Reuters Entertainment News Summary
Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs.
EA shares gain as it scores big with upbeat forecast, 'Battlefield' release
Shares of Electronic Arts rose over 2% in early trading on Wednesday, after the gaming giant's upbeat forecast eased concerns about slowing momentum and revived confidence in its blockbuster sports titles. EA's forecast underscores the gaming industry's confidence in sustained sales strength, even as U.S. tariffs stir up economic uncertainty and put consumer wallets to the test.
Aussiewood to Mel Gibson: save us from Trump's movie tariffs
Australia's film industry wants actor Mel Gibson to do what he does in his action-hero movies and save the day, by convincing U.S. President Donald Trump to drop his film tariffs which could devastate its A$1 billion ($650 million) Hollywood business. Industry leaders said the tariffs would cause a large number of job losses in the local film production sector, drive up ticket prices, and called for U.S.-born Gibson, who launched his career in Australia, to use his role as a Trump adviser to urge the president to reconsider.
Who is Casandra Ventura, R&B singer at center of `Diddy´ trial?
R&B singer Casandra Ventura, a one-time rising star in the New York hip-hop scene, is expected to testify that ex-boyfriend Sean "Diddy" Combs abused her and derailed her career when she takes the stand at the rapper's trial. Ventura, who settled a civil lawsuit against Combs in 2023, has accused him of rape over the course of their decade-long relationship. CNN last year broadcast a 2016 surveillance video showing Combs striking and dragging Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel.
Stars shine in tailored looks at Met Ball celebration of Black style
Singer Rihanna revealed her third pregnancy, Pharrell Williams sported a jacket with 15,000 pearls and musician Andre 3000 strapped a piano to his back as celebrities celebrated Black style and tailoring at the Met Gala fundraiser on Monday.
Mostly black-and-white looks populated the daffodil-accented deep-blue carpet covering the steps to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Guests arrived as assistants sheltered them under umbrellas in the heavy rain.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs jurors say they have seen video of alleged beating, heard baby oil jokes
Prospective jurors in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial acknowledged on Monday being familiar with allegations against the hip-hop mogul, seeing a video of him allegedly assaulting a woman and hearing a comedian joke about baby oil that prosecutors say was found in his residences. But having followed the case in the media did not exclude them from potentially serving on the jury for a trial expected to last up to two months on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Trump tariff order on movies leaves film industry flummoxed
The entertainment industry reacted with alarm and bafflement on Monday after President Donald Trump said he would impose a 100% tariff on all movies produced outside the U.S., but issued few details on just how such a levy would work. Veteran studio executives who spoke with Reuters on condition of anonymity said the announcement on Sunday left unanswered the timing of the proposed levy and how it would be enforced for an industry whose biggest-budget films are often produced across several continents.
Analysis-Sean 'Diddy' Combs defense lawyers face uphill battle in bid to undermine accusers
Sean "Diddy" Combs will argue at his sex trafficking trial beginning next week that women who took part in his elaborate sex parties did so willingly, but his lawyers will face an uphill battle trying to undermine the credibility of accusers who say the hip-hop mogul forced them to participate. Combs, a onetime billionaire known for elevating hip-hop in American culture in the 1990s and early 2000s, has pleaded not guilty to five felony counts including racketeering and sex trafficking.
Netflix to revamp TV app interface, launch AI-powered search for iOS users
Netflix said on Wednesday it plans to revamp its TV app interface and introduce generative AI to the iOS mobile platform, allowing users to ask for content in natural and everyday language. The updates arrive as the streaming giant seeks to maintain and expand its market share amid growing uncertainties and concerns about a potential U.S. recession curbing consumer spending.
Attenborough film on ocean's resilience attracts King Charles to premiere
British naturalist David Attenborough says there is hope for the future of the planet's oceans despite the scale of their damage in his new film which premiered on Tuesday evening with King Charles in attendance. In his latest work "Ocean," Attenborough, one of the world's best-known nature broadcasters and filmmakers whose work spans seven decades, charts the challenges faced by the seas over his lifetime, from destructive industrial fishing practices to mass coral reef bleaching.
Swiss Eurovision stirs familiar controversy over Israeli entry, LGBTQ+ flags
Switzerland will host the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time since 1989 next week, amid familiar political criticism over LGBTQ+ rights and the participation of Israel. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) hopes its theme of "United by Music" will help keep the focus in Basel on the performers and their songs at the world's biggest entertainment show by viewership.
Four housekeepers accuse Smokey Robinson of sexual assault
Four anonymous housekeepers sued legendary Motown singer and songwriter Smokey Robinson on Tuesday for $50 million, alleging that he sexually assaulted them for years while his wife covered up the abuse and contributed to a hostile work environment. Representatives for Robinson did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and the accusations could not be independently verified.
Disney earnings soar on resilient streaming, US parks revenue
In an earnings quarter teeming with uncertainty around tariffs, Walt Disney's quarterly results are looking like the happiest place on earth. The media giant exceeded expectations in its most recent quarter, bolstered by an unexpected boost in its Disney+ streaming business and strong results from its theme parks that suggested consumer resilience despite a turbulent global economic environment.
