Robert Irwin spotted with rumoured Australia Zoo employee sparking new romance gossip

Robert Irwin has been spotted with a mystery woman sparking rumours of a new love interest.

The 20-year-old was snapped with the brunette woman at Sydney airport last Tuesday following an appearance on The Project as part of his TV Week Gold Logie campaign.

According to New Idea, the woman is a fellow Australia Zoo employee named Charlotte.

"Robert and his friend looked very, very comfortable together," a source told the magazine.

"They were chatting and laughing and it looked like they'd known each other for ages.

"They looked very couple-y."

Irwin is up for a Logie following his stint as co-host of I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here alongside Julia Morris.

"They looked very couple-y." Credit: MEDIA-MODE/MEDIA-MODE.COM

Another source told the publication Irwin could be set to reveal his new relationship status at the star-studded Sydney event.

"Robert debuted his relationship with Rorie at the Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One premiere in Sydney last year," they said.

"It would not be a surprise at all if he took his new friend as his date to the Logies, which are being held in Sydney on August 18."

The sighting comes after Irwin suddenly ended his relationship with Perth-based Rorie Buckey after 18 months of dating.

They made a joint statement about their break-up in a post shared to Buckey's Instagram page.

👀👀👀Robert Irwin opens up about dating life after break-up

The statement read: "We wanted to share that we have decided to go our separate ways but profoundly appreciate all the time spent together and wish one another all the very best into the future.

"We wish to express the gratitude and respect we have for one another as we continue our journeys on different paths.

"We won't be commenting further on this, and really appreciate your respect and privacy at this time."

The young star has also caught the eyes of fans for looking extra buff recently.

Irwin shared to Men's Health magazine earlier this year that he'd increased his "weight training, running and swimming".

Rare visionRobert Irwin's seriously emotional tribute to father Steve

YouTube feud reveals entertainment industry disputes

A prominent YouTube personality has accused a major entertainment company of using highly controversial figures as part of a marketing campaign seemingly targeted at competitor HYBE. The campaign spurred debates across various online platforms about unconventional marketing strategies increasingly prevalent in the entertainment industry.

However, the accused company refutes this assertion, maintaining the campaign's purpose was to uphold management rights and clearly convey their position to shareholders. The company admitted to having received proposals to engage YouTube influencers in the campaign yet opted against it.

The YouTuber contends that the company intentionally involved certain YouTube influencers, including one notorious for intimidating other influencers, as a part of a contentious retaliatory campaign. This selective use triggered questions about the company's marketing ethics and their choice of partnerships.

In the face of intensified scrutiny for brushing off several complaints against unsavoury influencers, the accused company came under increasing pressure from the YouTube community with mounting calls for boycotts of the company's products. More concerns emerged about the company's intentions of involving contentious influencers purportedly to stir up controversy and garner attention.

Following the accusations, the controversial YouTuber released a video revealing sensitive personal information about a person in conflict with one of the implicated companies.

This video was heavily criticized and quickly taken down. The YouTuber saw a swift decrease in followers and viewer engagement as a result, and several sponsor companies severed ties with the influencer.

In the face of resulting controversy, the initial YouTube whistleblower chose to step away from the issue, a move that has received a mixed response on the internet. The personality's potential ties with HYBE and past critiques of disbanded groups have stirred up further skepticism, as have his alleged friendly relations with HYBE officials.

Siding away from potential harm, the YouTuber chose silence, escalating speculation among followers. However, despite the controversy, some continue to express respect for his decision. This incident has not only revealed an intense rivalry within the K-Drama entertainment industry but has also ignited an immensely complex conversation about the delicate balance of public and private spheres in the world of social media influencing.

Sophia Bush, Alex Edelman star in new celebrity ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’ | Watch for free

WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE - "In the Hot Seat: Sophia Bush & Alex Edelman / Jeff Ross & Jimmy's Cousin Sal" - It's an all-new "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire," featuring celebrity pairs Sophia Bush and Alex Edelman, along with Jeff Ross and Jimmy's Cousin Sal. WEDNESDAY, JULY 31 (8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (DISNEY/Chris Willard)ABC

Celebrity "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" continues with a new episode starring actress Sophia Bush and comic Alex Edelman. The show will air on Wednesday, July 31, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

This season of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" will feature two pairs of celebrities, each competing together for half the episode. Each team is hoping to win money for a charity of their choice.

Watch this week's installment live for free with a trial from Fubo or DIRECTV Stream. You can also watch it for free on Aug. 1 with a Hulu trial, or on Hulu with the Disney Bundle.

About the show:

This half-hour quiz show asks contestants 14 questions of increasing difficulty. They have some safety nets along the way like asking the audience or phoning a friend, and they can always quit at any time. Or, they can risk those earnings for a chance at $1 million for charity.

Each week, the following celebrities will play for a chance to earn $1 million for a charity of their choice.

Ray Romano & Brad Garrett

Ken Thompson & Kel Mitchell

Zach Braff & Donald Faison

Lil Dicky & GaTa

Kelly & Jack Osbourne

Ike Barinholtz & Alan Barinholtz

Sebastian Maniscalco & Omar J. Dorsey

Sophia Bush & Alex Edelman

Gillian Jacobs & Danny Pudi

Natasha Leggero & Jason Ritter

Ron Funches & Reggie Watts

Jeff Ross & "Cousin Sal" Iacono

Tune in to the new episode tonight, July 31, at 8/7c starring Sophia Bush and Alex Edelman, then Jeff Ross and "Cousin Sal" Iacono.

Where to watch ABC:

Fubo (free trial)- For $79.99/month, switch to Fubo and stream over 100 channels of shows, sports, news and more. Plans include Cloud DVR as well as a free trial.

DIRECTV Stream (try it free) - With plans starting at $79.99/month, switch to DIRECTV Stream to enjoy 75+ channels and numerous add-ons. Click here to explore more DIRECTV options.

Hulu (7-day free trial) - After the free trial, get Hulu with ads for just $7.99/month or $79.99/year. Ad free Hulu costs $17.99/month. Eligible students can also get Hulu with ads for only $1.99/month. Watch thousands of shows from the Disney, ABC and Fox library, including next-day episodes of current seasons.

Disney Bundle with Hulu -  Choose the Disney Bundle to unlock either a Hulu and Disney+ duo for $9.99/month, or a Hulu, ESPN+ and Disney+ trio for $14.99/month.

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How ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘The O.C.’ Contributed to an Increase in Shirtless and Sex Scenes on ‘One Tree Hill’

Fans who appreciated the increased shirtless and sex scenes in One Tree Hill have Gossip Girl and The O.C. to thank for it according to some of the show's stars.

When CBS and Time Warner shut down UPN and The WB, they combined resources and formed then-new broadcast network The CW, which was home to massive shows of the 2000s that still maintain a cult following today.

While speaking on this week's One Tree Hill rewatch podcast Drama Queens episode, stars Bethany Joy Lenz, Sophia Bush and Robert Buckley recalled wh en their show moved over to the new network that was also home to Gossip Girl and The O.C. and how that contributed to their show moving forward.

"All those shows where it was so much, so much gratuitous whatever, like sex, sex everywhere," said Lenz, who played Haley James Scott on all nine seasons of the teen drama series. "They just wanted to make sure that you guys had your shirts off on the beach. They wanted to make sure that somebody is naked in every episode."

Bush, who portrayed Brooke Davis, agreed with her co-star, saying that she was grateful for Austin Nichols' Julian Baker, who was the "sacrificial lamb" in a lot of the shirtless scenes.

"So I didn't have to do it," the John Tucker Must Die star said. "And also, 'Good for you, sir.' Like Austin was surfing every weekend. He looks so good, and I was like, 'Someday, you're actually going to lovethat you have this.' I hated when people used to say that to me. We were in our twenties andthey'd be like, someday you'll be thrilled."

Buckley, the actor behind Clay Evans (who joined One Tree Hill's final two seasons), recalled speaking with a director who worked on an episode of their show when they were on it together.

"I was asking him, 'Oh, what did you do?' And it was during the time when Julian was just sort of being introduced, and he was like, 'Yeah, it was when they were introducing Austin as the new sex pylon.' And I went, 'What?' I had never heard the term sex pylon, but I have to say, when I was watching that vignette, and he's just standing there looking amazing, I thought, 'You know? It's a bit objectifying, but sex pylon, that shoe fits. It tracks.'"

One Tree Hill ran from 2003 to 2012. It first followed half-brothers Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) and Nathan Scott (James Lafferty), who start off as rivals on the high school basketball court. The show also chronicles their friends and family in the fictional small town of Tree Hill, North Carolina.

Josh Hartnett Revealed The Scary Reason He Once Walked Away From Hollywood

Fame is a scary thing. Being known around the country or world might seem like a glamorous concept, but it also invites strangers into your life, which is always risky. Josh Hartnett was an early 2000s HartThrob(ha!) and starred in blockbusters like Pearl Harbor and 30 Days of Night before taking a lengthy acting hiatus.

While he has opened up about retreating from Hollywood in the past, Hartnett recently told The Guardian that it was for his own safety and wellbeing. "People's attention to me at the time was borderline unhealthy," he said.

Hartnett, who stars in the upcoming thriller Trap, admitted that he had his own harrowing experiences. "There were incidents," he explained. "People showed up at my house. People that were stalking me. A guy showed up at one of my premieres with a gun, claiming to be my father. He ended up in prison."

While these scary encounters would be enough for anyone to quit their job, Hartnett said it wasn't the only reason. "I just didn't want my life to be swallowed up by my work. And there was a notion at that time you just kind of give it all up. And you saw what happened to some people back then. They got obliterated by it," he admitted. "I didn't want that for myself." The incidents mostly occurred during Hartnett's late twenties.

So, he took some time off and decided to return to Hollywood to portray a dangerous serial killer. The only thing scarier than that role is appearing in the high stakes world of The Bear, which he also did. The HartThrob effect is catching on!!!! Just look at this guy!

You have to love him (sorry, Glen, we still love you too).

M. Night Shyamalan's Traphits theaters on August 2.

(Via The Guardian)

Celebrity birthdays for the week of Aug. 4-10

By  THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Updated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [timezone], [monthFull] [day], [year]  

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Celebrity birthdays for the week of Aug. 4-10:

Aug. 4: Actor Tina Cole ("My Three Sons") is 81. Actor Billy Bob Thornton is 69. Actor Kym Karath ("The Sound of Music") is 66. Actor Lauren Tom ("Joy Luck Club," ″Men In Trees") is 65. Producer Michael Gelman ("Live with Kelly and Ryan") is 63. Actor Crystal Chappell ("Guiding Light") is 59. Drummer Rob Cieka of Boo Radleys is 56. Actor Daniel Dae Kim ("Hawaii Five-O," ″Lost") is 56. Actor Michael Deluise ("Gilmore Girls," "NYPD Blue") is 55. Rapper Yo-Yo ("Miss Rap Supreme") is 53. Singer-actor Marques Houston of Immature is 43. Actor-turned-princess Meghan Markle ("Suits") is 43. Actor-director Greta Gerwig is 41. "American Idol" runner-up Crystal Bowersox is 39. Actors Dylan and Cole Sprouse ("The Suite Life of Zack and Cody," ″Grace Under Fire") are 32. "American Idol" runner-up Jessica Sanchez is 29.

Aug. 5: Actor Loni Anderson is 79. Actor Erica Slezak ("One Life To Live") is 78. Singer Rick Derringer is 77. Actor-turned-journalist Holly Palance ("Under Fire," "The Omen") is 74. Singer Samantha Sang is 73. Guitarist Eddie Ojeda of Twisted Sister is 69. Actor Maureen McCormick ("The Brady Bunch") is 68. Guitarist Pat Smear of Foo Fighters is 65. Country fiddler Mark O'Connor is 63. Actor Mark Strong ("The Imitation Game") is 61. Director James Gunn ("Guardians of the Galaxy") is 58. Actor Jonathan Silverman ("The Single Guy") is 58. Country singer Terri Clark is 56. Actor Stephanie Szostak ("A Million Little Things") is 53. Cellist Eicca Toppinen of Apocalyptica is 49. Drummer Whit Sellers of Old Dominion is 46. Actor Jesse Williams ("Grey's Anatomy") is 44. Actor Albert Tsai ("Dr. Ken") is 20. Actor Devin Trey Campbell ("Single Parents") is 16.

Aug. 6: Children's music performer Ella Jenkins is 100. Actor-director Peter Bonerz is 86. Actor Louise Sorel ("Days of Our Lives") is 84. Actor Ray Buktenica ("Rhoda") is 81. Actor Dorian Harewood is 74. Actor Catherine Hicks ("Seventh Heaven") is 73. Singer Pat MacDonald of Timbuk 3 is 72. Actor Stepfanie Kramer ("Hunter") is 68. Actor Faith Prince is 67. Singer Randy DeBarge of DeBarge is 66. Actor Leland Orser ("ER") is 65. Actor Michelle Yeoh ("Everything Everywhere All at Once," "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon") is 62. Country singers Peggy and Patsy Lynn of The Lynns are 60. Actor Jeremy Ratchford ("Cold Case") is 59. Actor Benito Martinez ("American Crime," "The Shield") is 56. Country singer Lisa Stewart is 56. Writer-director M. Night Shyamalan ("The Sixth Sense") is 54. Actor Merrin Dungey ("Summerland," ″Alias") is 53. Singer Geri Halliwell Horner of Spice Girls is 52. Actor Jason O'Mara ("Life on Mars") is 52 . Actor Vera Farmiga ("Up In the Air," ″The Departed") is 51. Actor Soleil Moon Frye ("Sabrina the Teenage Witch," ″Punky Brewster") is 48. Actor Melissa George ("Alias," ″Grey's Anatomy") is 48. Singer Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes is 43. Actor Leslie Odom Jr. (stage: "Hamilton," TV: "Smash") is 43. Bassist Eric Roberts of Gym Class Heroes is 40.

Aug. 7: Humorist Garrison Keillor is 82. Actor John Glover ("Smallville") is 80. Actor David Rasche ("Sledge Hammer!") is 80. Country singer Rodney Crowell is 74. Actor Caroline Aaron ("The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel") is 72. Actor Wayne Knight ("Seinfeld") is 69. Singer Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden is 66. Actor David Duchovny ("Californication," ″The X-Files") is 64. Actor Delane Matthews ("Dave's World") is 63. Actor Harold Perrineau ("Lost," ″Oz") is 61. Jazz pianist Marcus Roberts is 61. Country singer Raul Malo of The Mavericks is 59. Actor David Mann ("Madea" films) is 58. Actor Sydney Penny ("The Thorn Birds," ″All My Children") is 53. Actor Greg Serano ("Power") is 52. Actor Michael Shannon ("George and Tammy," "The Flash") is 50. Actor Charlize Theron is 49. Drummer Barry Kerch of Shinedown is 48. Actor Eric Johnson ("Fifty Shades Darker," ″Smallville") is 45. Actor Liam James (TV's "Psych," film's "The Way, Way Back") is 28.

Aug. 8: Actor Nita Talbot is 94. Actor Dustin Hoffman is 87. Actor Connie Stevens is 86. Country singer Phil Balsley of The Statler Brothers is 85. Actor Larry Wilcox ("CHiPS") is 77. Actor Keith Carradine ("Madam Secretary") is 75. Drummer Anton Fig ("Late Show With David Letterman") is 71. Actor Donny Most ("Happy Days") is 71. Keyboardist Dennis Drew of 10,000 Maniacs is 67. Actor-turned-investment banker Harry Crosby ("Friday the 13th") is 66. News anchor Deborah Norville is 66. Guitarist The Edge of U2 is 63. Drummer Rikki Rockett of Poison is 63. Rapper Kool Moe Dee is 62. Singer Scott Stapp of Creed is 51. Country singer Mark Wills is 51. Actor Kohl Sudduth (TV's "Jesse Stone" movies) is 50. Guitarist Tom Linton of Jimmy Eat World is 49. Singer J.C. Chasez of 'N Sync is 48. Actor Tawny Cypress ("Heroes") is 48. Singer Drew Lachey of 98 Degrees is 48. Singer Marsha Ambrosius (Floetry) is 47. Actor Lindsay Sloane ("Sabrina the Teenage Witch� �) is 47. Actor Countess Vaughn ("The Parkers," ″Moesha") is 46. Actor Michael Urie ("Ugly Betty") is 44. Actor Meagan Good ("Think Like a Man") is 43. Guitarist Eric Howk of Portugal. The Man is 43. Actor Jackie Cruz ("Orange Is the New Black") is 40. Actor Ken Baumann ("The Secret Life of the American Teenager") is 35. Singer Shawn Mendes is 26. Actor Bebe Wood ("The Real O'Neals") is 23.

Aug. 9: Jazz drummer Jack DeJohnette is 82. Comedian David Steinberg is 82. Actor Sam Elliott is 80. Singer Barbara Mason is 77. Actor Melanie Griffith is 67. Actor Amanda Bearse ("Married... With Children") is 66. Rapper Kurtis Blow is 65. "Today" co-host Hoda Kotb is 60. Actor Pat Petersen ("Knots Landing") is 58. Actor Gillian Anderson ("The X-Files") is 56. Actor Eric Bana ("Star Trek," ″The Hulk") is 56. Actor Thomas Lennon (″Reno 911!") is 54. Bassist Arion Salazar (Third Eye Blind) is 54. Rapper Mack 10 is 53. Singer Juanes is 52. Actor Liz Vassey ("CSI," ″All My Children") is 52. Actor Kevin McKidd ("Grey's Anatomy") is 51. Actor Rhona Mitra ("Nip/Tuck," "Boston Legal") is 49. Actor Jessica Capshaw ("Grey's Anatomy," "The Practice") is 48. Actor Ashley Johnson ("The Help") is 41. Actor Anna Kendrick ("Pitch Perfect," ″Twilight") is 39.

Aug. 10: Actor James Reynolds ("Days of Our Lives") is 78. Singer-flutist Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull is 77. Mandolin player Gene Johnson of Diamond Rio is 75. Singer Patti Austin is 74. Actor Rosanna Arquette is 65. Actor Antonio Banderas is 64. Drummer Jon Farriss of INXS is 63. Actor Chris Caldovino ("Boardwalk Empire") is 61. Singer Neneh Cherry is 60. Singer Aaron Hall of Guy is 60. Singer Lorraine Pearson of Five Star is 57. Singer Michael Bivins (Bell Biv Devoe, New Edition) is 56. Actor Angie Harmon ("Law & Order") is 52. Country singer Jennifer Hanson is 51. Actor-turned-lawyer Craig Kirkwood ("Remember the Titans") is 50. Actor JoAnna Garcia Swisher ("Kevin (Probably) Saves the World," ″Reba") is 45. Singer Cary Ann Hearst of Shovels and Rope is 45. Singer Nikki Bratcher of Divine is 44. Actor Aaron Staton ("Mad Men") is 44. Actor Ryan Eggold ("The Blacklist: Redemption," ″90210″) is 40. Actor Charley Koontz ("CSI: Cyber") is 3 7. Actor Lucas Till ("Hannah Montana") is 34. Actor Jeremy Maguire ("Modern Family") is 13.

Kolkata Entertainment Industry Resumes Work

The deadlock in the Kolkata entertainment industry over the shooting of films, serials, and web series finally ended on Tuesday after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee intervened.

Following a hiatus of three days, studios are set to resume work on Wednesday. Veteran director Goutam Ghosh revealed in a press conference that all stakeholders, from directors to technicians and crew members, will now work in harmony.

A series of discussions was conducted among directors and technicians on Tuesday evening after industry representatives met with the Chief Minister. Actor-producer and MP Deepak Adhikari, aka Dev, attributed the resolution of the impasse to Banerjee's initiative, highlighting her appeal for a family-like cohesion within the industry.

(With inputs from agencies.)

PodcastOne and Celebrity Medium Jonathan Mark Enter Into an Exclusive Multi-Year Deal for “Connect with Jonathan Mark” Podcast

Podcast Provides Listeners an Opportunity to Connect with the Other Side

Season 1 Guests Include Jenna Dewan, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi and Audrina Patridge

11th New Podcast Added to PodcastOne This Year, Expanding the Network to a Total of 187 Programs

LOS ANGELES, July 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PodcastOne (NASDAQ: PODC), a leading podcast platform and a subsidiary of LiveOne (NASDAQ: LVO), announced today that Celebrity Medium Jonathan Mark has joined PodcastOne network in a multi-year deal for his debut podcast Connect with Jonathan Mark. PodcastOne holds the exclusive sales and distribution rights for the podcast. The first season of Connect with Jonathan Mark launches on July 30, 2024 with twelve-episodes that feature an array of celebrity appearances, expert guests and updates on compelling true crime cases.

In Connect with Jonathan Mark Jonathan delves into the world of the unseen, offering solace and connection to both celebrities and everyday individuals and bridging the gap between this world and the next. In addition, listeners will get an exclusive peek into Jonathan Mark's life and stay updated on the intriguing true crime cases he's investigating, all in one captivating podcast. Upcoming guests include Nicole “Snookie” Polizzi, Jenna Dewan, Audrina Patridge and Pete Weber. New episodes drop weekly.

“Jonathan Mark is the real deal. From the moment he first guested on our network, we knew that he was special and that his ability would resonate with audiences. Podcast listeners connect with hosts on a unique level and we’re confident that Jonathan will capture them with his compelling and emotional content,” said Kit Gray, Co-Founder and President of PodcastOne.

“I’m excited to share my gift with as many people as I can. My mission is that this podcast not only brings closure to my guests but gives listeners a better understanding of the spirit world,” said Jonathan Mark, Celebrity Medium.

Jonathan Mark is represented by Antranig Balian (Manager, Mortar LA) and Jennifer Buonantony (Publicist, PPLA Agency).

Connect with Jonathan Mark is available through PodcastOne, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Amazon and wherever podcasts are heard. PodcastOne’s full roster of top ranked podcasts includes programming across top genres such as news, comedy, true crime and society and culture, including shows such as The Adam Carolla Show, Baby Mamas No Drama, Varnamtown, The Prosecutors, Court Junkie, The Jordan Harbinger Show, Off the Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe, LadyGang, Tactful Pettiness, Wholeheartedly with Kendall and Galey and The Schaub Show.

About Jonathan MarkJonathan Mark is one of the world's most sought-after mediums, regularly connecting clients with those that have passed to the other side. A former college lacrosse player who initially pursued a career as a police officer, he now collaborates with law enforcement agencies including the FBI and NYPD to help solve cases, many that are cold. He was a part of the infamous Gabby Petito case and recently he aided in cracking the Gilgo Beach case, a series of killings between 1996 and 2011 in which the remains of 11 people were found in Gilgo Beach, located on the South Shore of Long Island, New York. He has provided readings to numerous celebrity clients including Kanye West, Nina Dobrev, Alex Cooper, and many more. He also provides readings to those looking for closure including first responders, veterans, and those mourning the loss of parents, children, and close friends alike. To learn more, visit https://jonathanmark.net/.

About Podcast OnePodcastOne (Nasdaq: PODC) is a Los Angeles based podcast network founded in 2012 by Kit Gray and Norm Pattiz providing creators and advertisers with a full 360-degree solution in sales, marketing, public relations, production, and distribution delivering over 2.1 billion downloads per year with a community of 250 of the top podcasters, including Adam Carolla, Kaitlyn Bristowe, Jordan Harbinger, LadyGang, A&E's Cold Case Files and Varnamtown. PodcastOne has built a distribution network reaching over 1 billion listeners a month across all of its own properties, LiveOne (Nasdaq:LVO), Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Samsung and over 150 shows exclusively available in Tesla vehicles. PodcastOne is also the parent company of LaunchpadOne, an innovative self-serve platform developed to launch, host, distribute and monetize independent user-generated podcasts. For more information, visitPodcastOne.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter at @podcastone. For more investor information, please visit ir.podcastone.com/overview/default.aspx.

About LiveOneHeadquartered in Los Angeles, CA, LiveOne (Nasdaq:LVO) is an award-winning, creator-first, music, entertainment, and technology platform focused on delivering premium experiences and content worldwide through memberships and live and virtual events. LiveOne's wholly-owned subsidiaries include Slacker Radio, PodcastOne (Nasdaq: PODC), PPVOne, CPS, LiveXLive, DayOne Music Publishing, Drumify and Splitmind. LiveOne is available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Spotify, Samsung, Amazon Fire, Android TV, and through STIRR’s OTT applications. For more information, visit liveone.com and follow us onFacebook,Instagram,TikTok,YouTube and Twitter at @liveone. For more investor information, please visit ir.liveone.com.

Forward-Looking StatementsAll statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are “forward-looking statements,” which may often, but not always, be identified by the use of such words as “may,” “might,” “will,” “will likely result,” “would,” “should,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “continue,” “target” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including: LiveOne’s reliance on one key customer for a substantial percentage of its revenue; LiveOne’s and Pod castOne’s ability to consummate any proposed financing, acquisition, spin-out, special dividend, merger, distribution or transaction, including the spin-out of LiveOne’s pay-per-view business, the timing of the consummation of any such proposed event, including the risks that a condition to the consummation of any such event would not be satisfied within the expected timeframe or at all, or that the consummation of any proposed financing, acquisition, spin-out, merger, special dividend, distribution or transaction will not occur or whether any such event will enhance shareholder value; PodcastOne’s ability to continue as a going concern; PodcastOne’s ability to attract, maintain and increase the number of its listeners; PodcastOne identifying, acquiring, securing and developing content; LiveOne’s intent to repurchase shares of its and/or PodcastOne’s common stock from time to time under LiveOne’s announced stock repurchase program and the timing, p rice, and quantity of repurchases, if any, under the program; LiveOne’s ability to maintain compliance with certain financial and other covenants; PodcastOne successfully implementing its growth strategy, including relating to its technology platforms and applications; management’s relationships with industry stakeholders; uncertain and unfavorable outcomes in legal proceedings; changes in economic conditions; competition; risks and uncertainties applicable to the businesses of LiveOne and/or its other subsidiaries; and other risks, uncertainties and factors including, but not limited to, those described in PodcastOne’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 1, 2024, and in PodcastOne’s other filings and submissions with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and PodcastOne disclaims any obligation to update these statements, except as may be required by law. PodcastOne intends that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Press Contacts:

For PodcastOne310.246.4600Susan@Guttmanpr.com

Investor Relations:Jason Assad678-570-6791jwassad@podcastone.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c12d47d8-f694-46ab-865c-00140d8291c3

Stream new ‘Celebrity Family Feud’ | Daughtry vs. Papa Roach

CELEBRITY FAMILY FEUD - Neil Patrick Harris Vs. David Burtka & The Cast of Drag Me to Dinner and Nikki Glaser Vs. Bebe Rexha - Hosted by Steve Harvey, the cast of Drag Me to Dinner, including Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka and later, teams Nikki Glaser and Bebe Rexha battle it out to see who will win the grand prize for their selected charities. SUNDAY, JULY 16 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. (ABC/Matt Miller) STEVE HARVEYABC

A new "Celebrity Family Feud" features team Daughtry vs. team Papa Roach. Then, it's Earth, Wind & Fire against The War & Treaty. Watch a new episode of the hilarious game show on Tuesday, July 30, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Watch the episode for free with a trial from Fubo or DIRECTV Stream. You can also watch it for free on July 31 with a Hulu trial, or on Hulu with the Disney Bundle.

About the show:

Steve Harvey pits celebrities against each other in a prime-time version of "Family Feud." Fan-favorite celebrities and members of their families compete against other stars and their relatives to win money for charity.

Watch a new episode of "Celebrity Family Feud" tonight, July 30, at 8/7c on ABC.

Where to watch ABC:

Fubo (free trial)- For $79.99/month, switch to Fubo and stream over 100 channels of shows, sports, news and more. Plans include Cloud DVR as well as a free trial.

DIRECTV Stream (try it free) - With plans starting at $79.99/month, switch to DIRECTV Stream to enjoy 75+ channels and numerous add-ons. Click here to explore more DIRECTV options. For a limited time, sign up for the first three months with the CHOICE Package and save $10 at $98.99.

Hulu (7-day free trial) - After the free trial, get Hulu with ads for just $7.99/month or $79.99/year. Ad free Hulu costs $17.99/month. Eligible students can also get Hulu with ads for only $1.99/month. Watch thousands of shows from the Disney, ABC and Fox library, including next-day episodes of current seasons.

Disney Bundle with Hulu -  Choose the Disney Bundle to unlock either a Hulu and Disney+ duo for $9.99/month, or a Hulu, ESPN+ and Disney+ trio for $14.99/month.

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Hard Rock Continues To Dominate Atlantic City’s Casino Resort Industry

Hot on the heels of its rollicking sixth anniversary celebration last month and with summer 2024 in full swing, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City continues to dominate the gambling resort scene in the storied Jersey Shore escape, attracting throngs of revelers and music fans as the city’s go-to entertainment destination.

In its sixth season, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City continues to grow both profits and ... [+] market share while galvanizing the city's entertainment industry.

PhotoGraphics Copyright 2018

The numbers tell the story. While the collective gross operating profit of Atlantic City’s nine casinos fell 9.6% in the first three months of 2024 to $140.4 million (latest figures available), Hard Rock was one of only two properties that grew profits versus the same period the previous year, a robust 18.3% to $26.2 million. (Gross operating profit reflects earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and other charges, and is a widely accepted measure of profitability in the Atlantic City gambling industry.)

And the resort’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Though Atlantic City casino revenue was flat year over year through the first six months of 2024, Hard Rock Atlantic City was one of just three casinos to boost its gross gaming revenue (GGR) over the same periodâ€"generating GGR of $262.2 million from in-person players, a 12% jump from 2023â€"as it gains ground in the luxury market and chips away at the lead of MGM Resorts’ Borgata, Atlantic City’s longtime top GGR generator. Hard Rock’s market share of the city’s brick-and-mortar casino industry increased to 19.3% through June 2024 from 17.3% in the first half of 2023, while Borgata’s decreased to 25.9% thus far this year, from 26.3% the year prior.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, the property's 5,500-seat entertainment venue, has hosted world-class ... [+] artists like KISS and scores of others, helping to turn music fans into Hard Rock Atlantic City loyalists.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

The 5,500-seat Hard Rock Live at Etess Arenaâ€"the largest performance venue of any casino in townâ€"remains an unrivaled advantage of the 17-acre property perched on the city’s iconic Boardwalk, attracting music fans who might otherwise never set foot in a casino. Since Hard Rock’s hotly anticipated opening in June 2018, the venue has hosted scores of world-class recording artists in its singularly intimate setting, galvanizing Atlantic City’s music scene while elevating and dominating the city’s entertainment landscape in the process. Past performers include KISS, Guns N’ Roses, Andrea Bocelli, The Chain Smokers, Patti LaBelle, and the inimitable Stevie Nicks, who brought the sold-out house down last February. Buzzy upcoming shows include Gwen Stefani (August 17), Miranda Lambert (August 31), and Jane’s Addiction (September 7).

Unveiled this summer, The Balconyâ€"Hard Rock Atlantic City's newly reimagined nightclub ... [+] conceptâ€"offers a soignée late-night scene complete with top-shelf VIP service.

Kevin Owens

Against this booming backdrop, the Hard Rock has unveiled new venues and enhanced its F&B offering this summer to further entice long-weekend visitors, and give concert-goers even more reasons to stick around and explore the resort before and after a show. For night owls, The Balcony at Hard Rock Atlantic Cityâ€"the property’s newly reimagined nightclub conceptâ€"offers a pulse-pounding, soignée after-hours scene, complete with top-shelf, VIP bottle service, dazzling ocean views, and an ever-evolving line-up of DJs on Fridays and Saturdays (and Sundays of holiday wee kends). If you’re lucky, one of the property’s headlining acts might even make a guest appearance behind the turntablesâ€"like Snoop Dogg, who entertained the boisterous crowd in signature “DJ Snoopadelic” fashion following his roof-raising performance at Hard Rock Live last month.

Overlooking the Steel Pier, The Terrace, new this summer, offer an array of refined comfort fare in ... [+] a breezy al fresco setting.

Kevin Owens

A snazzy newcomer on the foodie front, The Terrace serves up elevated comfort fare like King Crabtotsâ€"crispy tater tots topped with scrumptious Alaskan King Crab mornay sauceâ€"world-class lobster rolls, and tasty grilled flatbreads (try the Grilled Peach with whipped ricotta, arugula, and balsamic) with plenty of inspired cocktails and cool sea breezes in a casually elegant setting overlooking the iconic Steel Pier.

The elegant Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, a particular standout among the property's more than 15 ... [+] inspired F&B venues, has unveiled a weekend late-night menu this summer.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

Meanwhile, Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, the resort’s sleekly elegant steak house and a shining star among its more than 15 F&B venues, recently debuted a new happy hour from 5-7pm Monday through Wednesday, featuring wood-fired oysters and craft cocktails. For those who work up an appetite at the showâ€"or on the 2,425-slot, 130-table gaming floorâ€"the new late-night menu features rib-sticking favorites like the Oak burger, steak frites, and mussels posillipo from 11pm until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. An d it’s worth staying the weekend just to experience Sunday Champagne Brunch, featuring a carving station, decadent raw bar, à la carte options (don’t miss the Crab Cake Benedict with tomato hollandaise, served on a corn muffin), and a dessert room brimming with sweet treats galoreâ€"like colorful fruit tarts, mini lemon cheesecakes, and freshly baked coconut macaroons, to name just a few.

For more information on upcoming shows and to book, visit the resort website.

I spent one night at a celebrity-loved hotel in Arizona. My $730 room felt like a house.

The Hermosa Inn is a historic boutique hotel in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

The hotel, with just 43 casitas, was named the best in Arizona by Travel + Leisure in 2023.

I recently spent one night in a deluxe casita that costs $730 a night. Take a look inside.

The historic Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley, Arizona, is a popular resor t choice among high-profile visitors.

Whitney Houston, David Spade, and Tyrese Gibson have all walked the grounds.

Paradise Valley has long been a celebrity hot spot, hence its nickname, "the Beverly Hills of Arizona." The wealthy suburb between Phoenix and Scottsdale is a luxury desert oasis known for its high-end travel offerings. And the Hermosa Inn, which has been around for nearly a century, was named the best hotel in Arizona by Travel + Leisure in 2023.

I spent one night at the Hermosa Inn in April and thought it was easy to see why celebrities love it. My room was unique to any other hotel I've stayed in. Take a look inside the Southwestern casita.

As soon as I entered the property, I knew I was about to have a unique experience.

The lobby building at the Hermosa Inn.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

As I approached Hermosa Inn, I spotted sprawling estates lining Paradise Valley. It was a stark contrast to the small bo utique hotel nestled onto six acres among them.

According to the company's website, the Hermosa Inn was built in 1936 as a cowboy's home and art studio. It comprises small adobe structures with turquoise trimmings that look traditionally Southwestern.

The small property was decorated with garden pathways leading from the lobby to rooms and amenities.

Gardens near the Hermosa Inn's restaurant.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The Hermosa Inn had a spa, a restaurant and bar, a fitness center, and 43 guest casitas — each in its own building.

After checking in, I got a metal key for my room, a stand-alone building.

The author's room key and a map of the property provided by the hotel.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Having a metal key rather than a typical hotel key card made me feel like I was staying in a house — especially since my room was in a private building.

Toward the back of the property, my room was a deluxe casita.

The author's room was essentially a small house.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The Hermosa Inn has four tiers of rooms with starting prices ranging from $600 to $800 during the peak season, a representative of the Hermosa Inn told Business Insider.

I booked a deluxe casita for my stay, the third tier. It has a starting price of $730 a night during the peak season, though BI received a media rate for the one-night stay.

The casita's location at the back of the property felt private and secluded. It was s ituated next to hidden exits, so I immediately saw the appeal for celebrity guests.

Inside the 600-square-foot space, I had a king-sized bed, sitting area, walk-in closet, and bathroom.

Inside the author's casita.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

My casita was the biggest hotel room I've ever booked. It had a studio layout — just one room and a bathroom.

I felt like I was in an old Western movie with Southwestern rugs and artwork, rustic leather furniture, and wooden marquetry.

The casita had basic amenities like a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, and a safe.

I especially appreciated the beehive fireplace across from two oversize leather chairs I sunk into.

The fireplace across from the sitting area in the deluxe casita.Dylan Cross/Dragonfly Image Partners

Sitting by the fire was especially relaxing because it ignited with the touch of a button.

The tall wooden bed posts made me feel like royalty.

The accommodation's king-sized be d. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The king-sized frame with tall posts looked so traditionally luxurious, and with soft Egyptian linens on top, I certainly didn't want to get up in the morning.

There was also a flat-screen TV near the bed, although I didn't use it.

I was impressed by the size of the bathroom.

A peek into the bathroom.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The bathroom was large enough to fit a spacious shower with two shower heads, a double sink and vanity, and an oversized tub.

It had an antique, claw-foot tub that didn't feel cramped to me, although I'm only 5-foot-3.

The antique tub in the bathroom.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Two plush bathrobes hung on the door next to the tub.

Inside the walk-in closet, I found hangers, extra sheets, and a full-length mirror on the door.

A peek inside the closet.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I appreciated the mirror's jumbo size more than I thought I would while getting read y in the morning.

My favorite part of the accommodation was the patio.

The author enjoys the patio. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The patio out front was larger than your typical hotel room balcony. It had a side table between two lounge chairs and two normal chairs next to a larger table. And even with all that furniture, the space didn't feel cramped.

When I left my room to check out in the morning, I found a copy of a newspaper on my doorstep — something I'd never experienced in a hotel before.

A copy of USA Today on the patio.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

This final detail made me realize that the Hermosa Inn truly gives visitors a taste of the past from check-in to check-out.

Read the original article on Business Insider

The cofounder of MoviePass is raising $50 million from Amazon and Alphabet for a longevity-focused venture studio

That's what he did with MoviePass, the moviegoing subscription service he cofounded in 2011. MoviePass, which let users pay a single monthly fee to watch an unlimited number of movies in theaters, saw a stunning rise in the late 2010s — and an even more stunning fall.

MoviePass ousted Watt, along with its other cofounder Stacy Spikes, from the company two years before filing for bankruptcy. Its executives were later charged with defrauding investors; an HBO documentary abou t MoviePass based on Business Insider's reporting was released this May (Spikes regained ownership of MoviePass and relaunched the company himself in 2022).

For Watt, the MoviePass story was bittersweet. Despite the company's collapse, Watt felt he'd made a real impact on the entertainment industry.

He decided to turn his focus to other sectors that needed radical innovation.

"What have I learned, and what do I have the guts to go out now and try — and maybe fail, but maybe succeed?" he said.

Since then, Watt has been building Share Ventures, a venture studio that's now closed on nearly $20 million of funding from backers including Amazon and Alphabet. The firm is creating new startups from scratch in hot areas like longevity and the future of work.

Share Ventures has quietly been spinning up those startups and plans to start announcing them in the coming months. It's also raising more capital; Watt says the firm aims to do a second close by the end of the year, with a target of $50 million in total for its first fund.

Watt said the firm is seeing success as more investors latch onto the idea of the venture studio model, with AI offering startups the ability to go further with less capital.

"Smart LPs who are reading the tea leaves, that's helped us," he said.

Zeroing in on longevity

Watt has spent decades in venture capital as both a founder and an investor, including as a current board partner at Upfront Ventures.

Before starting Share Ventures, however, he noticed the only companies sparking his curiosity were building in health and longevity — an interest he thinks was born from his mother's passing. He was 25 years old when she died; she was only 49.

"When you lose your mom at a young age, it forces you to think about your own mortality, in a way that I don't know that I was conscious of at the time," he said.

Watt said Share Ventures is finding new opportunities in the "human performance" category, including health, biohacking, and longevity, alongside broader issues like financial wellness and relationships.

While Watt didn't share specifics about the companies Share Ventures has built so far, he noted a few areas the firm has dug into, including oral health, culture and value systems in the workplace, and home ownership.

One of Share Ventures' portfolio companies is working on a smart toothbrush powered by AI. Share Ventures AI is supercharging the venture studio model

Threats to the venture capital industry, from high interest rates to the explosion of AI, aren't letting up. But Watt thinks that environment "is the perfect storm for a model that's differentiated."

"You don't need as large of funds, and you can get signal on an opportunity much earlier with much less capital," he said. "For us, that's a great thing because we're building companies from scratch and using all of the most advanced tools to do that proactively."

Share Ventures is building its own software on top of large language models, which the studio is using to identify which industries to build in and automate its own internal processes as it scales up companies, Watt said.

"A lot of venture firms are investing in these new technologies, but they're not really embodying and using them," he said. "Using novel data and automation in our process is something we think is uniquely special to us."

Watt suggested the venture studio model may also become more popular with venture firms because it gives those firms a stake in the company from the beginning — and it could get more expensive to buy ownership into successful startups as AI allows founders to grow with less cash.

Whoops! Celebrity Wardrobe Malfunctions Have Resulted in Some Truly Epic Fashion Moments

Whether it's an awards show, concert performance or a red carpet appearance, plenty of celebrities have suffered epic wardrobe malfunctions over the years.

One of the most memorable in recent times was when singer Maren Morris seemingly went commando while performing at Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic in Camden, New Jersey, in 2024.

While wearing a denim skirt with a thigh-high slit, a fan captured her walking the stage and "The Middle" singer's apparently naked bottom half was completely visible. Maren later joked about it, saying "nothing embarrasses me anymore" after giving birth to her son in 2020.

She's not the only one to have a wild wardrobe malfunction, as seen in these photos of more celebrities and their fashion oopsies.

Bengali entertainment industry comes to a halt after directors, producers go on indefinite strike over Rahool Mukherjee issue

Kolkata/IBNS: Bengali directors, backed by producers, across different mediums went on a strike for an indefinite period of time from Monday as a mark of protest against the technicians' refusal to work with Rahool Mukherjee as the director of Prosenjit Chatterjee starrer SVF's new film.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Directors' Association of Eastern India (DAEI) said, "Respecting the opinions of most directors, we are requesting our members to refuse to take the shooting floor as long as the issue gets resolved."

The DAEI has, however, stated the directive was not for other language projects.

The shooting floors of various studios (Dassani, N.T. 1, Technicians' Studio) in the Tollygunge area wore a deserted look on Monday morning.

The halting of work is set to threaten the timely release of various Bengali films and web series, which are scheduled to be released in the next few months.

The airing of daily soaps is also set to be affected.

Photo courtesy: IBNS

The deadlock over Bengali film superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee's next film continued on Saturday after the film federation remained stubborn over its decision to not accept Rahool Mukherjee as the director.

Even after the DAEI on Friday lifted a three-month break of service which was imposed on Rahool, technicians, as the makers of the upcoming film claimed, refused to take the floor for the shooting of the film, which is produced by the largest production house in the market, SVF.

The situation escalated after several directors, producers and actors from the industry reached the Technicians Studios in Tollygunge, Kolkata, this morning in a show of support for Rahool, who shot to fame directing Dev starrer Kishmish.

"A narrative has been built that we are against technicians. This is incorrect. This is a very bad message which is going out to other industries of the country.

"An actor like Bumba-da (Prosenjit Chatterjee), who is now known even in Mumbai, is not able to work in his own city! This is unfortunate," said Tollywood superstar-producer Dev, who is also a Trinamool Congress MP.

Rahool was announced as the director of an untitled project starring Prosenjit Chatterjee, Anirban Bhattacharya, Priyanka Sarkar by SVF recently.

Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India (FCTWEI) president Swarup Biswas has reportedly claimed Rahool violated the rule by not informing the federation or the Directors' Association of Eastern India about his foreign visit for shooting.

After the ban, SVF replaced Rahool with filmmaker Soumik Haldar, who directed Abar Bibaho Obhijaan last year. Rahool was incorporated into the film as a creative producer by SVF.

Prosenjit, a giant in the Bengali film industry, was visibly upset with the technicians not turning up on the shooting floor.

"Disagreements may happen but how can work be stalled for that? I was not ready for the example, which is taking place now," the Tollywood veteran, who witnessed the highs and lows of the industry over four decades, said.

After Rahool was asked to be relieved of the director's duty, several Bengali filmmakers including Srijit Mukherji, Arindam Sil, Anik Dutta, Anjan Dutt, Kamaleswar Mukherjee had taken to social media to launch their protests.

Popular filmmaker Raj Chakraborty, who also happens to be an MLA of the TMC, has threatened to stop all works in the studio from Monday if work doesn't start with Rahool as director.

"We are giving two days' time. If work doesn't start, we will stop all shooting from Monday and will see how shooting takes place," Raj told the media in a warning to the federation.

In a press briefing in the evening following its internal meeting, the federation said it has no objection to shooting the film with Soumik Haldar as the director but not Rahool Mukherjee.

Swarup Biswas, who also happens to be the brother of TMC heavyweight Aroop Biswas, cleared that technicians have no problem with working on the project, which is yet untitled, with Soumik Haldar as the director.

Photo courtesy: IBNS

When asked about how the break of service lift on Rahool was overturned, Biswas said, "The decision to overturn can't be done in a moment as it's an organisation which has its rules.

"The decision to impose a break of service was taken through AGM. So the decision to overturn it will also have to be made through a meeting."

When he was asked for responses on the actors and filmmakers' claims, Biswas refused to give any comment saying the federation will only respond to a written statement.

Responding to the controversy, Rahool said, "I just want to make a film peacefully. Rest, my colleagues from the industry are taking care of the matter."

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Afternoon storm snaps trees in South Florida

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – A thunderstorm early Monday afternoon led to tree damage in South Florida.

A large tree snapped during the storm and came crashing onto a Hollywood carport.

It happened at around 1:35 p.m. near Pembroke Road and Southwest 52nd Avenue.

Other trees in that area could be seen snapped in half.

There have been no reports of any injuries as of around 3 p.m. Monday.

Copyright 2024 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

12 Celebrity Deaths This Year That Will Break an ’80s Kid’s Heart

If you grew up in the '80s, then 2024 has been a very difficult year. A seemingly endless list of celebrities that we relied on have died this year, including Alf's best friend, Doogie's dad and Dylan's girl (until she wasn't).

Generation X may feel every one of these celebrity deaths. We won't go as far to call all 12 iconic, but there are definitely legends of film, television and broadcasting. A few even leaked into the 1990s, meaning Generation Y could feel the brunt of this sorrow.

Related: Remembering the Country Stars Who Died in 2024

An adored member of the Tanner family leads off a list that also includes a Howser, a Mustard and a "Meat." Two famous newscasters died, including one whose career would tumble after remarks made about the 2020 election.

Dolly Parton's co-star, a Seinfeld favorite and "The King of Sting" also died this year. A strange twist to this list of 12 celebrity deaths (so far) is that three died on the same day, July 13, 2024. That is also the day of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump.

Billy Dukes is a Senior Editor and Executive Producer of Video Content at Taste of Country. He specializes in country music interviews, trend analysis and the Secret History of Country Music. Additionally, Billy covers Yellowstone, 1923 and related television shows through the Dutton Rules podcast. To date, he's written more than 13,000 articles for Taste of Country and produced over 3,000 videos for the Taste of Country YouTube channel.

12 Celebrity Deaths That Will Break an '80s Kid's Heart (2024)

An iconic sitcom dad, the original Colonel Mustard, a beloved Seinfeld character and Brenda, sweet, complicated Brenda. These are just a few of the heartbreaking deaths for Generation X. If you grew up in the '80s and early '90s, you lost a lot in 2024.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes

In Memoriam: Country Stars Who Died in 2024

Take a moment to remember the country artists, songwriters and industry members who died in 2024.

Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak

‘White Dudes for Harris’ Zoom Call Draws Celebrity Attendees and Tens of Thousands of Sign-Ups

An informal group of "White Dudes for Harris" will meet virtually Monday night to declare their support for the first minority woman nominee of a major party just days after white women did a similar event. Organizers say tens of thousands have already signed up for the call, with the governor of North Carolina and stars like Josh Groban and Mark Hamill slated to speak. 

The White Dudes for Harris call was organized on Saturday, less than a week after President Biden dropped his reelection bid. The call was organized by political activist Ben Wessel and a former advisor to Ms. Harris, Mike Nellis. They say more than 67,000 people have signed up for the call so far, and they are aiming for at least 100,000 to participate at eight o'clock Monday night. 

"If we're gonna make @KamalaHarris the next President of the United States, we're going to need everyone to step up," Mr. Wessel says. "That means we need to persuade more dudes to vote for Harris. And that work starts now."

A number of elected officials and celebrities will join the call to speak, according to the group. The governor of North Carolina, Roy Cooper, and the transportation secretary, Pete Buttigieg — who are both being considered for the vice presidential slot this year — will make the case for Ms. Harris during the call. Congressman Adam Schiff, who is on track to be the next senator from Ms. Harris' home state of California, will also attend. 

Celebrities are flocking to the call as well. Mark Hamill of Star Wars fame, Josh Groban, and comedia Paul Scheer are also slated to join. 

On their X account, @dudes4harris, the burgeoning organization say they have raised more than $300,000 for Ms. Harris' campaign. A number of de facto segregated calls have popped up in recent days, with Black women for Harris raising $1.5 million, Black men for Harris raising $1.3 million, and two calls comprising Latinas for Harris and South Asian women for Harris each raising hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

White women for Harris won the day, however, when they raised more than $2 million after hearing from celebrities like Connie Britton and Glennon Doyle, and athletes like Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird. During their meeting, white women said they were prepared to be allied to "BIPOC" people — Black, Indigenous people of color —  by not interrupting them or correcting them. 

"Don't make it about yourself. As white women, we need to use our privilege to make positive changes. If you find yourself talking over or speaking for BIPOC individuals — or god forbid, correcting them — just take a beat," one woman said. "Instead, we can put our listening ears on."

"Use the privilege you have in order to push for systemic change. As white people, we have a lot to learn, and un-learn," she added.

Does Boycotting in Hollywood Do More Harm than Good?

Boycotting has been around for centuries, proving time and time again to be an effective yet peaceful way to call attention to problematic or unjust situations. The aim is to inflict economic loss to an individual, corporation, or, in this case, a film, in order to urge a change in behavior. For the most part, boycotting has been used for the better. Pulling support from people or companies who are harming a community is a great idea. However, in some cases, especially in the film industry, it's important to think through the entire impact of a boycott before making a decision. 

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Recent Cases of Boycotting Films

In 2019, Disney released a live action remake of 'Mulan' in theaters as well as on Disney+. Months before the release, Liu Yifei, the titular lead actress, tweeted her support for the Hong Kong police during human rights protests that resulted in tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray being utilized against protesters. Fans were outraged and called for Yifei to be recast, though she had been involved in the film for years already at this point and was ultimately not replaced. When the film released, a movement of #BoycottMulan gained traction on social media as Disney fans did not want to support an actress who held views supporting the Hong Kong police and Chinese government. 

A similar situation occurred regarding the remake of 'West Side Story' in 2021. The film stars Ansel Elgort as Tony, the "Romeo" figure and leading man. In June of 2020, allegations of sexual assault from Elgort were brought to the public eye. Understandably, social media users called for a boycott of 'West Side Story' as they did not want to support a man who may be an assaulter. Again, people wanted the role to be recast, but filming had already taken place the year prior. Once the film was released, box office sales were not nearly as high as director Stephen Speilberg's previous projects. Many speculate that the low sales were due to Elgort's involvement. 

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The Children Around the World Continue to Ask the question

The Problem With Boycotting These Films

In the cases of 'Mulan' and 'West Side Story' it's vital to consider the impact that letting these films fail would have on the industry. Both films feature casts that represent the cultures that the stories are about. 'Mulan' is based on a Chinese legend and takes place in China during the Han Dynasty. While the voice cast for the original 1998 film did feature Chinese actors, it was not as diverse as it could have been. The live action remake, however, featured a cast that was entirely representative of the place and culture the film was set in, demonstrating immense growth from the original film. 

This issue is even more prominent in the remake of 'West Side Story'. The original 1961 film is iconic, both in the film world and the theater world, it received immense praise from critics and became a cultural touchstone. But, the film was inherently racist due to its casting. A significant number of the Puerto Rican characters in the film were played by white actors in makeup to make their skin appear darker. The film's role as an iconic piece of media means that these racist castings were continuing to be viewed and praised. In the remake, over 20 of the 33 Puerto Rican characters were played by Puerto Rican actors, with the remaining characters played by actors with backgrounds in other Latin countries. 

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Sending the Wrong Message

By allowing films with inclusive, diverse, and accurately representative casts to become box office failures, the message being sent to Hollywood is not necessarily connected to the issue that was being boycotted in the first place. The relative failure of 'West Side Story' does not only mean that people do not want to see films with Ansel Elgort, it also can mean that people do not prioritize watching inclusive films. The failure of 'Mulan' could mean that people did not want to support Liu Yifei, and it could mean people do not want to see live action remakes. However, it could also mean that people did not want to support the all-Chinese cast. 

When deciding to boycott a film, it's important to consider all the messages that could be sent. Often it is more important to give support to minority groups and social progress that may be in the film, rather than take support away due to one actor's role. Further than the Latin representation, the 'West Side Story' remake featured a transgender character that was not present in the original production. This is yet another matter that was inadvertently boycotted along with the film. Instead of jumping onto a boycotting bandwagon, anyone should think critically about the situation and make an educated decision on whether or not the positive messages outweigh the negatives. 

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When is it Okay?

Of course, 'Mulan' and 'West Side Story' are not the only films to be boycotted. Many films are boycotted due to whitewashed casting or racism, misogyny, or sexual misconduct within the film's production. These are larger matters that are not only related to one actor in an otherwise progressive piece of media. Many films that are boycotted do not carry the significance and reform that 'Mulan' and 'West Side Story' do, and in these cases, people are welcome to draw whichever conclusion they are comfortable with. 

Each situation is unique. Any large protest, boycott, or movement is bound to gain media attention. Every media outlet and every person consuming the media are going to draw their own conclusions on the situation. It's vital to consider the variety of messages that can be taken from your stance before your opinions and actions enter the public eye. In the end, it becomes a matter of prioritization and deciding which negatives outweigh which positives and considering how your actions can impact the future of the industry. 

By Lara Glennon

Click here to read The Hollywood Insider's CEO Pritan Ambroase's love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider's CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, "We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce "talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards" as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allo wing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species' factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.

I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed."

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Lara Glennon is an aspiring screenwriter looking to share her love and passion for all things film and television. She aims to use her writing to shine a light on artists who are working to make change, both in media and in the world. The Hollywood Insider's focus on substance over gossip is perfect for Lara, as she wants to highlight the good in the world and those who create it. She enjoys spending her time creating and consuming art, searching for unique voices and ideas in media.

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Lara Glennon is an aspiring screenwriter looking to share her love and passion for all things film and television. She aims to use her writing to shine a light on artists who are working to make change, both in media and in the world. The Hollywood Insider's focus on substance over gossip is perfect for Lara, as she wants to highlight the good in the world and those who create it. She enjoys spending her time creating and consuming art, searching for unique voices and ideas in media.

Lara Glennon is an aspiring screenwriter looking to share her love and passion for all things film and television. She aims to use her writing to shine a light on artists who are working to make change, both in media and in the world. The Hollywood Insider's focus on substance over gossip is perfect for Lara, as she wants to highlight the good in the world and those who create it. She enjoys spending her time creating and consuming art, searching for unique voices and ideas in media.