WWE Executive Chairman Vince McMahon served with subpoena by federal agents

shutterstock_2286490911965184

The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) disclosed on Wednesday that federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant on executive chairman Vince McMahon  last month, serving him with a federal grand jury subpoena.

The WWE also revealed Wednesday that McMahon “went on medical leave after undergoing major spinal surgery.”   The WWE said in its quarterly report to the Securities and Exchange Commission that McMahon’s leave began July 21, and he will “remain on medical leave until further notice but will remain Executive Chairman” of WWE. WWE CEO Nick Khan revealed news of McMahon’s surgery during the company’s second-quarter earnings call on Wednesday. Khan said McMahon had major spinal surgery nearly two weeks ago and is taking the leave in order to focus on his recovery, but did not specify the duration of the leave.

The new subpoena is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations that McMahon paid millions of dollars over the years to women after being accused of sexual misconduct. WWE said in the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that while government investigations into McMahon remain ongoing, no charges have been brought in them. The company said it has received voluntary and compulsory legal demands for documents concerning the investigation and related subject matters, sharing in a statement: “WWE has cooperated throughout and fully understands and respects the government’s need for a complete process.”

It was revealed last year that the WWE was investigating an alleged $3 million payment from McMahon to a departing female employee following a consensual affair. WWE’s investigation into the misconduct allegations was completed last year. McMahon said in a statement: “In 2022, WWE formed a special committee to review allegations of misconduct against me. That review was concluded in November 2022 following an extensive investigation. Throughout this experience, I have always denied any intentional wrongdoing and continue to do so. I am confident that the government’s investigation will be resolved without any findings of wrongdoing.”

Editorial credit: John Hanson Pye / Shutterstock.com

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces separation from wife Sophie Grégoire

shutterstock_514364866220075

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire are separating after 18 years of marriage.

Trudeau, 52, shared the news on Wednesday in a post published in both English and French on Instagram, writing: “Hi everyone, Sophie and I would like to share the fact that after many meaningful and difficult conversation, we have made the decision to separate. As always, we remain a close family with deep love and respect for each other and for everything we have built and will continue to build. For the well-being of our children, we ask that you respect our and their privacy. Thank you.”. Sophie shared the same statement on her social media accounts.

The Canadian Prime Minister’s office confirmed the news in a statement, sharing that the couple have “signed a legal separation agreement. They have worked to ensure that all legal and ethical steps with regards to their decision to separate have been taken, and will continue to do so moving forward. They remain a close family and Sophie and the Prime Minister are focused on raising their kids in a safe, loving and collaborative environment. Both parents will be a constant presence in their children’s lives and Canadians can expect to often see the family together. The family will be together on vacation, beginning next week.” The couple share three children — 15-year-old Xavier, 14-year-old Ella-Grace and 9-year-old Hadrien.

Trudeau and Grégoire met as children in Montreal, where Grégoire was a classmate and friend of the Trudeau’s brother, Michel.  They reconnected in 2003, when Grégoire, a television personality in Quebec, was given the job as Trudeau’s co-host for a charity ball.  They began dating, and in October 2004 they became engaged. The couple tied the knot on May 28, 2005 at Montreal’s Sainte-Madeleine d’Outremont Church.

Trudeau was elected as a Liberal member of Parliament in 2008, going on to become party leader and assuming the office of Prime Minister on November 4, 2015.

Editorial credit: Art Babych / Shutterstock.com

Check out the trailer for Season 2 of Netflix’s ‘Heartstopper’

shutterstock_1742963873356675

Season 2 of Netflix’s YA series Heartstopper drops today, and the streaming platform shared the official trailer teasing what’s to come for Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie’s (Joe Locke) new relationship.

As previewed in the trailer, Tara (Corinna Brown) and Darcy (Kizzy Edgell) will “face unforeseen challenges” while Tao (William Gao) and Elle (Yasmin Finney) “work out if they can ever be more than just friends.” Additionally, there are plenty of daily high school pressures the gang has to juggle this year, “with exams on the horizon, a school trip to Paris and a prom to plan.”

The award-winning series is created, executive produced and written by Alice Oseman, who adapted her own graphic novel for the screen. The Season 2 cast also includes Sebastian Croft as Ben, Tobie Donovan as Isaac, Rhea Norwood as Imogen, Jenny Walser as Tori, Cormac Hyde-Corrin as Harry and Olivia Colman as Nick’s mother, Sarah.

The eight-episode Season 2 of Heartstopper premieres today, Aug. 3 on Netflix. Take a look at the trailer – here.

‘Heartstopper’ Season 2 Trailer Teases Nick and Charlie’s Honeymoon Phase

Editorial credit: Fred Duval / Shutterstock.com

Zara Larsson making her acting debut in a new Netflix film

shutterstock_1993259321838260

Netflix shared that singer Zara Larsson will join Young Royals stars Edvin Ryding and Felicia Maxime in the Swedish teen drama ‘A Part of You.’

Written by Michaela Hamilton and directed by Sigge Eklund, ‘A Part of You’ is described as “a story about life and death that portrays the experience of being 17 years old and feeling like your heart is about to burst from your chest.”

An official film synopsis reads: “Agnes’ (Maxime) older sister Julia (Larsson) possesses everything that Agnes dreams of: she’s the coolest person in school, the center of every party, and she’s dating Noel (Edvin Ryding). If only Agnes could be more like her. When the worst possible thing occurs, Agnes’ world is turned upside down and she’s forced to reinvent herself. Suddenly, she’s on the verge of obtaining everything she’s ever desired, but at what cost?” 

Ryding and Maxime play Prince Wilhelm and Stella on the Netflix series Young Royals, which began production on its third and final season in April. The cast of ‘A Part of You also includes Ida Engvoll, Mustafa Al-Mashhadani, Alva Bratt, Emil Hedayat, Olivia Essén, Nikki Hanselblad and Maxwell Cunningham.

Editorial credit: Fred Duval / Shutterstock.com

Jonas Brothers going global with new dates added to ‘The Tour’

shutterstock_2299274209594277

Jonas Brothers announced on social media that they’ve added more than 50 dates to their global tour, which kicks off this month in New York City. The added dates include 26 new shows across North America and 27 in Northern Island, Australia, Munich, which means that Kevin, Joe and Nick will perform 90 shows across 20 countries on ‘The Tour.’

Jonas Brothers posted on Instagram: “You heard us… we want MORE! We added additional dates for THE TOUR in Australia, Europe and the US. For all North American shows you can now register for Verified Fan until July 31st at 10PM ET at jonasbrothers.com for your chance to purchase tickets!”

Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas announced earlier this year they would take their latest LP, “The Album,” on the road for The Tour and perform five albums every night. The Tour kicks-off on Aug. 12 at Yankee Stadium in New York City, with pop group Lawrence set to open on all North American shows.

Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster and jonasbrothers.com.

Editorial credit: Geoffrey Clowes / Shutterstock.com

Netflix shares teaser of new Korean dark thriller series ‘Mask Girl’ 

shutterstock_2270211003865244

Netflix shared a teaser trailer for the South Korean dark thriller Mask Girl.

According to an official synopsis, Mask Girl follows an office worker (Go Hyun-jung) who is insecure about her looks and “becomes a masked internet personality by night — until a chain of ill-fated events overtakes her life.” The teaser shows the character take a dark turn, as she appears to take three lives.  A tagline reads: “3 Names, 3 Lives, 3 Murders.”

Created by Kim Yong-hoon, Mask Girl also stars Nana, Ahn Jae-hong and Yeom Hye-ran. Netflix announced in January that it will release 34 Korean titles this year, and Mask Girl is part of Netflix’s Korean film and TV slate for 2023.

Mask Girl premieres Aug. 18 on Netflix.  Take a look at the teaser – here.

Editorial credit: Areef Mamud / Shutterstock.com

‘Welcome to Wrexham’ Season 2 to premiere in September

shutterstock_2224451837933007

Season 2 of the FX series Welcome to Wrexham will premiere Sept. 12. FX tweeted: “More than just a town. FX’s Welcome to Wrexham is back for Season 2. Premieres 9/12. Stream on Hulu.” And Hulu, which streams the show, tweeted: “Grab the lads. Let’s play some footy.”

Welcome to Wrexham follows actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as they run Wrexham A.F.C., a U.K. soccer club hailing from a working-class town in Wales. The club is the third-oldest soccer team in the world. Season 2 will follow the Wrexham Red Dragons as they are promoted from the fifth tier in U.K. soccer.

Welcome to Wrexham originally premiered in August 2022 and is nominated for six Primetime Emmy Awards for its first season. The actors shared of the series: “The story of Wrexham has resonated with millions of people because you don’t have to be Welsh or a football fan to be moved by this town. We are so grateful for today’s 6 Emmy nominations and are continuously honored the people of Wrexham allow us to tell their tale. Diolch! Cymru am byth!”

‘Welcome To Wrexham’ Sets Season 2 Premiere Date

Editorial credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com

Cardi B under investigation after throwing microphone at audience member during concert

shutterstock_1386434120468746

Cardi B is facing legal troubles after the rapper and a concertgoer got into an altercation while on stage in Las Vegas over the weekend. According to a report from TMZ, one day after the altercation the woman who was allegedly in the crowd when Cardi threw her microphone went to the Las Vegas Metro Police Department to file an official report against her, telling police that she was hit by an object that was thrown from the stage. Cardi was listed as a suspect in the battery investigation, but it is unclear whether or not it was filed by the woman who threw water and ice at the artist.

The Las Vegas Metro Police Department shared of the investigation: “On July 30, 2023, an individual came into an LVMPD police station to report a battery. According to the victim, she was attending an event on July 29, 2023, at a property located in the 3500 block of Las Vegas Boulevard. During a concert, she was struck by an item that was thrown from the stage.”

The incident in question began when Cardi B was perfoming during the daytime at Drai’s Nightclub in Las Vegas, and had encouraged fans to splash water towards her as a way to cool down. She was in the middle performing a song when a woman hurled a drink with water and ice cubes at the rapper, and Cardi reacted by chucking the microphone she was using at the woman. Videos circulating online show the concertgoer being escorted out by security and the rapper leaving the stage after she shared harsh words with the concertgoer. Shortly after video of the incident went viral, Cardi B responded to the outrage during a livestream session with her fans.

Editorial credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

Former backup dancers sue Lizzo with accusations of toxic workplace and harassment

shutterstock_2295280185304181

In a lawsuit filed on Tuesday, three former dancers for singer Lizzo have accused her of sexual harassment and creating a hostile workplace.

The plaintiffs include Arianna Davis, and Crystal Williams who began performing with Lizzo after competing on her reality show “Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,” in 2021. The third plaintiff, Noelle Rodriguez, was hired in 2021 after performing in a Lizzo music video. Davis and Williams were fired and Rodriguez resigned earlier this year.

Lizzo, who is known for embracing body positivity, is accused of berating a dancer for her weight gain, then later firing the dancer for recording a meeting due to a health condition. According to the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, other allegations include one of the dancers accusing Lizzo of pressuring her to touch a nude performer at an Amsterdam club, and the dancers claiming that the captain of Rizzo’s dance group, Shirlene Quigley, preached her religious beliefs constantly. In addition to Lizzo and Quigley, the suit names the singer’s production company as a defendant. The accusations include instances of sexual harassment, racial and religious harassment, false imprisonment, and interference with potential economic advantage.

The plaintiffs’ attorney Ron Zambrano said: “The stunning nature of how Lizzo and her management team treated their performers seems to go against everything Lizzo stands for publicly, while privately she weight-shames her dancers and demeans them in ways that are not only illegal but absolutely demoralizing.” A dollar amount for damages covering emotional distress, unpaid wages and legal fees for the plaintiffs was not specified within the lawsuit filing.

Editorial credit: Adam McCullough / Shutterstock.com

Angus Cloud, best known for his role on ‘Euphoria’, dies at age 25

shutterstock_2008066280635813

Actor Angus Cloud, best known for his role as Fezco on the HBO drama series “Euphoria,” has died at age 25.

Cloud’s representative Cait Bailey confirmed Cloud’s death in a statement from his family: “It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today. As an artist, a friend, a brother and a son, Angus was special to all of us in so many ways. Last week he buried his father and intensely struggled with this loss. The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend. Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence. We hope the world remembers him for his humor, laughter and love for everyone.” No cause of death has been shared.

Cloud will be remembered for his breakout role as Fezco in “Euphoria,” which he starred in for two seasons. “Euphoria” was Cloud’s first-ever acting gig, but he was classmates with the series’ star, Zendaya, at the School of Production Design at Oakland School for the Arts. Cloud’s other credits include roles in the films “North Hollywood” and “The Line” and cameos in music videos for Noah Cyrus, Juice WRLD and Becky G and Karol G. At the time of his death, Cloud had several projects in the pipeline, including an untitled Universal Monsters film.

An HBO spokesperson said in a statement: “We are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Angus Cloud. He was immensely talented and a beloved part of the HBO and Euphoria family. We extend our deepest condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time.”

Editorial credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com