roll began. Adele, Rihanna, Beyonce make albums every six years. Rock bands do little. Is it laziness? Or no one has anything to say? Beats me. Or is it just that there’s no money to be made — thanks to streaming — so the artists have just given up. It’s sad.

Anything But This: Sony Spent a Fortune Promoting It, but “Anyone But You” Is a Christmas Turkey

Roger Friedman
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Anything But This: Sony Spent a Fortune Promoting It, but “Anyone But You” Is a Christmas Turkey

If I were Glen Powell, I’d change managers.

The charming and good looking actor was on his way up after an impressive outing in “Top Gun Maverick.” He was already known as a rising star with a coming Richard Linklater movie, “Hit Man,” coming this winter.

On Powell’s resume was one cheesy romcom, called “Set it Up.” So why do another?

Yet, in “Anyone But You,” Powell took a big backward step and now he’s going to pay for it. “Anyone But You” opened to previews of $1.2 million last night. Sony spent a fortune promoting it, pushing a naked Powell and “Euphoria” star Sydney Sweeney like they were a 1930s screwball comedy pairing.

But the truth is, it’s more screw loose than screw ball. “Anyone But You” has a 48% on Rotten Tomatoes — and falling. The movie will wind up airplanes as a free entertainment choice pretty quickly. I look forward to watching it with the sound off by either the Grammys or Oscars week.

Sweeney is pretty much a PR construct anyway. But Powell had star potential coming into this mess. “Hit Man” may yet save him. But he will have to write this one off. And so will Sony.

I haven’t seen it, so I’ll leave the last word on this movie to Newsday’s Rafer Guzman: “’Anyone But You’ might pass muster as a pleasant holiday-season diversion, but it’s also a reminder that even the most dazzling smiles and perfect bodies can’t sustain a two-hour movie.”

See you on the plane! Pass the pretzels!

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