Entertainment
Entertainment News and Headlines from ABC Audio
en-us
Kit Harington says 'Harry Potter' helped him with sobriety struggles
/entertainment/12d5a067670b8d1f287bcf49b2ce49e5
Tue, 22 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0500
/entertainment/12d5a067670b8d1f287bcf49b2ce49e5
Kit Harington attends the 2026 Disney Upfront at Jacob Javits Center on May 12, 2026, in New York City. (John Nacion/FilmMagic via Getty Images)Kit Harington jumped at the chance to join the Wizarding World.The actor revealed his personal connection to the Harry Potter books in an interview released Monday on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. It was the Harry Potter audiobooks that helped Harington get through his sobriety struggles, the actor said."I listen to the Stephen Fry audiobooks. And I do that because my brain is incredibly busy, especially at night, and I’ve always found going to bed very difficult like and my brain doesn’t turn off," Harington said. "When I got sober that got especially bad. So I started listening to Harry Potter audio books, and now they’re the thing I listen to every night."The Game of Thrones actor said because of this, the Harry Potter books "have a very special place in my heart."This is especially true after Harington voiced the character Gilderoy Lockhart in Audible's Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions, which was released in late 2025. He now is set to reprise the role as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts in season 2 of the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series."When I knew they were doing this show, I was like, ‘I think that’s a brilliant idea, I think they can really delve into it further than the films did.’ I’m fully supportive of it,” Harington said. “And then I got called to be in it, and that was just a very simple, ‘Yes, please!'"Harington replaced Nicholas Hoult in the role. Hoult was previously announced to star as the character back in August before he left the part over scheduling issues. HBO had to work around two of Hoult's preexisting projects, and when it was no longer feasible, the actor was let out of his deal, ABC Audio confirmed at the time.Gilderoy Lockhart was previously played by Kenneth Branagh in the 2002 film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The first season of the upcoming series, titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, debuts on HBO and HBO Max on Dec. 25. Its season 2 renewal was announced on May 6.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
Kit Harington attends the 2026 Disney Upfront at Jacob Javits Center on May 12, 2026, in New York City. (John Nacion/FilmMagic via Getty Images)Kit Harington jumped at the chance to join the Wizarding World.The actor revealed his personal connection to the Harry Potter books in an interview released Monday on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. It was the Harry Potter audiobooks that helped Harington get through his sobriety struggles, the actor said."I listen to the Stephen Fry audiobooks. And I do that because my brain is incredibly busy, especially at night, and I’ve always found going to bed very difficult like and my brain doesn’t turn off," Harington said. "When I got sober that got especially bad. So I started listening to Harry Potter audio books, and now they’re the thing I listen to every night."The Game of Thrones actor said because of this, the Harry Potter books "have a very special place in my heart."This is especially true after Harington voiced the character Gilderoy Lockhart in Audible's Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions, which was released in late 2025. He now is set to reprise the role as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts in season 2 of the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series."When I knew they were doing this show, I was like, ‘I think that’s a brilliant idea, I think they can really delve into it further than the films did.’ I’m fully supportive of it,” Harington said. “And then I got called to be in it, and that was just a very simple, ‘Yes, please!'"Harington replaced Nicholas Hoult in the role. Hoult was previously announced to star as the character back in August before he left the part over scheduling issues. HBO had to work around two of Hoult's preexisting projects, and when it was no longer feasible, the actor was let out of his deal, ABC Audio confirmed at the time.Gilderoy Lockhart was previously played by Kenneth Branagh in the 2002 film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The first season of the upcoming series, titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, debuts on HBO and HBO Max on Dec. 25. Its season 2 renewal was announced on May 6.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
Presley Gerber's death being investigated as an overdose, police say
/entertainment/424504673a3184ed01dbbf3d3a5a4f85
Mon, 21 Sep 2026 16:30:00 -0500
/entertainment/424504673a3184ed01dbbf3d3a5a4f85
Presley Walker Gerber attends the CFDA Fashion Awards at the Brooklyn Museum of Art on June 3, 2019, in New York City. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)Police in Santa Monica, California, say they are investigating model Presley Gerber's death as a suspected overdose.Gerber, the son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, died Sunday at age 27, according to a report from the Los Angeles County medical examiner's office.The Santa Monica Police Department told ABC News on Monday there were no signs of foul play.The medical examiner's office also released a statement on Monday saying it is in the "early stages of investigating" Presley Gerber's death and that there is currently "limited information" available.The statement added that a deputy medical examiner performed an examination on Monday and deferred the cause and manner of death, meaning that "additional testing and/or studies were requested in order to make a determination.""Due to the ongoing death investigation, the DME cannot disclose what testing and/or studies were requested," the statement read. "Deferred cases can take a few months before a cause of death is determined."The statement added that Gerber's body will be released to his family.Sources connected to the case told ABC News on Monday that Gerber checked into a rehab center the day before he was found dead. Staff found him unresponsive on Sunday morning and the medical examiner noted in its statement that the 27-year-old was pronounced dead at 9:45 a.m.ABC News has reached out to a representative for Crawford and Rande Gerber for comment.Presley Gerber, whose sister is model and actress Kaia Gerber, was signed by IMG Models at 15.He walked Fashion Week runways for Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana and had campaigns with Calvin Klein, Celine and more.Leading up to his death, Gerber had been open about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse, speaking candidly about treatment after being charged with a DUI in 2019. He also had a video series called "Mental Health Mondays" in 2024.A spokesperson for Crawford told ABC News in a statement Sunday, "The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time."If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
Presley Walker Gerber attends the CFDA Fashion Awards at the Brooklyn Museum of Art on June 3, 2019, in New York City. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)Police in Santa Monica, California, say they are investigating model Presley Gerber's death as a suspected overdose.Gerber, the son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, died Sunday at age 27, according to a report from the Los Angeles County medical examiner's office.The Santa Monica Police Department told ABC News on Monday there were no signs of foul play.The medical examiner's office also released a statement on Monday saying it is in the "early stages of investigating" Presley Gerber's death and that there is currently "limited information" available.The statement added that a deputy medical examiner performed an examination on Monday and deferred the cause and manner of death, meaning that "additional testing and/or studies were requested in order to make a determination.""Due to the ongoing death investigation, the DME cannot disclose what testing and/or studies were requested," the statement read. "Deferred cases can take a few months before a cause of death is determined."The statement added that Gerber's body will be released to his family.Sources connected to the case told ABC News on Monday that Gerber checked into a rehab center the day before he was found dead. Staff found him unresponsive on Sunday morning and the medical examiner noted in its statement that the 27-year-old was pronounced dead at 9:45 a.m.ABC News has reached out to a representative for Crawford and Rande Gerber for comment.Presley Gerber, whose sister is model and actress Kaia Gerber, was signed by IMG Models at 15.He walked Fashion Week runways for Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana and had campaigns with Calvin Klein, Celine and more.Leading up to his death, Gerber had been open about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse, speaking candidly about treatment after being charged with a DUI in 2019. He also had a video series called "Mental Health Mondays" in 2024.A spokesperson for Crawford told ABC News in a statement Sunday, "The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time."If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
Brad Pitt stars in 'The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth' official trailer
/entertainment/67d9f13a89a4e08bbdec3f71ab143f16
Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:45:00 -0500
/entertainment/67d9f13a89a4e08bbdec3f71ab143f16
Brad Pitt attends Paramount Pictures' 'Heart of the Beast' global premiere at FirstBank Amphitheater on Sept. 16, 2026, in Franklin, Tennessee. (Mickey Bernal/WireImage via Getty Images)The official trailer for The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth has arrived.Netflix released the new trailer for the upcoming film from director David Fincher. The movie stars Brad Pitt back in the Oscar-winning role he first portrayed in Quentin Tarantino’s film Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood.Fincher directs the movie from a screenplay written by Tarantino. Netflix describes it as a return to the world of Cliff Booth, "only this time it’s 1977 and it’s a very different Hollywood."Elizabeth Debicki, Scott Caan, Carla Gugino, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Corey Fogelmanis and Karren Karagulian also star in the upcoming movie. Pitt is producing the film alongside Ceán Chaffin.Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood was written and directed by Tarantino. It was released by Sony Pictures in 2019. At the time, Tarantino negotiated a deal to return him ownership of the film's underlying copyright after a certain number of years.The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth will arrive in IMAX theaters for an exclusive two-week run beginning Thanksgiving weekend before it debuts to Netflix in December. The movie will be available to watch on IMAX screens starting on Nov. 25. Netflix subscribers will be able to stream the film on Dec. 23.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
Brad Pitt attends Paramount Pictures' 'Heart of the Beast' global premiere at FirstBank Amphitheater on Sept. 16, 2026, in Franklin, Tennessee. (Mickey Bernal/WireImage via Getty Images)The official trailer for The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth has arrived.Netflix released the new trailer for the upcoming film from director David Fincher. The movie stars Brad Pitt back in the Oscar-winning role he first portrayed in Quentin Tarantino’s film Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood.Fincher directs the movie from a screenplay written by Tarantino. Netflix describes it as a return to the world of Cliff Booth, "only this time it’s 1977 and it’s a very different Hollywood."Elizabeth Debicki, Scott Caan, Carla Gugino, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Corey Fogelmanis and Karren Karagulian also star in the upcoming movie. Pitt is producing the film alongside Ceán Chaffin.Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood was written and directed by Tarantino. It was released by Sony Pictures in 2019. At the time, Tarantino negotiated a deal to return him ownership of the film's underlying copyright after a certain number of years.The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth will arrive in IMAX theaters for an exclusive two-week run beginning Thanksgiving weekend before it debuts to Netflix in December. The movie will be available to watch on IMAX screens starting on Nov. 25. Netflix subscribers will be able to stream the film on Dec. 23.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
Hayden Panettiere remembered at Malibu memorial service
/entertainment/244c7cf989584c0bce8518d77f262aa7
Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:00:00 -0500
/entertainment/244c7cf989584c0bce8518d77f262aa7
Hayden Panettiere attends the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix's new film 'Blonde' at TCL Chinese Theatre on Sept. 13, 2022, in Hollywood, California. (Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)Hayden Panettiere was celebrated over the weekend at a memorial service held in California, her representative confirmed to ABC News.Around 80 friends of the late Nashville star, who died on Aug. 16 at the age of 36, gathered in Malibu on Saturday to share "an evening of music, memories, laughter and tears."“We wanted to honor Hayden in the best way we knew how—with as much love as possible," Panettiere's representative, Kasey Kitchen, said in a statement with a group of the actress's friends, who jointly organized the memorial.The statement continued, "It was a beautiful and intimate ceremony where friends came together to celebrate her life and honor the beautiful, magnetic light and love she infused into the world.”Panettiere's Nashville co-star Connie Britton and other celebrities, including Evan Ross and Ruby Rose, were photographed attending the memorial.Panettiere died after she was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest at a Greenville, South Carolina, apartment.The actress's official cause and manner of death have not yet been announced.An investigation into her death has expanded from South Carolina to Los Angeles, and investigators are focusing on the role drugs may have played in her death, sources told ABC News last week.Kitchen, Panettiere's representative, said in a statement on Sept. 15 that her death "remains under investigation pending toxicology results.""As we await the answers we are all seeking, may we also remember Hayden for the incredible legacy she leaves behind — the light she shined on mental health and postpartum depression, and the voice she gave to those who felt unseen and unheard," Kitchen said. "The answers we are all seeking will come."Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
Hayden Panettiere attends the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix's new film 'Blonde' at TCL Chinese Theatre on Sept. 13, 2022, in Hollywood, California. (Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)Hayden Panettiere was celebrated over the weekend at a memorial service held in California, her representative confirmed to ABC News.Around 80 friends of the late Nashville star, who died on Aug. 16 at the age of 36, gathered in Malibu on Saturday to share "an evening of music, memories, laughter and tears."“We wanted to honor Hayden in the best way we knew how—with as much love as possible," Panettiere's representative, Kasey Kitchen, said in a statement with a group of the actress's friends, who jointly organized the memorial.The statement continued, "It was a beautiful and intimate ceremony where friends came together to celebrate her life and honor the beautiful, magnetic light and love she infused into the world.”Panettiere's Nashville co-star Connie Britton and other celebrities, including Evan Ross and Ruby Rose, were photographed attending the memorial.Panettiere died after she was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest at a Greenville, South Carolina, apartment.The actress's official cause and manner of death have not yet been announced.An investigation into her death has expanded from South Carolina to Los Angeles, and investigators are focusing on the role drugs may have played in her death, sources told ABC News last week.Kitchen, Panettiere's representative, said in a statement on Sept. 15 that her death "remains under investigation pending toxicology results.""As we await the answers we are all seeking, may we also remember Hayden for the incredible legacy she leaves behind — the light she shined on mental health and postpartum depression, and the voice she gave to those who felt unseen and unheard," Kitchen said. "The answers we are all seeking will come."Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
Cindy Crawford's son Presley Gerber dies at 27
/entertainment/001671dcf3188354258d0a87791788f4
Mon, 21 Sep 2026 10:20:00 -0500
/entertainment/001671dcf3188354258d0a87791788f4
Presley Walker Gerber attends the world premiere of 'Infinite Icon: A Visual Memoir' at AMC The Grove 14 on Jan. 20, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Axelle/bauer-griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images)Presley Gerber, the son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, has died at 27 years old, according to a report from the Los Angeles medical examiner.He died on Sunday at a rehab facility, the report said.A spokesperson for Crawford also confirmed the 27-year-old's death, telling ABC News in a statement Sunday, "The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time."Further details about his cause of death were not immediately available.Presley Gerber, brother of model and actress Kaia Gerber, also worked as a model, being signed by IMG Models at 15 years old.He walked runways during fashion weeks for Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana and had campaigns with Calvin Klein, Celine and more.Presley Gerber had been open about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse, speaking candidly about treatment after being charged with a DUI in 2019. He had a series of videos called Mental Health Mondays in 2024.Last month, Kaia Gerber referenced her brother's public battle with addiction in an interview with Vogue.“When something like that happens in a family, it kind of levels everyone,” she told the publication. "I think that’s also why I started to self-identify as the easy one and never wanted to ask for help. Because it felt like too much to have two children who were needing." She also commended her brother for speaking out."My parents for most of our lives were very, very private and didn’t share anything," Kaia Gerber added, "and now we have this absolute teacher, my brother, who says, 'I’m gonna be very human for everyone.' There’s only so much you can hide from the world. And trying to put a lid on something just makes the person feel like you’re ashamed of them."Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
Presley Walker Gerber attends the world premiere of 'Infinite Icon: A Visual Memoir' at AMC The Grove 14 on Jan. 20, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Axelle/bauer-griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images)Presley Gerber, the son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, has died at 27 years old, according to a report from the Los Angeles medical examiner.He died on Sunday at a rehab facility, the report said.A spokesperson for Crawford also confirmed the 27-year-old's death, telling ABC News in a statement Sunday, "The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time."Further details about his cause of death were not immediately available.Presley Gerber, brother of model and actress Kaia Gerber, also worked as a model, being signed by IMG Models at 15 years old.He walked runways during fashion weeks for Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana and had campaigns with Calvin Klein, Celine and more.Presley Gerber had been open about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse, speaking candidly about treatment after being charged with a DUI in 2019. He had a series of videos called Mental Health Mondays in 2024.Last month, Kaia Gerber referenced her brother's public battle with addiction in an interview with Vogue.“When something like that happens in a family, it kind of levels everyone,” she told the publication. "I think that’s also why I started to self-identify as the easy one and never wanted to ask for help. Because it felt like too much to have two children who were needing." She also commended her brother for speaking out."My parents for most of our lives were very, very private and didn’t share anything," Kaia Gerber added, "and now we have this absolute teacher, my brother, who says, 'I’m gonna be very human for everyone.' There’s only so much you can hide from the world. And trying to put a lid on something just makes the person feel like you’re ashamed of them."Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
In brief: 'American Horror Story' gets a video podcast and more
/entertainment/2b7dbcfeeb72ab66ac99ee406804c23f
Mon, 21 Sep 2026 07:30:00 -0500
/entertainment/2b7dbcfeeb72ab66ac99ee406804c23f
Season 13 of FX’s American Horror Story is getting an official video podcast set to air on Hulu. Each of the four episodes will feature cast and crew members interviewing each other, including Sarah Paulson, Emma Roberts, Joey Pollari and Paul Anthony Kelly. The first episode drops Sept. 24, the same day AHS: 13 debuts on FX and Hulu. Disney is the parent company of FX, Hulu and ABC News …Brad Pitt is reportedly on board for a World War Z sequel. According to Variety, Conclave director Edward Berger will helm the project. Berger recently directed Pitt in the upcoming film The Riders. The original World War Z, about a zombie apocalypse, was released in 2013 …Reacher star Alan Ritchson is in talks to join the video game movie adaptation Helldivers, Deadline reports. The news comes after Jason Momoa exited the project. The film, directed by Justin Lin, is expected to hit theaters Nov. 10, 2027 ...Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
Season 13 of FX’s American Horror Story is getting an official video podcast set to air on Hulu. Each of the four episodes will feature cast and crew members interviewing each other, including Sarah Paulson, Emma Roberts, Joey Pollari and Paul Anthony Kelly. The first episode drops Sept. 24, the same day AHS: 13 debuts on FX and Hulu. Disney is the parent company of FX, Hulu and ABC News …Brad Pitt is reportedly on board for a World War Z sequel. According to Variety, Conclave director Edward Berger will helm the project. Berger recently directed Pitt in the upcoming film The Riders. The original World War Z, about a zombie apocalypse, was released in 2013 …Reacher star Alan Ritchson is in talks to join the video game movie adaptation Helldivers, Deadline reports. The news comes after Jason Momoa exited the project. The film, directed by Justin Lin, is expected to hit theaters Nov. 10, 2027 ...Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
Ed Sheeran apologizes for 'making mistakes,' says situation in Gaza is 'unjustifiable'
/entertainment/432191a4c3ec402986379942a82c1cba
Sun, 20 Sep 2026 18:40:00 -0500
/entertainment/432191a4c3ec402986379942a82c1cba
Ed Sheeran performs on stage for Spotify’s Billions Club Live show at Royal Dublin Society on November 3, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Spotify)Ed Sheeran opened his concert in Philadelphia on Saturday apologizing to fans for "making mistakes" after his tour was thrust into controversy earlier this week and saying the situation in Gaza is "catastrophic and unjustifiable."The English superstar's comments come after opening act Macklemore was dropped from the tour over pro-Palestinian comments he made from the stage at an earlier show in New Jersey. In the wake of that decision, the rest of the opening acts for Sheeran's tour announced they would also be withdrawing from the tour.In his remarks to the audience at Lincoln Financial Field, Sheeran said he has had to make difficult decisions in the past week adding, "and I am making mistakes and I'm so, so sorry."Sheeran said he has traditionally stayed out of politics."I've never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet," he said.Addressing the Israel-Hamas war, Sheeran began by referencing the massacre at the Nova Music Festival on Oct. 7, 2023."What happened in Israel at the Nova Music Festival on Oct. 7 was horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain," Sheeran said. "What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate. My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and the loss of civilians' lives, of children's lives."The controversy began unfolding earlier this week when Macklemore announced on Monday he had been dropped from Sheeran's tour after making pro-Palestinian comments on stage at MetLife Stadium earlier this month, which the rapper also posted to social media.In a video from the New Jersey show posted to his Instagram account, Macklemore says, "One of the reasons why I wanted to come on this tour, was because I wanted to stand up here on stages and stadiums across America, and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart. Free Palestine. I said Free Palestine."Macklemore also said, "To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters, criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, in no way is a criticism of you," in the lead-up to his song "Hind's Hall." The music video features clips from Gaza and U.S. student protests.In a social media post earlier this week responding to Macklemore's post, Sheeran said the decision to drop Macklemore from the tour was his promoter's decision."Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine," Sheeran said. "Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me."Sheeran also said he was "appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine" and said after his New Jersey shows that upcoming venues "communicated that they would pull the shows" if Macklemore remained as the supporting act.In a statement to ABC News earlier this week, Messina Touring Group, the tour's U.S. promoter, said, "As the concert promoter for Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour, we have been notified by venues on the upcoming U.S. tour dates that they will not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup, which would result in the cancellation of the tour and impact hundreds of thousands of fans. After discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates."ABC News' Mason Leib and Brianna Sanchez contributed to this report.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
Ed Sheeran performs on stage for Spotify’s Billions Club Live show at Royal Dublin Society on November 3, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Spotify)Ed Sheeran opened his concert in Philadelphia on Saturday apologizing to fans for "making mistakes" after his tour was thrust into controversy earlier this week and saying the situation in Gaza is "catastrophic and unjustifiable."The English superstar's comments come after opening act Macklemore was dropped from the tour over pro-Palestinian comments he made from the stage at an earlier show in New Jersey. In the wake of that decision, the rest of the opening acts for Sheeran's tour announced they would also be withdrawing from the tour.In his remarks to the audience at Lincoln Financial Field, Sheeran said he has had to make difficult decisions in the past week adding, "and I am making mistakes and I'm so, so sorry."Sheeran said he has traditionally stayed out of politics."I've never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet," he said.Addressing the Israel-Hamas war, Sheeran began by referencing the massacre at the Nova Music Festival on Oct. 7, 2023."What happened in Israel at the Nova Music Festival on Oct. 7 was horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain," Sheeran said. "What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate. My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and the loss of civilians' lives, of children's lives."The controversy began unfolding earlier this week when Macklemore announced on Monday he had been dropped from Sheeran's tour after making pro-Palestinian comments on stage at MetLife Stadium earlier this month, which the rapper also posted to social media.In a video from the New Jersey show posted to his Instagram account, Macklemore says, "One of the reasons why I wanted to come on this tour, was because I wanted to stand up here on stages and stadiums across America, and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart. Free Palestine. I said Free Palestine."Macklemore also said, "To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters, criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, in no way is a criticism of you," in the lead-up to his song "Hind's Hall." The music video features clips from Gaza and U.S. student protests.In a social media post earlier this week responding to Macklemore's post, Sheeran said the decision to drop Macklemore from the tour was his promoter's decision."Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine," Sheeran said. "Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me."Sheeran also said he was "appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine" and said after his New Jersey shows that upcoming venues "communicated that they would pull the shows" if Macklemore remained as the supporting act.In a statement to ABC News earlier this week, Messina Touring Group, the tour's U.S. promoter, said, "As the concert promoter for Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour, we have been notified by venues on the upcoming U.S. tour dates that they will not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup, which would result in the cancellation of the tour and impact hundreds of thousands of fans. After discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates."ABC News' Mason Leib and Brianna Sanchez contributed to this report.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
Au revoir: 'Emily in Paris' wraps production on final season
/entertainment/c3acd9682719ce5b16d413aec6a4dfba
Fri, 18 Sep 2026 13:00:00 -0500
/entertainment/c3acd9682719ce5b16d413aec6a4dfba
Lily Collins as Emily behind the scenes of 'Emily in Paris.' (Cr. Giulia Parmigiani/Netflix © 2026)Emily is saying au revoir to Paris.Emily in Paris has officially wrapped production on its sixth and final season. Star Lily Collins bid farewell with a bittersweet post on Instagram Friday.Captioning a photo of her sitting in a director’s chair with the word “Fin” written on it, Collins wrote that it was “impossible to find the words for what this journey has meant to me.”“For so many years, Emily has been a part of my life, and through every season, she’s continued to surprise me, inspire me, and challenge me,” she continued.Collins thanked show creator Darren Star “for dreaming up this endlessly optimistic American girl in Paris who finds herself constantly outside of her comfort zone, learning to trust herself while leaning on others as she navigates her new life.” She went on to thank the cast, crew and fans.“I will carry this chapter with me forever,” she concluded. “Saying goodbye feels completely surreal and bittersweet, but mostly, I feel so incredibly proud and grateful that I got to be her. And be part of something so joyful. This has forever changed me.”The final season of Emily in Paris sees Emily in multiple European locations, including Greece."Stepping into a new era of ambition and romance, Emily faces defining choices that test her ultimate loyalties," according to an official logline for the season. "But as unexpected career conflicts and shifting relationships force her to reevaluate where her true future lies, she must make one final choice between her career, her heart, and the life she’s built in Paris."Season 6 debuts on Netflix Dec. 24.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
Lily Collins as Emily behind the scenes of 'Emily in Paris.' (Cr. Giulia Parmigiani/Netflix © 2026)Emily is saying au revoir to Paris.Emily in Paris has officially wrapped production on its sixth and final season. Star Lily Collins bid farewell with a bittersweet post on Instagram Friday.Captioning a photo of her sitting in a director’s chair with the word “Fin” written on it, Collins wrote that it was “impossible to find the words for what this journey has meant to me.”“For so many years, Emily has been a part of my life, and through every season, she’s continued to surprise me, inspire me, and challenge me,” she continued.Collins thanked show creator Darren Star “for dreaming up this endlessly optimistic American girl in Paris who finds herself constantly outside of her comfort zone, learning to trust herself while leaning on others as she navigates her new life.” She went on to thank the cast, crew and fans.“I will carry this chapter with me forever,” she concluded. “Saying goodbye feels completely surreal and bittersweet, but mostly, I feel so incredibly proud and grateful that I got to be her. And be part of something so joyful. This has forever changed me.”The final season of Emily in Paris sees Emily in multiple European locations, including Greece."Stepping into a new era of ambition and romance, Emily faces defining choices that test her ultimate loyalties," according to an official logline for the season. "But as unexpected career conflicts and shifting relationships force her to reevaluate where her true future lies, she must make one final choice between her career, her heart, and the life she’s built in Paris."Season 6 debuts on Netflix Dec. 24.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
Kristen Chenoweth, Whitney Leavitt to compete on 'The Traitors'
/entertainment/acf984460458eee6db45f7eaf4158ab7
Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:30:00 -0500
/entertainment/acf984460458eee6db45f7eaf4158ab7
'The Traitors' cast (Peacock)The Traitors has revealed its new celebrity cast.Actress and singer Kristen Chenoweth, Lord of the Rings star Dominic Monaghan, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt and The Real Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey are among the latest crop of contestants.Others include The Bachelor’s Joey Graziadei, Love Island USA’s JaNa Craig, Survivor’s Q Burdette, Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim and NFL star Rashad Jennings.The new season, with returning host Alan Cumming, will premiere on Peacock in 2027. The Emmy-winning show was recently picked up for an additional three seasons.The Traitors: New Blood, a spinoff series featuring everyday Americans competing to win, is currently airing Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
'The Traitors' cast (Peacock)The Traitors has revealed its new celebrity cast.Actress and singer Kristen Chenoweth, Lord of the Rings star Dominic Monaghan, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt and The Real Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey are among the latest crop of contestants.Others include The Bachelor’s Joey Graziadei, Love Island USA’s JaNa Craig, Survivor’s Q Burdette, Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim and NFL star Rashad Jennings.The new season, with returning host Alan Cumming, will premiere on Peacock in 2027. The Emmy-winning show was recently picked up for an additional three seasons.The Traitors: New Blood, a spinoff series featuring everyday Americans competing to win, is currently airing Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
Millie Bobby Brown appears to welcome 2nd baby, shares new photo
/entertainment/6f688542fe9bf67dbd211b9a16abdaff
Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:04:41 -0500
/entertainment/6f688542fe9bf67dbd211b9a16abdaff
Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi attend the Enola Holmes 3 NY Premiere on June 25, 2026, in New York City. (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Netflix)Actress Millie Bobby Brown and her husband, Jake Bongiovi, appear to have welcomed a second baby.Brown shared a photo on Instagram Thursday of a baby's hands holding Bongiovi's fingers, with her hand on top of theirs. Brown is wearing a diamond ring that says "MOM" on her middle finger."Hi little guy!" the "Stranger Things" star captioned the photo, in which she tagged Bongiovi.Representatives for Brown and Bongiovi did not reply to ABC News' request for comment.Brown and Bongiovi are already the parents of a daughter whose birth they announced in August 2025. The couple said at the time they welcomed their daughter via adoption.In July, Brown spoke to Vanity Fair and shared how she had always wanted to adopt a child, a subject she explored while studying social work for two years."I was learning primarily about adoption, which was where I really piqued an interest, and learning from the social worker's perspective, which I find very interesting," she said at the time. "Kudos to all social workers and what they do; I think it's so amazing and unbelievable. Changing the trajectory of children's lives forever is a beautiful thing, so my hats off to you.”She added that Bongiovi, the son of music star Jon Bon Jovi, was also open to the idea of adoption, saying that he was "kind of in from the jump. Maybe that's why I married him.""It was kind of great to be able to just know that we wanted to start a family still rooted in love, but through adoption," Brown said.Brown and Bongiovi tied the knot in a small, intimate ceremony in May 2024 after three years together.They had a second wedding in Tuscany in September 2024.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi attend the Enola Holmes 3 NY Premiere on June 25, 2026, in New York City. (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Netflix)Actress Millie Bobby Brown and her husband, Jake Bongiovi, appear to have welcomed a second baby.Brown shared a photo on Instagram Thursday of a baby's hands holding Bongiovi's fingers, with her hand on top of theirs. Brown is wearing a diamond ring that says "MOM" on her middle finger."Hi little guy!" the "Stranger Things" star captioned the photo, in which she tagged Bongiovi.Representatives for Brown and Bongiovi did not reply to ABC News' request for comment.Brown and Bongiovi are already the parents of a daughter whose birth they announced in August 2025. The couple said at the time they welcomed their daughter via adoption.In July, Brown spoke to Vanity Fair and shared how she had always wanted to adopt a child, a subject she explored while studying social work for two years."I was learning primarily about adoption, which was where I really piqued an interest, and learning from the social worker's perspective, which I find very interesting," she said at the time. "Kudos to all social workers and what they do; I think it's so amazing and unbelievable. Changing the trajectory of children's lives forever is a beautiful thing, so my hats off to you.”She added that Bongiovi, the son of music star Jon Bon Jovi, was also open to the idea of adoption, saying that he was "kind of in from the jump. Maybe that's why I married him.""It was kind of great to be able to just know that we wanted to start a family still rooted in love, but through adoption," Brown said.Brown and Bongiovi tied the knot in a small, intimate ceremony in May 2024 after three years together.They had a second wedding in Tuscany in September 2024.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
Duncan Sheik, Tony Award-winning composer, dies at 56
/entertainment/c30608da11f909e7e904d356b6e4a5d5
Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0500
/entertainment/c30608da11f909e7e904d356b6e4a5d5
Duncan Sheik attends 'The Broadway Legacy Foundation Launch' at the Broadway Museum on November 11, 2025 in New York City. (Santiago Felipe/Getty Images)Duncan Sheik, the Tony Award-winning composer behind Spring Awakening and more, has died, according to his Instagram. He was 56.The Friday morning Instagram post said the "father, husband, son, brother, and friend" died on Thursday night "surrounded by love."A message shared on Sheik's Instagram earlier this week by his family said he was "receiving medical care" and was "in critical but stable condition.""The world has a lost a singular talent, and deeply influential voice in music and theater," Friday's statement said. "From his Grammy-nominated hit “Barely Breathing” to his groundbreaking, Tony and Grammy Award-winning work on Spring Awakening, Duncan’s artistry touched many and leaves an indelible mark on the cultural landscape."Born on Nov. 18, 1969, in Montclair, New Jersey, Sheik rose to fame in 1996 when he released his self-titled debut album, which included his hit song, "Barely Breathing."The song peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned him a Grammy nomination for best male pop vocal performance.Following his debut album, he released Humming in 1998, Phantom Moon in 2001 and Daylight in 2002.While "Barely Breathing" established Sheik as a singer-songwriter, his career later expanded into musical theater, where he found success as a composer.Sheik collaborated with lyricist Steven Sater and composed the music for Spring Awakening, which opened on Broadway in 2006.He told Broadcast Music, Inc. in 2015 that around the time he was making the music for Spring Awakening, he wasn't "a huge fan" of music that was happening on Broadway and he wanted to make the music for an audience "beyond the normal crowd that would go to a Broadway musical."The rock musical, based on Frank Wedekind's 1891 play and starring Jonathan Groff, Lea Michele, John Gallagher and Skylar Astin, became a major success. It won eight Tony Awards in 2007, including best musical, best original score and best orchestrations.He went on to compose music for several other stage productions, including American Psycho and Because of Winn-Dixie. He also collaborated with Sater again on Alice by Heart and The Secret Life of Bees.In his interview with Broadcast Music, Inc., he added that working on musical theater has "helped broaden my palette."Sheik went on to release several more albums throughout his career, including White Limousine, Whisper House, Covers 80s, Legerdemain and Claptrap.In May, it was announced that Sheik's new musical, Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen, would make its off-Broadway debut this fall. The musical is based on Moyoco Anno's manga graphic novel of the same name.An off-Broadway revival of Spring Awakening is also set to open this fall. Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
Duncan Sheik attends 'The Broadway Legacy Foundation Launch' at the Broadway Museum on November 11, 2025 in New York City. (Santiago Felipe/Getty Images)Duncan Sheik, the Tony Award-winning composer behind Spring Awakening and more, has died, according to his Instagram. He was 56.The Friday morning Instagram post said the "father, husband, son, brother, and friend" died on Thursday night "surrounded by love."A message shared on Sheik's Instagram earlier this week by his family said he was "receiving medical care" and was "in critical but stable condition.""The world has a lost a singular talent, and deeply influential voice in music and theater," Friday's statement said. "From his Grammy-nominated hit “Barely Breathing” to his groundbreaking, Tony and Grammy Award-winning work on Spring Awakening, Duncan’s artistry touched many and leaves an indelible mark on the cultural landscape."Born on Nov. 18, 1969, in Montclair, New Jersey, Sheik rose to fame in 1996 when he released his self-titled debut album, which included his hit song, "Barely Breathing."The song peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned him a Grammy nomination for best male pop vocal performance.Following his debut album, he released Humming in 1998, Phantom Moon in 2001 and Daylight in 2002.While "Barely Breathing" established Sheik as a singer-songwriter, his career later expanded into musical theater, where he found success as a composer.Sheik collaborated with lyricist Steven Sater and composed the music for Spring Awakening, which opened on Broadway in 2006.He told Broadcast Music, Inc. in 2015 that around the time he was making the music for Spring Awakening, he wasn't "a huge fan" of music that was happening on Broadway and he wanted to make the music for an audience "beyond the normal crowd that would go to a Broadway musical."The rock musical, based on Frank Wedekind's 1891 play and starring Jonathan Groff, Lea Michele, John Gallagher and Skylar Astin, became a major success. It won eight Tony Awards in 2007, including best musical, best original score and best orchestrations.He went on to compose music for several other stage productions, including American Psycho and Because of Winn-Dixie. He also collaborated with Sater again on Alice by Heart and The Secret Life of Bees.In his interview with Broadcast Music, Inc., he added that working on musical theater has "helped broaden my palette."Sheik went on to release several more albums throughout his career, including White Limousine, Whisper House, Covers 80s, Legerdemain and Claptrap.In May, it was announced that Sheik's new musical, Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen, would make its off-Broadway debut this fall. The musical is based on Moyoco Anno's manga graphic novel of the same name.An off-Broadway revival of Spring Awakening is also set to open this fall. Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson lands role on 'Law & Order: SVU'
/entertainment/ac80664ae1eb3bc68cc8e70c6b57f770
Fri, 18 Sep 2026 10:10:00 -0500
/entertainment/ac80664ae1eb3bc68cc8e70c6b57f770
Jalen Brunson and Mariska Hargitay attend the 'My Mom Jayne: A Film by Mariska Hargitay' Premiere during the 2025 Tribeca Festival at Carnegie Hall on June 13, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival)New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson is heading to Law & Order: SVU.The guest-starring role on season 28 of the NBC drama series has been in the making for a while. SVU star Mariska Hargitay is a big Knicks fan and was a courtside mainstay for the playoffs this year, often seen hugging Brunson after the games. The team won their first championship in 53 years back in June.After the win, Brunson was asked what he would do in the offseason and he responded, “Try to get on SVU.”“When the plans finally make it out of the group chat. Jalen Brunson is officially headed to #SVU!” the show’s Instagram posted.The point guard will appear in the Nov. 5 episode, though his role remains under wraps.Brunson also appeared with Hargitay in the opening segment of the 78th Emmys, which Hargitay hosted. He’s set to host the season 52 premiere of Saturday Night Live on Sept. 26.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
Jalen Brunson and Mariska Hargitay attend the 'My Mom Jayne: A Film by Mariska Hargitay' Premiere during the 2025 Tribeca Festival at Carnegie Hall on June 13, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival)New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson is heading to Law & Order: SVU.The guest-starring role on season 28 of the NBC drama series has been in the making for a while. SVU star Mariska Hargitay is a big Knicks fan and was a courtside mainstay for the playoffs this year, often seen hugging Brunson after the games. The team won their first championship in 53 years back in June.After the win, Brunson was asked what he would do in the offseason and he responded, “Try to get on SVU.”“When the plans finally make it out of the group chat. Jalen Brunson is officially headed to #SVU!” the show’s Instagram posted.The point guard will appear in the Nov. 5 episode, though his role remains under wraps.Brunson also appeared with Hargitay in the opening segment of the 78th Emmys, which Hargitay hosted. He’s set to host the season 52 premiere of Saturday Night Live on Sept. 26.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]>
Weekend Watchlist: What's new in theaters, on streaming
/entertainment/bc775a3de83886c8374ae89dee06decf
Fri, 18 Sep 2026 09:00:00 -0500
/entertainment/bc775a3de83886c8374ae89dee06decf