Ripples of Los Angeles fires continue as Meghan delays Netflix series launch, composer's works lost
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Weaker winds and intense firefighting efforts over the weekend boosted containment of fires burning in and around Los Angeles, but the effects of the blazes on the entertainment world continue. Several projects and awards shows have been delayed, with Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, announcing Sunday she would not launch a Netflix lifestyles program until March. Entertainment organizations continue to donate to fire relief, with the Screen Actors Guild pledging $1 million to help its members affected by the blazes. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, and 24 people have died as a result of the fires. More are reported missing and officials expect that number to increase.
'Den of Thieves 2' opens at No. 1 as 'Better Man' flops
NEW YORK (AP) -- On a quiet weekend in movie theaters, Lionsgate's "Den of Thieves 2: Pantera" debuted atop the box office with $15.5 million. Sunday's studio estimates came as much of Hollywood's attention was on the wildfires that continue to rage in Los Angeles. Mid-January is often a slow moviegoing period. This weekend's lull was slightly exacerbated by the closures of about 10 theaters in Los Angeles, the country's top box-office market. The Robbie Williams biopic "Better Man," in which the British pop star is portrayed by a CGI chimpanzee, flopped with $1.1 million in ticket sales. The lion's share of box office business went to holiday holdovers including "Mufasa: The Lion King," "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," "Nosferatu" and "Moana 2."
Italian photographer Oliviero Toscani, famed for provocative 1990s Benetton campaigns, dies at 82
MILAN (AP) -- Oliviero Toscani, the photographer behind Benetton's provocative ad campaigns of the 1990s who later broke with the Italian knitwear brand under controversy, has died at age 82. His family announced the death Monday. Toscani previously disclosed that he was suffering from a rare disease and did not know how long he had to live. Toscani had amyloidosis, a disease characterized by a buildup of abnormal protein deposits in the body. Toscani said he would like to be remembered "not for any one photo but for my whole work, for the commitment."
Reality TV star Chase Chrisley accused of slapping a Twin Peaks bar manager in Atlanta
ATLANTA (AP) -- Reality TV star Chase Chrisley is accused of slapping the manager of a popular sports bar in Atlanta after refusing to leave. An Atlanta police report says that Chrisley, who gained fame on the "Chrisley Knows Best" show that featured his parents and close-knit family, was allegedly drunk at a Twin Peaks restaurant on Jan. 6 and refused to leave when asked by the manager. He allegedly slapped the manager twice in the face, including once while he was on the phone with 911. Chrisley left the bar before officers arrived. He was arrested Thursday on suspicion of simple battery and later released on $10,000 bond. His representative didn't immediately respond to an inquiry about the incident Sunday.
Sam Moore, who sang 'Soul Man' in Sam & Dave duo, dies at 89 because of surgery complications
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) -- Sam Moore, the surviving half and higher voice of the 1960s duo Sam & Dave that was known for such definitive hits of the era as "Soul Man" and "Hold On, I'm Comin,'" has died. He was 89. Publicist Jeremy Westby says Moore died Friday morning in Coral Gables, Florida, because of complications while recovering from surgery. No additional details were immediately available. Moore influenced musicians including Michael Jackson, Al Green and Bruce Springsteen. He was inducted with Dave Prater into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. The pair split up in 1970 and neither had another major hit. Prater died in a 1988 car crash.
As Biden joins the former presidents club, here are some ideas for his retirement to-do list
WASHINGTON (AP) -- If President Joe Biden is looking for ideas for retirement, he need look no further than past presidents. He could fundraise for his future presidential library or try to bolster his White House legacy. He could write another memoir and try speaking gigs. He's even suggested, perhaps only partly joking, that he could try his hand at show business. Former presidents also sometimes take on special projects together such as raising money after natural disasters.
Disney pledges $15 million in Los Angeles fire aid as more stars learn they've lost their homes
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Pacific Palisades wildfires torched the home of "This Is Us" star Milo Ventimiglia, perhaps most poignantly destroying the father-to-be's newly installed crib. The actor and his pregnant wife, Jarah Mariano, evacuated Tuesday with their dog and they watched on security cameras as the flames ripped through the house, destroying everything, including a new crib. Numerous stars have confirmed their homes were lost or sustained damage in devastating wildfires burning in and around Los Angeles. Mel Gibson's home is "completely gone", his publicist Alan Nierob confirmed Friday. The fires have killed at least 10 people and destroyed thousands of homes and vehicles.
'LA Strong' logo and custom shirts unveiled to aid Los Angeles wildfire recovery efforts
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Los Angeles sports organizations are uniting to launch an "LA Strong" custom logo and apparel line that will raise money for organizations assisting those impacted by this week's devasting wildfires. Fanatics announced Friday that T-shirts featuring the new logo will be available to purchase on team and league online stores, as well as the Fanatics website. The sports organizations and Fanatics will donate all proceeds from the initiative to the American Red Cross and Los Angles Fire Department Foundation. The collaboration spans eight leagues, the University of Southern California and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic organizing committee. LA Strong hoodies will also be available in the coming weeks.
Timothée Chalamet returns to 'SNL' as host -- and musical guest
NEW YORK (AP) -- Timothée Chalamet will return to "Saturday Night Live" for his third stint as a host. This time, he'll be pulling double duty. NBC announced Friday that comedian Dave Chappelle will host the sketch show for a fourth time Jan. 18, with musical guest GloRilla. Chalamet will be the host and musical guest on Jan. 25. The trio of announced performers are all in the thick of awards season. Chappelle and GloRilla are each nominated for Grammys at the Feb. 2 show. Chalamet has been nominated for a slew of acting awards for "A Complete Unknown." "SNL" is in the midst of its 50th anniversary season.
Judge extends Megan Thee Stallion's protection order against rapper Tory Lanez until 2030
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Megan Thee Stallion has been granted a restraining order from imprisoned rapper Tory Lanez until early 2030. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge on Thursday granted Megan's request for a protective order after the hip-hop star alleged that Lanez is harassing her from prison through surrogates as he serves a 10-year sentence for shooting her in the feet. Megan had obtained a temporary order in November. An attorney for Lanez wrote in an objection to the restraining order request that his client's incarceration means there is no threat to Megan and there has been no direct contact between the two recently.