Singer Lizzo showed her support for the trans community recently, per LGBTQ Nation. In her keynote speech at the South by Southwest Festival, the Texas-native spoke out against her home state for its recent move to brand supportive parents of trans youth as child abusers. In part, she said, "They're taking away the right for young children to have a chance to live authentically as themselves. It's a violation of human rights. Trans rights are human rights." Last month, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) issued a directive ordering the state's Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to conduct "child abuse" investigations against parents who provide gender-affirming medical care to their trans kids—but a Texas judge recently temporarily halted the prosecution of parents of transgender youth.
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis has also condemned anti-trans bills, The Washington Blade noted. On Instagram and Twitter, the actress posted a picture of herself in a T-shirt bearing the trans flag and sending birthday love to her 26-year-old daughter, Ruby Guest. "Happy birthday Ruby. I am proud 2 be your mother & am sending support 2 all trans families across the US targeted by conservative legislatures & I VOW 2 use my freedom of speech 2 SUPPORT my child & ALL trans children trying 2 live FREELY as who they are. #ProtectTransKids," Curtis posted.
Speaking of Curtis, she revealed that in her upcoming film, Everything Everywhere All at Once, she refused to conceal anything about her appearance, Page Six noted. "In the world, there is an industry—a billion-dollar, trillion-dollar industry—about hiding things. Concealers. Body-shapers. Fillers. Procedures. Clothing. Hair accessories. Hair products. Everything to conceal the reality of who we are." she wrote on Instagram alongside a still of herself in the movie, in which she plays IRS auditor Deirdre Beaubeirdra. Niecy Nash was among the celebrities praising Curtis' post.
George Michael's estate has criticized rapper Tory Lanez for allegedly using Michael and Andrew Ridgeley's "Careless Whisper" for his song "Enchanted Waterfall"—and has even tried to get Lanez's song yanked from Spotify, Variety noted. "Waterfall" is from the rapper's '80s-inspired album Alone at Prom, which was released last year. In 2021, Madonna went after Lanez for what she felt was unauthorized usage of her 1985 hit "Into the Groove" in his song "Pluto's Last Comet."
Regina King, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds and Lin-Manuel Miranda are co-chairs of the Met Gala, which will return to NYC's Metropolitan Museum of Art on the first Monday in May, Vogue revealed. Designer Tom Ford, Instagram head Adam Mosseri and Vogue's Anna Wintour will continue their roles as the event's honorary co-chairs. The 2022 theme and exhibition, "In America: An Anthology of Fashion," is part two of the Met's homage to this country's history. Part one, "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion," opened in September last year due to the pandemic. Still on view at the Anna Wintour Costume Center, the exhibition includes pieces from American standard-bearers such as Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan and Calvin Klein.
Following the uproar surrounding the Pixar employees' statement and Disney CEO Bob Chapek's handling of the "Don't Say Gay" bill, a same-sex kiss has reportedly been reinstated into Pixar's next feature film, Variety noted. Lightyear—starring Chris Evans as the supposed real-life inspiration for the Toy Story character Buzz Lightyear—featured a significant female character, Hawthorne (voiced by Uzo Aduba), who is in a meaningful relationship with another woman. While the fact of that relationship was never in question at the studio, a kiss between the characters had allegedly been cut from the film.
Pop star Charli XCX, who collaborated with trans super-producer SOPHIE several times in her career, was recently remembering the late musician when she said SOPHIE changed her life in an interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music, out.com noted. "She changed my life, you know? And she changed all of our lives," the singer said. "Not just because of her music, which obviously is so incredible, but because of the person that she was as a person. She championed us, she has this incredible energy." SOPHIE had worked with Charli XCX on several songs, including "Roll with Me," "Lipgloss" and "After the Afterparty." SOPHIE—a Grammy-nominated, Scottish producer and trans pioneer—died at the age of 34 early last year when she fell off a balcony while trying to take a picture of the full moon.
Following reports that Elon Musk's ex-partner Grimes has been dating trans woman Chelsea Manning, the billionaire expressed his feelings by posting a transphobic meme on Twitter, according to Consequence. Musk shared an image from the Sad Pablo Escobar meme template. It shows the character of Escobar (played by Wagner Moura in the Netflix series Narcos) sitting on a bench and looking forlorn. The text read, "Netflix waiting for the war to end to make a movie about a [Black Ukrainian] guy falls in love with a transgender [Russian] soldier."
The Recording Academy announced the first slate of artists who will be performing at the Grammys on April 3, and it includes names like BTS, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Rodrigo, with more artists being announced later, according to Out Magazine. Queer nominees who will be performing during the show include Lil Nas X, Brandi Carlile and Brothers Osborne (as half of the duo, T.J., is gay),
While on the red carpet for her Disney movie, a remake of Cheaper by the Dozen, Gabrielle Union brought up the controversy swirling over Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill, legislation that imposes restrictions on classroom instruction of sexual orientation and gender identity—an issue that is personal, as she's stepmother to husband Dwayne Wade's transgender daughter Zaya Wade, The Hollywood Reporter noted. Every moment in history, there has been this moment. We know how this ends. We know where hate and oppression lead. And it can start now with the LGBTQIA community, but if you think that it's just a them problem—oh baby, you're next." Although she didn't specifically name Disney, Union then called on corporations to do more than post on social media.
Matt Bomer is in talks to join the cast of the upcoming Netflix Leonard Bernstein pic Maestro, which Bradley Cooper is directing and starring in as the iconic composer, per Deadline. If a deal closes, Bomer will join Carey Mulligan, who will play Bernstein's wife, Felicia. Pic will be produced by Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Kristie Macosko Krieger, and Fred Berner and Amy Durning.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame plans to decline Dolly Parton's request to bow out of this year's nominations for the Hall of Fame class—because the voting process has already started, NPR noted. Parton indicated that she hoped the Rock Hall would consider her in the future if and when she releases a "great rock 'n' roll album," according to Deadline. Also nominated were A Tribe Called Quest, Beck, Pat Benatar, Kate Bush, Devo, Duran Duran, Eminem, Eurythmics, Fela Kuti, Judas Priest, MC5, The New York Dolls, Rage Against the Machine, Lionel Richie, Carly Simon and Dionne Warwick.
Rapper Rick Ross shared his thoughts about LGBTQ+ artists in hip-hop, according to Complex. During an interview, Funky Dineva asked, "What is your take on gay rappers, like [Saucy] Santana perhaps, coming into the game?" "I'm not familiar with the name Santana, but live your life, chase your dreams and go hard, man. Go hard," Ross replied, who also said, "I believe hip-hop has already embraced [the LGBTQ+ community]—without a doubt." In 2018, Ross was called out for using a homophobic slur in his feature on Meek Mill's Championships album cut "What's Free" in reference to 6ix9ine.
Todrick Hall skipped all press interviews after the Celebrity Big Brother finale last month (during which he finished as runner-up), but recently broke his silence, per US Magazine. "I haven't avoided press because I'm afraid to comment on my experience on big brother, but more to protect myself and my mental health to make sure I could actually get my show on stage and fulfill my obligations to my fans and my PAID employees," Hall said in an Instagram post. He added, in part, "I am a human being, a real one. … I'm not always nice [and] not always kind, nor have I ever claimed to be." Hall took a lot of heat for things he said in the house and on the live feeds, including comments on Shanna Moakler's appearance and Chris Kirkpatrick's family.
Peacock has revealed the entire cast of the new Queer As Folk reboot, out.com noted. Among others, cast members include Jesse James Keitel, who became the first non-binary actor to play a non-binary series regular on primetime television when they starred in Big Sky; Sex and the City actress Kim Cattrall; gay actor Ryan O'Connell, who will incorporate having cerebral palsy into the script; Armand Fields (The Chi; Work in Progress); Johnny Sibilly, known from Pose, Hacks and social media; non-binary actor Candace Grace; Devin Way (Grey's Anatomy; Station 19); Juliette Lewis (Natural Born Killers and August: Osage County); comedian Benito Skinner; and America's Next Top Model and Dancing with the Stars champion Nyle DiMarco.
A brand new weekly podcast, Downton Abbey: The Official Podcast—hosted by Rotten Tomatoes awards editor Jacqueline Coley and broadcaster Anita Rani—features exclusive interviews and unrivaled behind-the-scenes access to the cast & creatives behind one of the world's most beloved historical drama franchises, per a press release. Podcast guests will include Downton favorites Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Michelle Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Allen Leech, Elizabeth McGovern, Lesley Nicol and more. The movie Downton Abbey: A New Era will be in U.K. cinemas on April 29 and U.S. theaters on May 20.
Showtime Documentary Films announced that Sheryl—an intimate story of song and sacrifice about musical icon Sheryl Crow—will have its Showtime premiere on Friday, May 6, a press release noted. Director Amy Scott navigates Crow's seminal yet hard-fought musical career battling sexism, depression, perfectionism, cancer, and the price of fame before harnessing the power of her gift. The film is told through present-day interviews with Crow; behind-the-scenes verite on the road and in her studio; never-before-seen archival footage spanning 20 years of touring; and interviews with close allies Keith Richards, Laura Dern, Joe Walsh, Emmylou Harris, Brandi Carlile and others.
Brian De Palma's The Untouchables is marking its 35th anniversary by making its 4K Ultra HD debut on May 31, from Paramount Home Entertainment, a press release noted. Robert De Niro is mob warlord Al Capone and Kevin Costner is law enforcer Eliot Ness in a larger-than-life depiction of good versus evil on the streets of Prohibition-era Chicago. Sean Connery won his only Oscar for his portrayal of veteran officer Jimmy Malone in the blockbuster hit that was the fourth highest-grossing film of 1987.
The Emmy-winning sketch comedy series A Black Lady Sketch Show will return for its third season Friday, April 8 at 10 p.m. CT, a press release noted. The six-episode season will air on HBO and be available to stream on HBO Max. The new season stars Robin Thede, Gabrielle Dennis, Ashley Nicole Black and Skye Townsend, and will feature more than 40 celebrity guest stars, including Ava DuVernay, Michaela Jae Rodriguez, Raven-Symone, Wanda Sykes, David Alan Grier, Kyla Pratt, Jemele Hill, Holly Robinson Peete, Kel Mitchell, Michael Ealy and more.
Olympic ice dancer Kaitlyn Weaver—who publicly came out as queer during Pride Month last year—paid tribute to Sasha Velour's iconic rose-petal reveal that happened during RuPaul's Drag Race's ninth season, out.com noted. Weaver took to the ice and performed a routine (to Whitney Houston's "So Emotional," like Velour did); she then took off a furry black hat and let rose petals unfurl into the wind. Weaver's performance was part of special, drag-themed skating event that took place at NYC's Wollman Rink—and the skater said the event is taking place every Wednesday at that venue.
ABC has renewed its popular freshman series Abbott Elementary, created and starring Quinta Brunson, for a second season, according to out.com . The announcement came in the form of a memo from the desk of Ava Coleman (Janelle James), the school's egocentric and dramatic principal. The inclusive show stars James, Tyler James Williams, Lisa Ann Walter, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Chris Perfetti (as gay teacher Jacob).
Nick Jonas is joining the NBC competition series Dancing with Myself as Shaquille O'Neal exits, Deadline noted. Jonas, who was a coach on NBC's The Voice, will sit alongside actress Liza Koshy and Shakira as one of the dance creators. The series will see a group of everyday people compete each week in a number of high-energy dance challenges designed and demonstrated by the show's celebrity creators.
As Hacks takes Deborah Vance's show on the road, she's encountering new characters in season two, Variety noted. The series, which is expected to return later this spring on HBO Max, has added Laurie Metcalf, Martha Kelly and Ming-Na Wen as recurring guest stars this season. Also appearing as a guest star is comedian Margaret Cho.
The Power of the Dog director Jane Campion to Serena and Venus Williams after facing backlash for saying they've never had to face off against men like she has, Page Six noted. "I made a thoughtless comment equating what I do in the film world with all that Serena Williams and Venus Williams have achieved," Campion told Page Six. "I did not intend to devalue these two legendary Black women and world-class athletes." Campion said that the last thing she would ever want to do is "minimize remarkable women."
The Los Angeles Police Department is facing a $20-million racial-profiling lawsuit from a Grey's Anatomy driver after officers used "excessive force" against him in an incident on location last year that happened in front of the crew of the medical drama, Deadline reported. The situation occurred during a Tarzana, California, location shoot for series in March 2021; the incident involved Ernest Simon Jr., an African-American Disney employee. "What happened to Mr. Simon was beyond unacceptable," said Shonda Rhimes, the show's executive producer.
Kanye West was suspended from Instagram for 24 hours after the rapper posted a slur targeting The Daily Show host Trevor Noah, per The Hollywood Reporter. West directed a slur toward Noah after the talk show host addressed the contentious divorce between the musician and Kim Kardashian. Before West's post was deleted, Noah had responded in the comments to say that the rapper's behavior "breaks [his] heart."
And the bad news continued for West, as Grammy organizers pulled his performance at the April 3 event to his "concerning online behavior," Page Six noted. Variety confirmed the news shortly after West's "Eazy" collaborator, rapper The Game, took to social media in a rant defending West. "Could be because @trevornoah is hosting and there was a conversation held amongst his team & the academy that led to the decision or because Ye's account was suspended just days ago for reasons unknown especially in a world where all the negativities of the world can be found on the same app with no repercussions or suspensions[?]" the MC hypothesized.
Pearl Jam announced their rescheduled 2020 North America tour, with four additional shows, per a Republic Records press release. The updated routing also includes four additional concert dates in Fresno, Sacramento, Las Vegas and Camden, New Jersey. Some of the other cities on the tour include San Diego, Los Angeles, Toronto, NYC and Denver.
History was made during the finale of The Bachelor when, for the first time in the history of the show, the bachelor was rejected, with Clayton Echard leaving as a single man, per Yahoo! Entertainment. After Echard realized he was in love with Susie Evans "the most," Echard decided to kill two birds with one stone by breaking up with the final two ladies—Rachel Recchia and Gabby Windey, both of whom he had slept with—at the same time. However, during the reunion, Bachelor Nation was surprised to find out that, since leaving Iceland, Chard and Evans have rekindled their romance and have gotten back together.
NBCUniversal's veteran tabloid talker Maury, hosted and executive-produced by Maury Povich, has been canceled after three decades, Deadline noted. The show will end original productions at the end of this season, when Povich plans to retire. Original episodes will air through September, after which repeats of Maury will continue to air in syndication. This is the second show canceled by NBCUniversal this spring, joining Judge Jerry.
"Real Housewife" Luann de Lesseps reportedly drunkenly took over the mic at gay piano bar Townhouse, belting tunes and telling booing patrons "F—k you"—and was eventually kicked out, although she denied she was given the boot, Page Six noted. "The Countess" allegedly grabbed the mic and kept singing; a source said, "She tried to sing [her own song] 'Money Can't Buy You Class,' but they didn't know it; they know standards." Video taken by a patron, seen by Page Six, shows de Lesseps saying, "F—k you" to the crowd while on the mic singing. The celebrity later apologized; on Instagram, she stated, "I want to apologize to the staff at Townhouse and anyone else I may have offended with my behavior. Clearly[,] my struggles with alcohol are real!"
