Trump suffered 'mental anguish' from disputed CBS News interview with Harris, lawyer says
NEW YORK (AP) -- Donald Trump's lawyer says that the president suffered "mental anguish" from CBS News' editing of an interview last fall with his Democratic election opponent Kamala Harris. That argument was made in court papers opposing Paramount Global's efforts to get Trump's $40 billion lawsuit dismissed. Trump has claimed the interview was edited to make Harris look good, a contention that CBS and its parent company Paramount reject. Nevertheless, Paramount and Trump lawyers are engaged in settlement talks, which could lead to some trouble of its own. A press advocacy group that says it is a Paramount shareholder says it will sue if there is a settlement.
Movie Review: A tech bro-pocalypse in Jesse Armstrong's 'Mountainhead'
"Succession" fans rejoice. Jesse Armstrong has again gathered together a conclave of uber-wealthy megalomaniacs in a delicious satire, writes AP Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review of "Mountainhead." The "Succession" creator wrote and directed the new made-for-HBO movie that leaves behind the backstabbing machinations of media moguls for the not-any-better power plays of tech billionaires. With standout performances by Cory Michael Smith, Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell and Jason Schwartzman, "Mountainhead" is a frightfully credible comedy about the delusions of tech utopianism.
Russell Brand pleads not guilty to charges of rape and sexual assault in London court
LONDON (AP) -- Actor and comedian Russell Brand has pleaded not guilty in a London court to rape and sexual assault charges involving four women dating back more than 25 years. Brand, who turns 50 next week, denied two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. His trial was scheduled for June 3, 2026. Prosecutors said the offenses took place between 1999 and 2005 -- one in the English seaside town of Bournemouth and the other three in London. Brand did not speak to reporters as he arrived at Southwark Crown Court wearing dark sunglasses.
Movie Review: Wes Anderson's 'Phoenician Scheme' is as Wes Anderson as a Wes Anderson film can be
Wes Anderson has always been Wes Anderson, but with "The Phoenician Scheme" he somehow seems more Wes Anderson than ever before. Certainly that is true with the intricacy the director brings to both the production design and the plot. The former is as impressive as ever, the latter perhaps TOO intricate for some to follow along enthusiastically. The news here, writes Associated Press critic Jocelyn Noveck in her review, is the father-daughter duo amusingly and charmingly portrayed by Mia Threapleton and Benicio Del Toro, and the overdue entry of Michael Cera into the Andersonian universe. Opens Friday in theaters.
Ryan Coogler hosts 'Sinners' screening in Mississippi town where film is set
Clarksdale, Miss. (AP) -- Director Ryan Coogler and other cast and crew members of the hit film "Sinners" visited Clarksdale, Mississippi, where the film is set, for a special screening. The film is set in 1930s Clarksdale, Mississippi, but current day Clarksdale doesn't have a movie theater, making it difficult for people to see the film about their hometown. Community organizers decided to change that, starting a petition to invite the cast and crew to Clarksdale and collaborate on hosting a public screening.
Former Creedence Clearwater front man John Fogerty celebrates 80th with show in Manhattan
NEW YORK (AP) -- As he turned 80 this week, John Fogerty was in a mood to honor his past and to revise it. Fogerty played a rowdy 100-minute set Thursday night to an adoring, near-capacity audience at Manhattan's Beacon Theatre. Crowd members spanned from those likely to remember "Proud Mary," "Fortunate Son" and other Creedence Clearwater Revival hits when first released a half-century ago to those looking young enough to have heard about them through their grandparents. At least from a distance, Fogerty didn't look or sound much different from his prime with Creedence.
Big Ocean breaks new ground as K-pop's first deaf group
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- Big Ocean, the world's first K-pop group composed entirely of deaf and hard-of-hearing artists, is breaking barriers with high-tech tools and inclusive performances. Since debuting in 2024, the trio has toured Europe while promoting their second mini-album, "Underwater." Using vibrating smartwatches, visual metronomes, and AI voice tech, they stay in sync while overcoming visual and audio challenges onstage. Their global fanbase, PADO, has embraced their mission -- some even learning sign language to connect. The group hopes to collaborate with stars like Justin Bieber and continues to champion inclusion in K-pop.
Smokey Robinson sues former housekeepers for defamation over rape allegations
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Smokey Robinson has filed a defamation lawsuit against four former housekeepers who filed a $50 million lawsuit accusing him of rape and sexual assault. The 85-year-old Motown music legend filed the counterclaim in a Los Angeles court Wednesday, saying the allegations are fabricated and an attempt to extort him. The suit says Robinson and his wife were incredibly generous with the housekeepers, and the women graciously accepted help and gifts including vacations and money for struggling relatives. The women allege that Robinson repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted them in his home between 2007 and 2024. Law enforcement has opened a criminal investigation.
Harvey Weinstein weighs whether to testify in sex crimes retrial
NEW YORK (AP) -- Harvey Weinstein's defense has started presenting its own witnesses in his sex crimes retrial. But it's unclear whether the ex-studio boss himself will be one of them. He's decide in the coming days whether to testify. If he does, it would be a remarkable chapter in the yearslong saga of the onetime Hollywood honcho-turned-#MeToo outcast. The 73-year-old is being retried on rape and sexual assault charges because New York's highest court overturned his 2020 conviction. He denies the allegations. His attorneys maintain that anything that happened between him and his accusers was consensual.
Leon Thomas is 'ready for the moment' with new album 'MUTT Deluxe: HEEL'
NEW YORK (AP) -- Alternative R&B artist Leon Thomas will release his "MUTT Deluxe: HEEL" album on Friday. Thomas earned a Grammy for co-producing SZA's gigantic "Snooze" record and is now experiencing his own solo success. His single "MUTT," from his 2024 critically acclaimed sophomore album of the same name, reached No. 1 on multiple Billboard charts, including Hot R&B Songs, Adult R&B airplay and R&B Streaming Songs. It also peaked at No. 13 on Billboard's Hot 100. Once known for his role on the popular Nickelodeon series "Victorious" which included castmate Ariana Grande, the artist-producer recruited Chris Brown, Halle Bailey, Big Sean and Kehlani to appear on "HEEL." Nine new songs have been added, both originals and remixes.