<p>Warner Bros. might have saved itself from 2021 litigation over its aggressive tactics with streaming service HBO Max but it’s been caught up with yet another. This time it’s a lawsuit by Village Roadshow Pictures.</p>

<p>Village Roadshow has filed a lawsuit against the studio in Los Angeles Superior Court today, alleging breach of contract. The complaint blasts “the deliberate and consistent coordinated efforts of WB to eviscerate the significant value of Village Roadshow’s intellectual property.”</p>

<p>In a statement, Warner Bros responded, “This is a frivolous attempt by Village Roadshow to avoid their contractual commitment to participate in the arbitration that we commenced against them last week. We have no doubt that this case will be resolved in our favor.”</p>

<p>The complaint mainly features films like ‘The Matrix Resurrections’. Village Roadshow complains that WarnerMedia cut down on the film’s theatrical commercial prospects by favouring its streamer. “As the distributor and co-copyright owner, WB has a fiduciary duty to account to Village Roadshow for all earnings from the exploitation of the films’ copyrights, not just those it cannot hide,” the suit says.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-2022-nominations-could-have-a-first-no-newcomers-in-top-three-categories-451186" hreflang="en">Oscars 2022 nominations could have a first? No newcomers in top three categories</a></p>

<p>Not only has the Matrix franchise generated some $2 billion in box office, the lawsuit notes, but other Village Roadshow properties similarly took flight financially after successful theatrical runs. The suit names ‘Joker’, ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ and ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ among other films.</p>

<p>Another studio, Disney, too faced a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-scarlett-johansson-starrer-black-widow-lost-600-million-owing-to-piracy-442163">backlash</a> at the time of release of ‘Black Widow’ when Scarlett Johansson sued the studio for taking the film to its streamer at the same time as its theatrical release. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-disney-lashes-at-scarlett-johansson-for-suing-it-on-taking-black-widow-film-to-disney-401634">This is how Disney responded.&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-gangubai-kathiawadi-netizens-furious-over-racist-scene-vijay-raaz-playing-trans-role-451361" hreflang="en">Gangubai Kathiawadi: Netizens furious over 'racist' scene, Vijay Raaz playing trans role</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/original-ending-of-fight-club-restored-in-china-following-backlash-451327" hreflang="en">Original ending of 'Fight Club' restored in China following backlash</a></p>


Warner Bros. might have saved itself from 2021 litigation over its aggressive tactics with streaming service HBO Max but it’s been caught up with yet another. This time it’s a lawsuit by Village Roadshow Pictures.

Warner Bros. might have saved itself from 2021 litigation over its aggressive tactics with streaming service HBO Max but it’s been caught up with yet another. This time it’s a lawsuit by Village Roadshow Pictures. Village Roadshow has filed a lawsuit against the studio in Los Angeles Superior Court today, alleging breach of contract. The complaint blasts “the deliberate and consistent coordinated efforts of WB to eviscerate the significant value of Village Roadshow’s intellectual property.” In a statement, Warner Bros responded, “This is a frivolous attempt by Village Roadshow to avoid their contractual commitment to participate in the arbitration that we commenced against them last week. We have no doubt that this case will be resolved in our favor.” The complaint mainly features films like ‘The Matrix Resurrections’. Village Roadshow complains that WarnerMedia cut down on the film’s theatrical commercial prospects by favouring its streamer. “As the distributor and co-copyright owner, WB has a fiduciary duty to account to Village Roadshow for all earnings from the exploitation of the films’ copyrights, not just those it cannot hide,” the suit says. Also read: Oscars 2022 nominations could have a first? No newcomers in top three categories Not only has the Matrix franchise generated some $2 billion in box office, the lawsuit notes, but other Village Roadshow properties similarly took flight financially after successful theatrical runs. The suit names ‘Joker’, ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ and ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ among other films. Another studio, Disney, too faced a backlash at the time of release of ‘Black Widow’ when Scarlett Johansson sued the studio for taking the film to its streamer at the same time as its theatrical release. This is how Disney responded. Also read: Gangubai Kathiawadi: Netizens furious over 'racist' scene, Vijay Raaz playing trans role Original ending of 'Fight Club' restored in China following backlash

Warner Bros. sued for taking 'Matrix' and other films to streamer

<p>It’s highly unlikely that you haven’t watched the trailer of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ that stars Alia Bhatt as the eponymous character. With fans loving the look and feel of the film as well as Alia and other actors’ acting, there is also a strong buzz for two things that people have pointed out are wrong.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of them being a racist scene featuring Alia Bhatt. In the trailer, Gangubai goes to visit a dentist. The dentist is played by an actor who looks like he’s from the Northeast India. When the dentist asks Gangubai to open her mouth wider, she tells him, “Pura China muh mein ghusayega?”</p>

<p>Several people on Twitter have called out this dialogue as “racist” and “xenophobic”. Have a look at some of the tweets here:</p>

<p>Also, netizens are unhappy that Vijay Raaz is playing Gangubai’s rival Razia Bai, a transgender character in the film. A few scenes from the movie show Razia trying to intimidate Gangu, telling her to back off from Kamathipura. While fans can’t get over the fact how convincing Vijay looks in all scenes, but they are unhappy that a cisgender man was cast for a transgender role when someone from the community could have got the role and represented better.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Casting a cisman as a Trans woman and also brazenly making a racist joke, few Hindi filmmakers will never care about the mess they create, but they'll continue hurting communities of the country. 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is a big shame!<a href="https://twitter.com/aliaa08?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aliaa08</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/bhansali_produc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bhansali_produc</a></p>
— Sawang Wangchha (@SawangWangchha) <a href="https://twitter.com/SawangWangchha/status/1489708423029538816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Watch trailer here:</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N1ZwRv3vJJY" title="YouTube video player" width="649"></iframe></p>

<p>One user wrote, “After watching this trailer one thing has been proved that Vijay Raaz is one of the best actors in our times. His entry really gives goosebumps.” Another wrote, “Everyone's acting is brilliant but Vijay Raaz&nbsp;just stands out for me. I mean the way he portrays the character is just brilliant.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is Vijay Raaz appreciation tweet. What an actor! <a href="https://t.co/fvM0udyC5u">pic.twitter.com/fvM0udyC5u</a></p>
— PC_unfinished (@PcUnfinished) <a href="https://twitter.com/PcUnfinished/status/1489502762115248129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-gangubai-kathiawadi-alia-bhatt-was-not-the-first-choice-for-the-film-366122">Gangubai Kathiawadi: Alia Bhatt was not the first choice for the film</a></p>

<p>But one user also wrote, “Can Bollywood stop casting cis/straight people as transsexual characters, please? It's 2022 already and I am pretty sure that there is enough talent in this country where an actual transsexual can portray a transsexual character.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Not them casting vijay raaz as a trans woman in gangubai? Bollywood will u ever learn?</p>
— pryanshu // sushi stan account🍣 (@pryanshuuu) <a href="https://twitter.com/pryanshuuu/status/1489665752433324034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Yes, Vijay Raaz nailed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GangubaiKathiawadi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GangubaiKathiawadi</a> trailer. But, it’s sad that Bansali didn’t cast a trans woman for this role. The film industry should stop casting cis actors as trans characters!!!! Will Bollywood ever learn?</p>
— BBneutral (@maycenturyormay) <a href="https://twitter.com/maycenturyormay/status/1490164840618688513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ is a film set in the 1960s. It will be released in theatres on February 25. It also stars Ajay Devgn, Vijay Raaz, Jim Sarbh and others.</p>


It’s highly unlikely that you haven’t watched the trailer of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ that stars Alia Bhatt as the eponymous character. With fans loving the look and feel of the film as well as Alia and other actors’ acting, there is also a strong buzz for two things that people have pointed out are wrong.

It’s highly unlikely that you haven’t watched the trailer of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ that stars Alia Bhatt as the eponymous character. With fans loving the look and feel of the film as well as Alia and other actors’ acting, there is also a strong buzz for two things that people have pointed out are wrong. One of them being a racist scene featuring Alia Bhatt. In the trailer, Gangubai goes to visit a dentist. The dentist is played by an actor who looks like he’s from the Northeast India. When the dentist asks Gangubai to open her mouth wider, she tells him, “Pura China muh mein ghusayega?” Several people on Twitter have called out this dialogue as “racist” and “xenophobic”. Have a look at some of the tweets here: Also, netizens are unhappy that Vijay Raaz is playing Gangubai’s rival Razia Bai, a transgender character in the film. A few scenes from the movie show Razia trying to intimidate Gangu, telling her to back off from Kamathipura. While fans can’t get over the fact how convincing Vijay looks in all scenes, but they are unhappy that a cisgender man was cast for a transgender role when someone from the community could have got the role and represented better. Casting a cisman as a Trans woman and also brazenly making a racist joke, few Hindi filmmakers will never care about the mess they create, but they'll continue hurting communities of the country. 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' is a big shame!@aliaa08 @bhansali_produc — Sawang Wangchha (@SawangWangchha) February 4, 2022 × Watch trailer here: One user wrote, “After watching this trailer one thing has been proved that Vijay Raaz is one of the best actors in our times. His entry really gives goosebumps.” Another wrote, “Everyone's acting is brilliant but Vijay Raaz just stands out for me. I mean the way he portrays the character is just brilliant.” This is Vijay Raaz appreciation tweet. What an actor! pic.twitter.com/fvM0udyC5u — PC_unfinished (@PcUnfinished) February 4, 2022 × Gangubai Kathiawadi: Alia Bhatt was not the first choice for the film But one user also wrote, “Can Bollywood stop casting cis/straight people as transsexual characters, please? It's 2022 already and I am pretty sure that there is enough talent in this country where an actual transsexual can portray a transsexual character.” Not them casting vijay raaz as a trans woman in gangubai? Bollywood will u ever learn? — pryanshu // sushi stan account🍣 (@pryanshuuu) February 4, 2022 × Yes, Vijay Raaz nailed #GangubaiKathiawadi trailer. But, it’s sad that Bansali didn’t cast a trans woman for this role. The film industry should stop casting cis actors as trans characters!!!! Will Bollywood ever learn? — BBneutral (@maycenturyormay) February 6, 2022 × ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ is a film set in the 1960s. It will be released in theatres on February 25. It also stars Ajay Devgn, Vijay Raaz, Jim Sarbh and others.

Gangubai Kathiawadi: Netizens furious over 'racist' scene, Vijay Raaz playing trans role

<p>Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ will not only premiere at the Berlinale Special at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival but will have 5 screenings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Bhansali film starring Alia Bhatt in the lead will have a star-studded premiere with the actress, director and others in attendance on February 16. Two screenings of the film will take place on this day, one at CinemaxX 9 theatre at 7:00 pm (Central European Standard Time) and the other at the Friedrichstadt-Palast auditorium at 9:00 pm. The world premiere will be held at either of the screenings.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-gangubai-kathiawadi-netizens-furious-over-racist-scene-vijay-raaz-playing-trans-role-451361">Gangubai Kathiawadi: Netizens furious over 'racist' scene, Vijay Raaz playing trans role</a></p>

<p>The film will then have three more shows – on February 17 at Urania at 9:00 pm, on February 19 at 8:30 pm at the International cinema, and on February 20 at 11:30 am at Cineplex Titania.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/watch-bts-member-jungkook-sings-bollywood-song-but-theres-a-catch-451380" hreflang="en">Watch: BTS member Jungkook sings Bollywood song but there's a catch</a></p>

<p>‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ is 152 minutes long, that is, 2 hours and 32 minutes.</p>

<p>While this is Sanjay Leela Bhansali's first film to premiere at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival, for <a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alia-bhatt" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/topics/alia-bhatt&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjh0LGxkvD1AhUIzIsBHWcKC54QFnoECAUQAQ&amp;usg=AOvVaw2IRq34TKbLSlAdrbZ1W7ru" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alia-bhatt" target="_blank"><b>Alia Bhatt</b></a>, this is her third movie to be screened at the festival in the German city. Her second film, ‘Highway’ (2014), was screened in the Panorama section of the 64th Berlin International Film Festival. ‘Gully Boy’ (2019), like Gangubai Kathiawadi, was also screened in the Berlinale Special section.</p>


Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ will not only premiere at the Berlinale Special at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival but will have 5 screenings.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ will not only premiere at the Berlinale Special at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival but will have 5 screenings. The Bhansali film starring Alia Bhatt in the lead will have a star-studded premiere with the actress, director and others in attendance on February 16. Two screenings of the film will take place on this day, one at CinemaxX 9 theatre at 7:00 pm (Central European Standard Time) and the other at the Friedrichstadt-Palast auditorium at 9:00 pm. The world premiere will be held at either of the screenings. Gangubai Kathiawadi: Netizens furious over 'racist' scene, Vijay Raaz playing trans role The film will then have three more shows – on February 17 at Urania at 9:00 pm, on February 19 at 8:30 pm at the International cinema, and on February 20 at 11:30 am at Cineplex Titania. Also see: Watch: BTS member Jungkook sings Bollywood song but there's a catch ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ is 152 minutes long, that is, 2 hours and 32 minutes. While this is Sanjay Leela Bhansali's first film to premiere at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival, for Alia Bhatt, this is her third movie to be screened at the festival in the German city. Her second film, ‘Highway’ (2014), was screened in the Panorama section of the 64th Berlin International Film Festival. ‘Gully Boy’ (2019), like Gangubai Kathiawadi, was also screened in the Berlinale Special section.

Alia Bhatt's 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' to have 5 screenings at Berlin Film Festival 2022

<p>It’s highly unlikely that if you have an Instagram account and have not heard the viral ‘Kacha Badam’ song that’s on every reel and story. The viral song that originated from a Bengali man who sang it in his local language as he sells peanuts has made it to mashups and TikTok and what not.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, the Kacha Badam singer Bhuvan Badyakar from West Bengal is collaborating with Haryanvi artists for a remix version of it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/meet-peanut-seller-bhuvan-badyakar-whose-song-kacha-badam-is-making-the-world-dance-449896">Meet peanut seller Bhuvan Badyakar, whose song 'Kacha Badam' is making the world dance</a></p>

<p>Haryanvi singer named Amit Dhull has collaborated with Badyakar to create a Kacha Badam remix with a Haryanvi twist. The video shows some dance steps that are performed by people who have taken part in the trend on social media. The video also stars social media influencer Nisha Bhatt. The peanut seller can be seen in the video as he grooves to his own beats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Watch the Kacha Badam Haryanvi remix here:</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uiqrngFTX5k" title="YouTube video player" width="530"></iframe></p>

<p>Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/watch-bts-member-jungkook-sings-bollywood-song-but-theres-a-catch-451380" hreflang="en">Watch: BTS member Jungkook sings Bollywood song but there's a catch</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mistress-to-queen-camillas-intense-journey-of-winning-over-public-amid-love-for-diana-451402" hreflang="en">Mistress to Queen: Camilla's intense journey of winning over public amid love for Diana</a></p>


It’s highly unlikely that if you have an Instagram account and have not heard the viral ‘Kacha Badam’ song that’s on every reel and story. The viral song that originated from a Bengali man who sang it in his local language as he sells peanuts has made it to mashups and TikTok and what not.

It’s highly unlikely that if you have an Instagram account and have not heard the viral ‘Kacha Badam’ song that’s on every reel and story. The viral song that originated from a Bengali man who sang it in his local language as he sells peanuts has made it to mashups and TikTok and what not. Now, the Kacha Badam singer Bhuvan Badyakar from West Bengal is collaborating with Haryanvi artists for a remix version of it. Meet peanut seller Bhuvan Badyakar, whose song 'Kacha Badam' is making the world dance Haryanvi singer named Amit Dhull has collaborated with Badyakar to create a Kacha Badam remix with a Haryanvi twist. The video shows some dance steps that are performed by people who have taken part in the trend on social media. The video also stars social media influencer Nisha Bhatt. The peanut seller can be seen in the video as he grooves to his own beats. Watch the Kacha Badam Haryanvi remix here: Also see: Watch: BTS member Jungkook sings Bollywood song but there's a catch Mistress to Queen: Camilla's intense journey of winning over public amid love for Diana

Viral peanut seller makes new 'Kacha Badam' Haryanvi remix

<p>A desi fan of K pop band BTS? Then you will love this piece of news.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, an edited video of BTS<b>&nbsp;</b>star Jungkook, the youngest member of the boy band went viral as he was seen singing in Hindi. It was later found out that it was an edited music video created by musician and producer Anshuman Sharma who made it look like Jungkook was singing a Bollywood romantic hit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the video, <b><a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/topics/bts" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/topics/bts&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiW4vLSte_1AhX1SWwGHbwUBXcQFnoECAcQAQ&amp;usg=AOvVaw0szagfrJmai-_QUOXDd7KA" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/bts" target="_blank">BTS</a>'s&nbsp;</b>Jungkook’s vocals are backed by synthesiser tunes and pop beats added by the Indian musician.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The song goes like: “Aa jana, meri jana, hum karein saari raat batein, meri jana (Oh my beloved, let’s talk the whole night).”</p>

<p>Watch the song here:</p>

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<p>The music video shows Jungkook enjoying his time as he is a part of a live karaoke session that took place on VLive, a Korean live streaming app.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bts-jimin-recovered-and-discharged-from-hospital-after-surgery-450729" hreflang="en">BTS’ Jimin recovered and discharged from hospital after surgery</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bts-butter-is-number-1-again-tops-billboards-hot-trending-songs-chart-449829" hreflang="en">BTS 'Butter' is number 1 again, tops Billboard's Hot Trending Songs Chart</a></p>

<p>Ever since the video has come out, Indian fans of BTS have been going crazy. One commented, “This is ACTUALLY AMAZING. Thank you for giving us an idea about how JK’s voice will sound in Hindi”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many other BTS fans, ARMY, has&nbsp;requested Sharma to make similar covers featuring other members too.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bts-biggest-moments-in-the-life-and-rise-to-stardom-of-this-k-pop-band-335468">BTS: Biggest moments in the life and rise to stardom of this K-pop&nbsp;</a></p>


A desi fan of K pop band BTS? Then you will love this piece of news. Last week, an edited video of BTS star Jungkook, the youngest member of the boy band went viral as he was seen singing in Hindi.

A desi fan of K pop band BTS? Then you will love this piece of news. Last week, an edited video of BTS star Jungkook, the youngest member of the boy band went viral as he was seen singing in Hindi. It was later found out that it was an edited music video created by musician and producer Anshuman Sharma who made it look like Jungkook was singing a Bollywood romantic hit. In the video, BTS's Jungkook’s vocals are backed by synthesiser tunes and pop beats added by the Indian musician. The song goes like: “Aa jana, meri jana, hum karein saari raat batein, meri jana (Oh my beloved, let’s talk the whole night).” Watch the song here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anshuman Sharma (@anshuman.sharma1) × The music video shows Jungkook enjoying his time as he is a part of a live karaoke session that took place on VLive, a Korean live streaming app. BTS’ Jimin recovered and discharged from hospital after surgery BTS 'Butter' is number 1 again, tops Billboard's Hot Trending Songs Chart Ever since the video has come out, Indian fans of BTS have been going crazy. One commented, “This is ACTUALLY AMAZING. Thank you for giving us an idea about how JK’s voice will sound in Hindi”. Many other BTS fans, ARMY, has requested Sharma to make similar covers featuring other members too. BTS: Biggest moments in the life and rise to stardom of this K-pop

Watch: BTS member Jungkook sings Bollywood song but there's a catch

<p>Hall of Fame legend star Syl Johnson is no more. The 85-year-old whose 1967 single ‘Different Strokes’ was a mega hit has been frequently sampled by some of hip-hop’s top artists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>No cause of death has been announced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, Syl Johnson’s family said, “It is with extreme sadness that our family announces the passing of Soul &amp; Blues Hall of Fame legend Syl Johnson (born Sylvester Thompson in Holly Springs, MS). Dad, Brother, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, Friend &amp; Artist, he lived his life as a singer, musician, and entrepreneur who loved black music.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/watch-billie-eilish-to-rescue-stops-show-to-help-fan-facing-breathing-difficulty-451108" hreflang="en">Watch: Billie Eilish to rescue! Stops show to help fan facing breathing difficulty</a></p>

<p>Johnson was born in Holly Springs, Mississippi in 1936.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He became famous in the 1960s and 1970s with Chicago label Twinight. The label issued his 1968 debut ‘Dresses Too Short’ which featured the hit song ‘Different Strokes’.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/zendaya-starrer-euphoria-renewed-for-season-3-on-hbo-451075" hreflang="en">Zendaya-starrer 'Euphoria' renewed for season 3 on HBO</a></p>

<p>Syl had been in the news in 2011 when he filed a lawsuit against JAY-Z and Kanye West for using portions of his song in ‘The Joy’ without proper clearance. The suit was settled. Johnson also sued Michael Jackson, Cypress Hill, and others for sampling his music without permission. It’s noted that he was very protective of his work.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was inducted in the&nbsp;Blues Hall of Fame&nbsp;in 2019.</p>


Hall of Fame legend star Syl Johnson is no more. The 85-year-old whose 1967 single ‘Different Strokes’ was a mega hit has been frequently sampled by some of hip-hop’s top artists.

Hall of Fame legend star Syl Johnson is no more. The 85-year-old whose 1967 single ‘Different Strokes’ was a mega hit has been frequently sampled by some of hip-hop’s top artists. No cause of death has been announced. In a statement, Syl Johnson’s family said, “It is with extreme sadness that our family announces the passing of Soul & Blues Hall of Fame legend Syl Johnson (born Sylvester Thompson in Holly Springs, MS). Dad, Brother, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, Friend & Artist, he lived his life as a singer, musician, and entrepreneur who loved black music.” Also see: Watch: Billie Eilish to rescue! Stops show to help fan facing breathing difficulty Johnson was born in Holly Springs, Mississippi in 1936. He became famous in the 1960s and 1970s with Chicago label Twinight. The label issued his 1968 debut ‘Dresses Too Short’ which featured the hit song ‘Different Strokes’. Zendaya-starrer 'Euphoria' renewed for season 3 on HBO Syl had been in the news in 2011 when he filed a lawsuit against JAY-Z and Kanye West for using portions of his song in ‘The Joy’ without proper clearance. The suit was settled. Johnson also sued Michael Jackson, Cypress Hill, and others for sampling his music without permission. It’s noted that he was very protective of his work. He was inducted in the Blues Hall of Fame in 2019.

Blues Hall of Fame legend Syl Johnson is no more

<p>Billie Eilish turned a saviour while performing in Atlanta on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It so happened that while she was performing at the State Farm Arena, the hit singer noticed a fan facing difficulty in breathing. The fan was standing in front of the stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Billie Eilish stopped the show to find out what was happening. She asked the girl, “You need an inhaler?” as she turned to her crew.</p>

<p>“Do we have an inhaler? Can we just grab one?”</p>

<p>“It’s OK, we got one,” Eilish then said, adding, “Give her some time. Don’t crowd.”</p>

<p>She then asked the girl, “You need to come out or are you OK? Are you sure?” and added, “I love you"</p>

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<p>Billie Eilish wasn't done even then. She then said, “I wait for people to be OK until I keep going.” Many on social media are calling it a dig at Travis Scott who let a tragedy unfold at his Astroworld concert as many died and suffered injuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/zendaya-starrer-euphoria-renewed-for-season-3-on-hbo-451075" hreflang="en">Zendaya-starrer 'Euphoria' renewed for season 3 on HBO</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-joe-rogan-apologizes-for-using-racial-slurs-on-his-podcast-says-im-not-racist-451059" hreflang="en">Joe Rogan apologizes for using racial slurs on his podcast, says, 'I'm not racist'</a></p>

<p>Billie Eilish will be performing tonight at Charlotte, North Carolina on her ‘Happier Than Ever, The World Tour.’</p>

<p><em>Watch exclusive conversation with Moonfall cast and director here:</em></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-cast-of-the-hollywood-film-moonfall-speaks-to-wion-450833/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>


Billie Eilish turned a saviour while performing in Atlanta on Saturday. It so happened that while she was performing at the State Farm Arena, the hit singer noticed a fan facing difficulty in breathing.

Billie Eilish turned a saviour while performing in Atlanta on Saturday. It so happened that while she was performing at the State Farm Arena, the hit singer noticed a fan facing difficulty in breathing. The fan was standing in front of the stage. Billie Eilish stopped the show to find out what was happening. She asked the girl, “You need an inhaler?” as she turned to her crew. “Do we have an inhaler? Can we just grab one?” “It’s OK, we got one,” Eilish then said, adding, “Give her some time. Don’t crowd.” She then asked the girl, “You need to come out or are you OK? Are you sure?” and added, “I love you" View this post on Instagram A post shared by billie eilish fanpage (@wishyouwerebil) × Billie Eilish wasn't done even then. She then said, “I wait for people to be OK until I keep going.” Many on social media are calling it a dig at Travis Scott who let a tragedy unfold at his Astroworld concert as many died and suffered injuries. Zendaya-starrer 'Euphoria' renewed for season 3 on HBO Joe Rogan apologizes for using racial slurs on his podcast, says, 'I'm not racist' Billie Eilish will be performing tonight at Charlotte, North Carolina on her ‘Happier Than Ever, The World Tour.’ Watch exclusive conversation with Moonfall cast and director here:

Watch: Billie Eilish to rescue! Stops show to help fan facing breathing difficulty

<p>Sandra Di Carlo Valdez looked at her Christmas tree in January and felt a wave of sadness. One week into 2022 and nearly two years into a pandemic, the tree was a source of joy; she wasn’t ready to take it down.</p>

<p>So Valdez, 46, a nail technician and blogger in Miami with nearly 30,000 followers on Instagram, decided to try something she had seen on social media: She would keep the tree up but redecorate it, swapping the ornaments for organza and the holly for hearts.</p>

<p>Her Christmas tree, now covered in pink and red baubles, has become a Valentine’s tree.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/and-just-like-that-the-show-is-over-451225" hreflang="en">'And Just Like That,' the show is over</a></p>

<p>Taylor Swift may leave her Christmas lights up until January, but online, images of evergreens (real and fake) decked in candy hearts and pastel tinsel have been popping up well into February, mostly on certain crafty corners of Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest.</p>

<p>Valdez redecorates her tree using supplies from Dollar Tree: heart clips, which she affixed to the branches; wooden hearts, which she painted; and provisions such as pinheads and red and pink fabric that she turned into homemade gnome ornaments.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-queen-elizabeth-pays-small-tribute-to-her-father-as-she-marks-70-years-on-the-throne-451214" hreflang="en">Queen Elizabeth pays small tribute to her father as she marks 70 years on the throne</a></p>

<p>Likewise, Jennifer Houghton, a blogger, designer and homemaker in Dallas, has used discount-store finds for her trees, including oversized conversation hearts that she converts into ornaments.</p>

<p>When she decorated her first Valentine’s tree five years ago, she was just delaying the inevitable.</p>

<p>“I was so tired from Christmas, and I was just like, ‘Ugh, I don’t want to take this down!’” said Houghton, 54.</p>

<p>This year, she has three Valentine’s trees: one wrapped with red roses and stencils spelling out the word “love”; one dripping with pink X’s and O’s; and one covered in those pastel conversation hearts, with ribbons, ladders and pink candy canes climbing its sides as well.</p>

<p>“With the pandemic especially, people are hungry for anything that will bring joy into their home,” Houghton said. “We’re spending a lot more time in our homes, so there’s this need, this want, to make our homes as joyful as possible.”</p>

<p>Retailers, keen to cash in on a Hallmark holiday, have jumped on the trend. Valentine’s ornaments are sold at Walmart and Target, and by plenty of people on Etsy.</p>

<p>A representative for Overstock.com reported that its top-selling tree this past holiday season wasn’t green. It was pink.</p>

<p>Amber Dunford, a design psychologist and the style director for Overstock, said that in times of stress, humans naturally gravitate toward so-called transitional objects. “We’re in such an usual situation right now, so we want that object of comfort,” she said. “Trees are symbolic — they’re the element we gather around.”</p>

<p>Bobby Berk, star of “Queer Eye” and an interior designer, said he had seen some Valentine’s trees on social media and understood why people might want them.</p>

<p>Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/exclusive-halle-berry-patrick-wilson-other-stars-of-hollywood-film-moonfall-speak-to-wion-450833" hreflang="en">Exclusive: Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson &amp; other stars of Hollywood film Moonfall speak to WION</a></p>

<p>“Your holiday decorations bring so much warmth to your home and so much joy,” he said in a phone interview. “I can see why people, especially right now, being stuck in our houses, going on year three, want to extend that.”</p>

<p>He noted that a few of his friends still had Christmas trees up in their homes. “I’m always like, ‘Girl, take it down,’” he said. “But now I’m like, ‘Actually, no, don’t take it down, let’s just switch it to a Valentine’s tree.’”</p>

<p>For the past three years, Monica Burt, an interior designer in the greater Chicago area, has made that switch in her own home. “I love Christmas,” she said. “I have about 10 trees a year, and it’s always sad to take them down.”</p>

<p>This year, Burt, 39, has four Valentine’s trees: a hot pink one in her family room, decorated in fuchsia and red; a white one in an upstairs hallway that she decked in pink ornaments; and two small pink ones, one for each of her daughters. She let them keep the trees in their bedrooms and decorate themselves.</p>

<p>Sami Riccioli, who works in interior design, has three trees this year, including an ombre one at the foot of her grand staircase at her home in Lower Gwynedd, Pennsylvania, crafted from several thousand faux roses.</p>

<p>She has no plans to take her tree down after Feb. 14. Instead, she said, she will repurpose it for St. Patrick’s Day, then Easter, Halloween and all the way through Christmas.</p>

<p>“After I did that first Valentine’s tree, I said, ‘It wasn’t just going to be Valentine’s Day,’” said Riccioli, 37. “‘I’m going to keep the tree here and keep decorating it.’”</p>

<p>This article originally appeared in The New York Times.</p>


Sandra Di Carlo Valdez looked at her Christmas tree in January and felt a wave of sadness. One week into 2022 and nearly two years into a pandemic, the tree was a source of joy; she wasn’t ready to take it down.

Sandra Di Carlo Valdez looked at her Christmas tree in January and felt a wave of sadness. One week into 2022 and nearly two years into a pandemic, the tree was a source of joy; she wasn’t ready to take it down. So Valdez, 46, a nail technician and blogger in Miami with nearly 30,000 followers on Instagram, decided to try something she had seen on social media: She would keep the tree up but redecorate it, swapping the ornaments for organza and the holly for hearts. Her Christmas tree, now covered in pink and red baubles, has become a Valentine’s tree. Also read: 'And Just Like That,' the show is over Taylor Swift may leave her Christmas lights up until January, but online, images of evergreens (real and fake) decked in candy hearts and pastel tinsel have been popping up well into February, mostly on certain crafty corners of Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest. Valdez redecorates her tree using supplies from Dollar Tree: heart clips, which she affixed to the branches; wooden hearts, which she painted; and provisions such as pinheads and red and pink fabric that she turned into homemade gnome ornaments. Also read: Queen Elizabeth pays small tribute to her father as she marks 70 years on the throne Likewise, Jennifer Houghton, a blogger, designer and homemaker in Dallas, has used discount-store finds for her trees, including oversized conversation hearts that she converts into ornaments. When she decorated her first Valentine’s tree five years ago, she was just delaying the inevitable. “I was so tired from Christmas, and I was just like, ‘Ugh, I don’t want to take this down!’” said Houghton, 54. This year, she has three Valentine’s trees: one wrapped with red roses and stencils spelling out the word “love”; one dripping with pink X’s and O’s; and one covered in those pastel conversation hearts, with ribbons, ladders and pink candy canes climbing its sides as well. “With the pandemic especially, people are hungry for anything that will bring joy into their home,” Houghton said. “We’re spending a lot more time in our homes, so there’s this need, this want, to make our homes as joyful as possible.” Retailers, keen to cash in on a Hallmark holiday, have jumped on the trend. Valentine’s ornaments are sold at Walmart and Target, and by plenty of people on Etsy. A representative for Overstock.com reported that its top-selling tree this past holiday season wasn’t green. It was pink. Amber Dunford, a design psychologist and the style director for Overstock, said that in times of stress, humans naturally gravitate toward so-called transitional objects. “We’re in such an usual situation right now, so we want that object of comfort,” she said. “Trees are symbolic — they’re the element we gather around.” Bobby Berk, star of “Queer Eye” and an interior designer, said he had seen some Valentine’s trees on social media and understood why people might want them. Also see: Exclusive: Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson & other stars of Hollywood film Moonfall speak to WION “Your holiday decorations bring so much warmth to your home and so much joy,” he said in a phone interview. “I can see why people, especially right now, being stuck in our houses, going on year three, want to extend that.” He noted that a few of his friends still had Christmas trees up in their homes. “I’m always like, ‘Girl, take it down,’” he said. “But now I’m like, ‘Actually, no, don’t take it down, let’s just switch it to a Valentine’s tree.’” For the past three years, Monica Burt, an interior designer in the greater Chicago area, has made that switch in her own home. “I love Christmas,” she said. “I have about 10 trees a year, and it’s always sad to take them down.” This year, Burt, 39, has four Valentine’s trees: a hot pink one in her family room, decorated in fuchsia and red; a white one in an upstairs hallway that she decked in pink ornaments; and two small pink ones, one for each of her daughters. She let them keep the trees in their bedrooms and decorate themselves. Sami Riccioli, who works in interior design, has three trees this year, including an ombre one at the foot of her grand staircase at her home in Lower Gwynedd, Pennsylvania, crafted from several thousand faux roses. She has no plans to take her tree down after Feb. 14. Instead, she said, she will repurpose it for St. Patrick’s Day, then Easter, Halloween and all the way through Christmas. “After I did that first Valentine’s tree, I said, ‘It wasn’t just going to be Valentine’s Day,’” said Riccioli, 37. “‘I’m going to keep the tree here and keep decorating it.’” This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

Valentine’s trees? Sure, why not.

<p>It’s possible we will see a new trend in the possible nominations at the Oscars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The three major categories – Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress could possibly not have a first-time nominee mentioned in the list. If this happens, it will be a first in Oscar history.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to our estimates, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">Oscars</a>&nbsp;Best Actor nominees will have Javier Bardem (“Being the Ricardos”), Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Power of the Dog”), Andrew Garfield (“Tick, Tick … Boom!”), Will Smith (“King Richard”) and Denzel Washington (“The Tragedy of Macbeth”). Even the ones on the bubble are once-nominated or have won, including Mahershala Ali (“Swan Song”), Bradley Cooper (“Nightmare Alley”) and Leonardo DiCaprio (“Don’t Look Up”).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2022-eyeing-multiple-hosts-for-the-award-ceremony-446840" hreflang="en">Oscars 2022 eyeing multiple hosts for the award ceremony</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-history-1923-2022-did-you-know-only-five-black-actors-have-won-best-actor-award-so-far-444715" hreflang="en">Oscars history (1923-2022): Did you know only five Black actors have won Best Actor award so far?</a></p>

<p>The closest first-timers in the running seem to be Golden Globe nominees Peter Dinklage (“Cyrano”) and Cooper Hoffman (“Licorice Pizza”), and Clifton Collins Jr (“Jockey”) and Simon Rex (“Red Rocket”).&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
In Best Actress for Oscars 2022 nominees we could have Kristen Stewart (“Spencer”) but SAG nominations have left her out. There will, however, be Jessica Chastain (“The Eyes of Tammy Faye”), Olivia Colman (“The Lost Daughter”), Lady Gaga (“House of Gucci”), Jennifer Hudson (“Respect”) and Nicole Kidman (“Being the Ricardos”) hopefully.&nbsp;</p>


It’s possible we will see a new trend in the possible nominations at the Oscars. The three major categories – Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress could possibly not have a first-time nominee mentioned in the list.

It’s possible we will see a new trend in the possible nominations at the Oscars. The three major categories – Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress could possibly not have a first-time nominee mentioned in the list. If this happens, it will be a first in Oscar history. According to our estimates, Oscars Best Actor nominees will have Javier Bardem (“Being the Ricardos”), Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Power of the Dog”), Andrew Garfield (“Tick, Tick … Boom!”), Will Smith (“King Richard”) and Denzel Washington (“The Tragedy of Macbeth”). Even the ones on the bubble are once-nominated or have won, including Mahershala Ali (“Swan Song”), Bradley Cooper (“Nightmare Alley”) and Leonardo DiCaprio (“Don’t Look Up”). Also read: Oscars 2022 eyeing multiple hosts for the award ceremony Oscars history (1923-2022): Did you know only five Black actors have won Best Actor award so far? The closest first-timers in the running seem to be Golden Globe nominees Peter Dinklage (“Cyrano”) and Cooper Hoffman (“Licorice Pizza”), and Clifton Collins Jr (“Jockey”) and Simon Rex (“Red Rocket”). In Best Actress for Oscars 2022 nominees we could have Kristen Stewart (“Spencer”) but SAG nominations have left her out. There will, however, be Jessica Chastain (“The Eyes of Tammy Faye”), Olivia Colman (“The Lost Daughter”), Lady Gaga (“House of Gucci”), Jennifer Hudson (“Respect”) and Nicole Kidman (“Being the Ricardos”) hopefully.

Oscars 2022 nominations could have a first? No newcomers in top three categories

<p>Dwayne Johnson is backing out from his prior support to podcaster Joe Rogan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Hollywood star had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/dwayne-johnson-shows-support-for-joe-rogan-amid-spotify-misinformation-controversy-449731">previously expressed support</a> for Joe but after it was found out that he had used the controversial ‘N-word’ and has even apologised for it, the actor has distanced himself from the whole controversy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Joe Rogan has been in the news for the past week after he protested removal of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-joe-rogan-responds-to-spotify-podcast-controversy-says-hes-a-big-fan-of-neil-young-449131">Neil Young</a>’s music and of other musicians from Spotify. It’s where Joe Rogan’s podcast is licensed. Neil Young had&nbsp;demanded in an open letter to Spotify to remove his music from the platform he said is spreading vaccine disinformation via the popular podcaster Joe Rogan.&nbsp;"I am doing this because Spotify is spreading fake information about vaccines -- potentially causing death to those who believe the disinformation being spread by them," wrote the legendary singer.</p>

<p>The musicians have blasted the streamer to object to Joe Rogan’s guests on his podcast and some of the information shared therein. Singer India Arie posted clips where Rogan can be heard using the N-word. She posted the clips to tell fans why she was withdrawing music from Spotify.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After it came to fore, <a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/topics/dwayne-johnson" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/topics/dwayne-johnson&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj5tqCO8uz1AhXISmwGHdLmDWAQFnoECAcQAQ&amp;usg=AOvVaw2tGS2vBmlgtCRayurc4s5X" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/dwayne-johnson" target="_blank"><b>Dwayne Johnson</b></a> said, “I was not aware of his N-word use before my comments, but now I’ve become educated to his complete narrative. Learning moment for me.”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/donwinslow?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@donwinslow</a><br />
Thank you so much for this<br />
I hear you as well as everyone here 100%<br />
I was not aware of his N word use prior to my comments, but now I've become educated to his complete narrative.<br />
Learning moment for me.<br />
<br />
Mahalo, brother and have a great &amp; productive weekend.<br />
DJ <a href="https://t.co/3mBf85wRoe">https://t.co/3mBf85wRoe</a></p>
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRock/status/1489784899397570561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hi <a href="https://twitter.com/CheriJacobus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CheriJacobus</a>,<br />
I owe you a sincere apology.<br />
I didn’t show up the way I would’ve liked to in our dialogue and my language to you was offensive.<br />
I apologize.<br />
Thank you and your followers for all the dialogue here.<br />
Have a great &amp; productive weekend.<br />
DJ</p>
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRock/status/1490083535301976069?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Joe Rogan too apologised for the slur. He said, “It looks fu**ing horrible. Even to me. I know that to most people, there is no context where a white person is ever allowed to say that word, never mind publicly on a podcast. And I agree with that now, I haven’t said it in years.”</p>


Dwayne Johnson is backing out from his prior support to podcaster Joe Rogan. The Hollywood star had previously expressed support for Joe but after it was found out that he had used the controversial ‘N-word’ and has even apologised for it, the actor has distanced himself from the whole controversy.

Dwayne Johnson is backing out from his prior support to podcaster Joe Rogan. The Hollywood star had previously expressed support for Joe but after it was found out that he had used the controversial ‘N-word’ and has even apologised for it, the actor has distanced himself from the whole controversy. Joe Rogan has been in the news for the past week after he protested removal of Neil Young’s music and of other musicians from Spotify. It’s where Joe Rogan’s podcast is licensed. Neil Young had demanded in an open letter to Spotify to remove his music from the platform he said is spreading vaccine disinformation via the popular podcaster Joe Rogan. "I am doing this because Spotify is spreading fake information about vaccines -- potentially causing death to those who believe the disinformation being spread by them," wrote the legendary singer. The musicians have blasted the streamer to object to Joe Rogan’s guests on his podcast and some of the information shared therein. Singer India Arie posted clips where Rogan can be heard using the N-word. She posted the clips to tell fans why she was withdrawing music from Spotify. After it came to fore, Dwayne Johnson said, “I was not aware of his N-word use before my comments, but now I’ve become educated to his complete narrative. Learning moment for me.” Dear @donwinslow Thank you so much for this I hear you as well as everyone here 100% I was not aware of his N word use prior to my comments, but now I've become educated to his complete narrative. Learning moment for me. Mahalo, brother and have a great & productive weekend. DJ https://t.co/3mBf85wRoe — Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) February 5, 2022 × Hi @CheriJacobus, I owe you a sincere apology. I didn’t show up the way I would’ve liked to in our dialogue and my language to you was offensive. I apologize. Thank you and your followers for all the dialogue here. Have a great & productive weekend. DJ — Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) February 5, 2022 × Joe Rogan too apologised for the slur. He said, “It looks fu**ing horrible. Even to me. I know that to most people, there is no context where a white person is ever allowed to say that word, never mind publicly on a podcast. And I agree with that now, I haven’t said it in years.”

Dwayne Johnson distances from Joe Rogan controversy after finding out he used the 'N-word'

<p>Peter Davidson’s hidden demons came to haunt him when he was booed by fans as he visited Syracuse. He was at Syracuse when he asked, “Orange you glad to have me here?” when fans gave him a taste of his own medicine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His Saturday Night Live memories came rushing back as he had once called the place “trash”. He had said, “Dude, I was shooting this movie out in Syracuse. Syracuse, you know, it’s trash,” the Staten Island native said on ‘The Howard Stern Show’ at the time. “Worse than Staten Island. The nicest hotel in Syracuse is, like, a f–king Ramada.”</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-mommy-of-two-kylie-jenner-welcomes-second-child-with-travis-scott-451150" hreflang="en">Mommy of two! Kylie Jenner welcomes second child with Travis Scott</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-dwayne-johnson-distances-from-joe-rogan-controversy-after-finding-he-used-the-n-word-451146" hreflang="en">Dwayne Johnson distances from Joe Rogan controversy after finding he used the 'N-word'</a></p>

<p>This was after Pete Davidson filmed ‘Big Time Adolescence’ in 2019 and didn’t like the filming experience courtesy the place.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/watch-billie-eilish-to-rescue-stops-show-to-help-fan-facing-breathing-difficulty-451108" hreflang="en">Watch: Billie Eilish to rescue! Stops show to help fan facing breathing difficulty</a></p>


Peter Davidson’s hidden demons came to haunt him when he was booed by fans as he visited Syracuse. He was at Syracuse when he asked, “Orange you glad to have me here?

Peter Davidson’s hidden demons came to haunt him when he was booed by fans as he visited Syracuse. He was at Syracuse when he asked, “Orange you glad to have me here?” when fans gave him a taste of his own medicine. His Saturday Night Live memories came rushing back as he had once called the place “trash”. He had said, “Dude, I was shooting this movie out in Syracuse. Syracuse, you know, it’s trash,” the Staten Island native said on ‘The Howard Stern Show’ at the time. “Worse than Staten Island. The nicest hotel in Syracuse is, like, a f–king Ramada.” Also read: Mommy of two! Kylie Jenner welcomes second child with Travis Scott Dwayne Johnson distances from Joe Rogan controversy after finding he used the 'N-word' This was after Pete Davidson filmed ‘Big Time Adolescence’ in 2019 and didn’t like the filming experience courtesy the place. Also read: Watch: Billie Eilish to rescue! Stops show to help fan facing breathing difficulty

Taste of own medicine? Fans boo Pete Davidson as he visits Syracuse after calling it 'trash'

<p>British TV drama miniseries ‘It’s a Sin’ premiered in India and worldwide on February 4, 2022 after it was successfully received in the UK last year. Written and created by Russell T Davies, the five-part series is set in London as it follows the lives of five gay men who lived during the HIV/AIDS crisis in the United Kingdom in years between 1981 to 1991.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Actor Omari Douglas who plays Roscoe Babatunde in the show spoke to WION in an exclusive interview on the series that explores themes of freedom and expression in the lives of homosexuals in 80s and 90s UK.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Read the excerpts of the conversation here:</em></p>

<p><strong>WION: Tell us a little about your character, Roscoe, and how he fits within the group.</strong></p>

<p><strong>Omari Douglas:</strong> At the beginning of the story, he's reached that point in his life where he just wants to start living life in the way that he wants to. This is at odds with his family and their value, so he chooses to fly the nest - &nbsp;and in some style! And that’s how he winds up with the group. Once he leaves his family, it means that he can live freely and really boldly. He’s got such wild self-expression because of that. He thinks that nothing can stand in his way, really. Finding the group means that he’s found his own family unit as well but interestingly, he still wanders off and does his own thing. He is a bit of &nbsp;a maverick, which is what I really love about him. He’s just full of dreams and ambitions and he just really wants to make something of himself.</p>

<p><strong>WION: Can you see any of yourself in your character?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Omari Douglas:</strong> I think what I identified with initially was that I was also 18 when I moved to London, so I connected with that feeling of wanting some independence in your life, wanting to start exploring the world for yourself, and just going out and living your life. And I think that is exactly what Roscoe is doing. I think if there is one thing that I felt like I understood immediately, it was the independence thing and wanting to stand really firmly on your own.</p>

<p><img alt="omari douglas" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="347832ee-a08a-4fb3-bf0b-7666258b332d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New-241.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong>WION: What has it been like working with Russell T Davies?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Omari Douglas:</strong> Russell is obviously an icon. When I was in my last year of drama school, I remember when Cucumber came out, it was like an event in our flat, we’d just all cuddle together and watch it. What was just so amazing about the whole experience was that Russell made himself available to us, and you don’t always expect that on such a big project like this. He’s really nurtured us as a group, and I feel that he’s invested in us with his time. He is just so generous and giving. It made it a really warm experience for me, and for everyone. I just really, really, really value him in that sense because it’s a pretty daunting thing. I will be indebted to him forever and ever.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-rocket-boys-review-jim-sarbh-is-flawless-in-this-show-on-two-scientists-who-changed-indias-future-450565" hreflang="en">Rocket Boys review: Jim Sarbh is flawless in this show on two scientists who changed India's future</a></p>

<p><strong>WION: Were you already familiar with the period and events of the time? If not, did you do much research or learn on the go?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Omari Douglas:</strong> I felt like I had a general knowledge of the decade and what was going on politically but I did do a lot of reading and it was interesting learning what Britain was like at the turn of the 80s, economically and politically. In the show, there’s a domestic feel, almost a drabness at the beginning. What makes the show so amazing is seeing that and then seeing the life that suffuses the show coming from our energy as a group of young people living their lives. Also, despite the landscape being quite bleak at the time, all these young people were finding their way, enjoying life and then, of course, looking into the disease itself, I think, we’ve been so used to seeing an American narrative of how the epidemic played out, it was really fascinating just learning about how it developed in the UK.</p>

<p>Watch the trailer here:</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="444" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hnR5DxP2e2g" title="YouTube video player" width="790"></iframe></p>

<p><strong>WION: Why do you think this is an important story to tell?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Omari Douglas:</strong> There was so much stigma, shame and prejudice attached to the disease. With the generations of people that we have lost to AIDS, I think this stigma became the precedent in how people have remembered it. I think it is really important that we remember that these were just normal people who had so much to offer to the world. What’s so amazing about what Russell has done is that even though at the forefront of the story is the epidemic, at the same time it is really about a group of young people living their lives, being ambitious, having dreams and expressing themselves. And I think that is probably the best way to honour those people. Also, it will open up, hopefully, some sort of intergenerational conversations about the gay experience. For younger generations, it’s going to be really important for them to know how we got to where we are now.</p>

<p><strong>WION: You share some scenes with Stephen Fry — how was it working with him?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Omari Douglas: </strong>He is just so generous, warm and kind. I met him the day before we started shooting and we had a really lovely chat. I learned so much from Stephen in terms of the period. He’s the most amazing storyteller. He also made it so fun. Without giving anything away, in an episode my character goes to an event with Stephen’s character. This is the first thing that we shot together too. My character goes up to Stephen’s and is supposed to whisper something rude in his ear. And Peter [Hoar, the director] said to me a few days before, "just be on your A game and just make sure that you have got some ammo". And I think we did that about eight or 10 times! I will never ever be able to repeat the things that I said that day...!</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interview-aarya-actor-ankur-bhatia-on-playing-sangram-and-special-bond-with-sushmita-sen-450247" hreflang="en">Interview: 'Aarya' actor Ankur Bhatia on playing Sangram and special bond with Sushmita Sen</a></p>

<p><strong>WION: There’s a real “gang” at the heart of the drama — did you become as tight-knit a gang with your co- stars off-camera too?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Omari Douglas: </strong>The bottom line is that we made friends for life. I can’t really put it any more plainly than that. It was insane that there were no chemistry reads when we were being cast, and yet we all got on so brilliantly from the off.</p>

<p><img alt="its a sin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b74024f-d8f8-4c67-a705-336e7cdfec78" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New-240.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong>WION: How did you find immersing yourself in the 80s during filming? How did you get into the 80s vibe — music/films etc?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Omari Douglas:</strong> I immersed myself in music. I actually have a Spotify playlist that I’m still adding to this day. I also watched a lot of old episodes of Top of the Pops. I just find it really fascinating how people back in the 80s were consuming that kind of thing. Today we have Spotify and YouTube, and we can just go and look for things. Everything is hyper-accessible to us now, but back then you were waiting for the stuff you loved and I just love that. People were living for music in that way. I watched lots of clips of telly and comedy from the time because, again, interestingly, it’s seeing what was accepted in forms of comedy and laughter at the time, that was really eye opening for me.</p>

<p><img alt="omari douglas" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c780fab2-8f56-44dc-81f4-bef016ee165a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New-242.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong>WION: Since you’ve done your research, who’s your favourite 80s band and TV show?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Omari Douglas:</strong> I’ve got loads, like The Pointer Sisters, Grace Jones, Janet Jackson, Prince, Imagination...but I think I will go with Grace Jones because of the music and also because she's an icon of the time. I love the Nightclubbing album. Roscoe has a massive poster of her on his bedroom wall too!</p>

<p>As for TV, when I was reading the scripts, there was a Larry Grayson reference. I went off and YouTubed loads of his stuff. He’s just so funny and naughty! He’s pretty brilliant.</p>

<p>‘It’s a Sin’ features Olly Alexander, Nathaniel Curtis, Shaun Dooley in lead roles and is helmed by Peter Hoar.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/rihanna-to-cardi-b-stunning-celebrity-pregnancy-announcements-that-left-us-spellbound-450129" hreflang="en">Rihanna to Cardi B: Stunning celebrity pregnancy announcements that left us spellbound</a></p>


British TV drama miniseries ‘It’s a Sin’ premiered in India and worldwide on February 4, 2022 after it was successfully received in the UK last year. Written and created by Russell T Davies, the five-part series is set in London as it follows the lives of five gay men who lived during the HIV/AIDS crisis in the United Kingdom in years between 1981 to 1991.

British TV drama miniseries ‘It’s a Sin’ premiered in India and worldwide on February 4, 2022 after it was successfully received in the UK last year. Written and created by Russell T Davies, the five-part series is set in London as it follows the lives of five gay men who lived during the HIV/AIDS crisis in the United Kingdom in years between 1981 to 1991. Actor Omari Douglas who plays Roscoe Babatunde in the show spoke to WION in an exclusive interview on the series that explores themes of freedom and expression in the lives of homosexuals in 80s and 90s UK. Read the excerpts of the conversation here: WION: Tell us a little about your character, Roscoe, and how he fits within the group. Omari Douglas: At the beginning of the story, he's reached that point in his life where he just wants to start living life in the way that he wants to. This is at odds with his family and their value, so he chooses to fly the nest - and in some style! And that’s how he winds up with the group. Once he leaves his family, it means that he can live freely and really boldly. He’s got such wild self-expression because of that. He thinks that nothing can stand in his way, really. Finding the group means that he’s found his own family unit as well but interestingly, he still wanders off and does his own thing. He is a bit of a maverick, which is what I really love about him. He’s just full of dreams and ambitions and he just really wants to make something of himself. WION: Can you see any of yourself in your character? Omari Douglas: I think what I identified with initially was that I was also 18 when I moved to London, so I connected with that feeling of wanting some independence in your life, wanting to start exploring the world for yourself, and just going out and living your life. And I think that is exactly what Roscoe is doing. I think if there is one thing that I felt like I understood immediately, it was the independence thing and wanting to stand really firmly on your own. WION: What has it been like working with Russell T Davies? Omari Douglas: Russell is obviously an icon. When I was in my last year of drama school, I remember when Cucumber came out, it was like an event in our flat, we’d just all cuddle together and watch it. What was just so amazing about the whole experience was that Russell made himself available to us, and you don’t always expect that on such a big project like this. He’s really nurtured us as a group, and I feel that he’s invested in us with his time. He is just so generous and giving. It made it a really warm experience for me, and for everyone. I just really, really, really value him in that sense because it’s a pretty daunting thing. I will be indebted to him forever and ever. Also read: Rocket Boys review: Jim Sarbh is flawless in this show on two scientists who changed India's future WION: Were you already familiar with the period and events of the time? If not, did you do much research or learn on the go? Omari Douglas: I felt like I had a general knowledge of the decade and what was going on politically but I did do a lot of reading and it was interesting learning what Britain was like at the turn of the 80s, economically and politically. In the show, there’s a domestic feel, almost a drabness at the beginning. What makes the show so amazing is seeing that and then seeing the life that suffuses the show coming from our energy as a group of young people living their lives. Also, despite the landscape being quite bleak at the time, all these young people were finding their way, enjoying life and then, of course, looking into the disease itself, I think, we’ve been so used to seeing an American narrative of how the epidemic played out, it was really fascinating just learning about how it developed in the UK. Watch the trailer here: WION: Why do you think this is an important story to tell? Omari Douglas: There was so much stigma, shame and prejudice attached to the disease. With the generations of people that we have lost to AIDS, I think this stigma became the precedent in how people have remembered it. I think it is really important that we remember that these were just normal people who had so much to offer to the world. What’s so amazing about what Russell has done is that even though at the forefront of the story is the epidemic, at the same time it is really about a group of young people living their lives, being ambitious, having dreams and expressing themselves. And I think that is probably the best way to honour those people. Also, it will open up, hopefully, some sort of intergenerational conversations about the gay experience. For younger generations, it’s going to be really important for them to know how we got to where we are now. WION: You share some scenes with Stephen Fry — how was it working with him? Omari Douglas: He is just so generous, warm and kind. I met him the day before we started shooting and we had a really lovely chat. I learned so much from Stephen in terms of the period. He’s the most amazing storyteller. He also made it so fun. Without giving anything away, in an episode my character goes to an event with Stephen’s character. This is the first thing that we shot together too. My character goes up to Stephen’s and is supposed to whisper something rude in his ear. And Peter [Hoar, the director] said to me a few days before, "just be on your A game and just make sure that you have got some ammo". And I think we did that about eight or 10 times! I will never ever be able to repeat the things that I said that day...! Also read: Interview: 'Aarya' actor Ankur Bhatia on playing Sangram and special bond with Sushmita Sen WION: There’s a real “gang” at the heart of the drama — did you become as tight-knit a gang with your co- stars off-camera too? Omari Douglas: The bottom line is that we made friends for life. I can’t really put it any more plainly than that. It was insane that there were no chemistry reads when we were being cast, and yet we all got on so brilliantly from the off. WION: How did you find immersing yourself in the 80s during filming? How did you get into the 80s vibe — music/films etc? Omari Douglas: I immersed myself in music. I actually have a Spotify playlist that I’m still adding to this day. I also watched a lot of old episodes of Top of the Pops. I just find it really fascinating how people back in the 80s were consuming that kind of thing. Today we have Spotify and YouTube, and we can just go and look for things. Everything is hyper-accessible to us now, but back then you were waiting for the stuff you loved and I just love that. People were living for music in that way. I watched lots of clips of telly and comedy from the time because, again, interestingly, it’s seeing what was accepted in forms of comedy and laughter at the time, that was really eye opening for me. WION: Since you’ve done your research, who’s your favourite 80s band and TV show? Omari Douglas: I’ve got loads, like The Pointer Sisters, Grace Jones, Janet Jackson, Prince, Imagination...but I think I will go with Grace Jones because of the music and also because she's an icon of the time. I love the Nightclubbing album. Roscoe has a massive poster of her on his bedroom wall too! As for TV, when I was reading the scripts, there was a Larry Grayson reference. I went off and YouTubed loads of his stuff. He’s just so funny and naughty! He’s pretty brilliant. ‘It’s a Sin’ features Olly Alexander, Nathaniel Curtis, Shaun Dooley in lead roles and is helmed by Peter Hoar. Rihanna to Cardi B: Stunning celebrity pregnancy announcements that left us spellbound

Interview | 'It's A Sin' actor Omari Douglas: Show will open intergenerational dialogue about gay experience

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