Blog

Michael Cohen will be cross-examined in New York v. Trump on Thursday, May 16th

The court concluded Tuesday after Donald Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen testified for nearly six hours during two days of cross-examination by Trump's lawyer Todd Branch.

Cohen spoke Thursday about whether he hoped to secure a White House role in the Trump administration and how Trump reacted to the initial story of his alleged sexual encounter with Stormy Daniels. He answered a number of questions related to his time working for Trump. He believed he played a role in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's indictment of Trump.

Cohen, who once admitted to calling Trump “stupid Donald,” “takes some credit for the 34 charges brought against him.” said.

Mr. Cohen also said Thursday that he had never met Mr. Bragg.

In a May 2023 podcast, Mr. Cohen praised the case brought against Mr. Bragg and Mr. Trump, saying, “I want to thank the prosecutor's office and our fearless leader, Alvin Bragg… Mr. Trump gave an explanation…and posed for a photo.'' And fingerprinting brings me nothing but joy…”

Blanche also focused heavily on Cohen's history of lying under oath, including to federal judges.

Dating back to 2017, Blanche has documented several instances in which Cohen lied under oath, including to Congress and federal investigators from Special Counsel Robert Mueller's office regarding the Trump Tower Moscow project. emphasized.

Blanche asked Cohen about the oath and whether he thought it changed depending on the situation. “No,” Cohen replied.

Blanche also accused Cohen of lying about a phone call he allegedly made to Donald Trump's former bodyguard Keith Schiller to talk to Trump.

Mr. Cohen admitted that he called Mr. Schiller that night. Blanche asked whether the phone call Cohen testified about was to talk to Trump about the Stormy deal. Cohen admitted.

In a text message, Cohen asked Schiller who he could talk to about harassing phone calls from the alleged 14-year-old prankster. Mr. Schiller responded, “Please give me a call.”

Mr. Cohen testified Tuesday that the 1-minute, 36-second call on Oct. 24 was made by Mr. Schiller to speak with Mr. Trump.

Blanche asked whether Tuesday's testimony was a lie because Cohen said at the time that he had called to talk to Trump.

“Some of them were 14-year-olds…but I know Keith was with Mr. Trump,” Cohen said.

Blanche again accused Cohen of lying and claimed she never spoke to Trump that day.

Mr. Cohen responded, “I always followed my boss' instructions and did everything right away.”

“That was a lie. I didn't talk to President Trump,” Branch said.

Cohen replied, “I don't know if that's accurate.”

Cohen's testimony is scheduled to resume Monday when court resumes at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Blanche said the defense plans to finish cross-examination on Monday. Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger said the transfer time would be less than an hour.

Defense attorneys said they expected other witnesses to be sentenced soon, and it was understandable that they could “come and go” from the stand Monday.

Source link

All the Biggest Scandals in Country Music

Country music has always been known for its heartfelt lyrics and catchy tunes, but it’s also had its fair share of controversy and scandal.

Related story

These Beloved Country Music Couples Have Been Together for an Impressively Long Time

Like any industry, there are always some people with bad motives (and many with good that experience unfair backlash!) but nowhere is that more obvious than in a genre that is often a little too reluctant to change its views on sexuality, race, gender and more. There isn’t any type of controversy, from cheating scandals, public meltdowns, lawsuits, to controversial song releases, that country stars haven’t faced, to be honest.

Many stars have recovered from the controversies, some have disappeared into oblivion, and others have doubled down. But one thing’s for sure, country music is changing, and more and more stars are getting on board with a more inclusive next chapter for the genre!

With the 2024 ACM Awards airing tonight, now is as good a time as ever to revisit some of the wildest scandals faced by even country music’s most elite. Check out country music biggest scandals over the years below:

A version of this article was previously published in June 2015.

Morgan Wallen’s Arrest

Image Credit: Christopher Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images

In April 2024, country star Morgan Wallen was arrested for allegedly throwing a chair from a rooftop bar, per Vulture. The chair ended up landing close to two officers who arrested Wallen and charged with three counts of reckless endangerment and one count of disorderly conduct. He was released hours later. 

“I didn’t feel right publicly checking in until I made amends with some folks,” Wallen tweeted following the incident. “I’ve touched base with Nashville law enforcement, my family, and the good people at Chief’s. I’m not proud of my behavior, and I accept responsibility.” 

Jimmie Allen’s Affair & Divorce

Image Credit: Gilbert Flores/Billboard via Getty Images

Jimmie Allen and his ex-wife Alexis Gale were one of Hollywood’s biggest power couples until everything came to a screeching halt in April 2023. 

In one announcement, Allen revealed that he and Gale (who was pregnant with their third child) were going their separate ways and that he was expecting a child with another woman. 

“As we navigate this life change, we can also share that we will be welcoming another child together later this year,” Allen wrote in a statement at the time. “Our number one priority is and always will be ensuring that our children are healthy, happy and loved, and we remain committed to co-parenting with love and respect for one another.”

The pair had been married since 2021. 

Jason Aldean’s Controvesial Small Town Song

Image Credit: Christopher Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images

In 2023, Jason Aldean’s new song “Try That in a Small Town” garnered national attention as it was coined a pro-gun, racist, “modern lynching” song, per Billboard.

Among the lyrics are, “See how far ya make it down the road / Around here, we take care of our own / You cross that line, it won’t take long / For you to find out, I recommend you don’t / Try that in a small town.”

Following the backlash, Aldean attempted to clarify the song’s intention. “I have been accused of releasing a pro-lynching song (a song that has been out since May) and was subject to the comparison that I (direct quote) was not too pleased with the nationwide BLM protests. These references are not only meritless but dangerous,” he wrote on Instagram, per Billboard. “There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it- and there isn’t a single video clip that isn’t real news footage.”

“While I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music- this one goes too far,” he continued. “NO ONE, including me, wants to continue to see senseless headlines or families ripped apart.”

Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Origin Story

Image Credit: Image Group LA/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

While Beyoncé’s 2016 CMA performance with The Chicks only proved that there is nothing the star can’t do, it didn’t go down too well with some country music loyalists.

After the performance, some vocalized their disapproval of the performance for a multitude of reasons ranging from criticism of Beyoncé’s liberal-leaning politics, her perceived lack of country music experience, and a dislike of The Chicks (more on that later!) But a lot of the response was just downright racist.

Of course, Beyoncé turned lemons into lemonade when she released her 2024 country album “Cowboy Carter” alongside a message that many took as a belated response to the CMAs incident. 

“This album has been over five years in the making. It was born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed…and it was very clear that I wasn’t,” she wrote.

Morgan Wallen’s Racism

Image Credit: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for iHeartRadio

In February 2021, video of Morgan Wallen surfaced, featuring the country singer using a racial slur while near his Nashville home. Months later, he made an appearance on Good Morning America, where he offered an apology.

“I used an unacceptable and inappropriate racial slur that I wish I could take back,” the singer said. “There are no excuses to use this type of language, ever. I want to sincerely apologize for using the word. I promise to do better.”

Despite the incident, Wallen has continued to receive many award show nominations and remains a popular country music artist.

Brittany Aldean’s Transphobia

Image Credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Jason Aldean and his wife Brittany’s conservative political views are no secret. The couple even attended Donald Trump’s New Year’s Eve party in 2022.

But backlash hit an all time high in August 2022 when Brittany posted a transphobic post to Instagram. “I’d really like to thank my parents for not changing my gender when I went through my tomboy phase,” she wrote in the caption of the video. “I love this girly life🤎✌🏼.”

The Band Formerly Known As Lady Antebellum

Image Credit: Tammie Arroyo/Variety via Getty Images

Dave Haywood, Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley of Lady A, formerly Lady Antebellum, made the decision in June 2020 to change their band’s name as a response to the calls for racial equality following the death of George Floyd.

The band’s new choice of name, however, was already being used by Seattle-based African American singer Anita White. What ensued, was a back-and-forth legal battle over rights of the stage name. On February of 2022, Lady A and White settled their legal battle as they filed joint requests for dismissals, per The Hollywood Reporter. 

Lil Nas X’s Country Music Crossover

Image Credit: Chris Polk/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images

Lil Nas X’s song “Old Town Road” took country music by storm in 2019. Unfortunately, not everyone was convinced that the artist’s tune was country enough. After the song broke to No. 19 on the Hot Country chart, Billboard removed the song from the genre’s ranking list but kept it on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop list. 

Billboard issued a statement, saying, the song “does not embrace enough elements of today’s country music to chart in its current version,” per CBS.

Lil Nas X, however, was totally unbothered by the situation. “The song is country trap. It’s not one, it’s not the other,” the artist shared in an interview with Time. “It’s both. It should be on both [charts].” The song went on to earn a number of Grammy nominations and cemented Lil Nas X as an artist to watch. 

Toby Keith’s Pro-War Song

Image Credit: Getty Images for BMI

In 2002, just a year after the September 11 attacks, Toby Keith released a song called “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” which was widely criticized for its pro-war message.

“And you’ll be sorry that you messed with the U.S. of A. / ‘Cause we’ll put a boot in your a—, it’s the American way,” he sang as the U.S. continued its war on the Middle East.

Randy Travis’s Arrest

Image Credit: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Randy Travis landed behind bars in 2012 when he drunkenly crashed his car and was later found intoxicated and naked in the grass. The incident was one of a few public intoxication allegations.

Travis was sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to report to an alcohol treatment facility, per Dallas News.

The Chicks v.s George W. Bush

Image Credit: Mark Sullivan/WireImage

The Chicks (then called the Dixie Chicks) took a major hit when Natalie Maines told a London crowd in 2003 of President George W. Bush, “We’re ashamed that the president of the United States is from Texas.” 

The band’s record sales took a major hit but the group has remained strong.

 

Jason Aldean’s Affair

Image Credit: Chris Polk/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images

On Sept. 26, 2012, Jason Aldean was caught cheating on his high-school-sweetheart-turned-wife, Jessica, ending their marriage.

Aldean, who shares two kids with Jessica, was photographed getting close to former American Idol star Brittany Kerr. In 2015, Jason and Brittany got married.

Kenny Chesney & Renée Zellweger’s Divorce

Image Credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The world was shocked when Kenny Chesney married Renée Zellweger in 2005, but even more so when she filed for divorce on account of fraud only four months later.

The filing sparked rumors that Chesney was gay, which he later denied.

“Maybe I should’ve come out and said that, ‘No, I’m not.’ But I didn’t want to draw any more attention to it, you know, ’cause I knew I wasn’t … it’s not true, period,” Chesney told 60 Minutes in 2007.

“The only fraud that was committed was me thinking that I knew what it was going to be like, that I really understood what it was like to be married, and I really didn’t.”

In 2016, Zellweger told The Advocate that “fraud” was simply legal language.

“It made me sad that somehow people were using that as a way to be cruel and calling someone gay as a pejorative, which has fateful consequences. Of course, there’s the bigger-picture problem of why anyone had to make up a story at all,” she added.

LeAnn Rimes’ Legal Battle With Her Father

Image Credit: Steve Eichner/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images

In 2000, a young LeAnn Rimes was in the middle of controversy at age 17 by filing a lawsuit against her own father claiming he owed her more than $7 million. While the duo eventually reconciled after settling the legal dispute, the singer spoke out about the dangers of parents managing kids’ careers amid Britney Spears’ legal battle with her father. 

“Looking back, I think my dad did the best that he could. Parents managing a child is always a recipe for disaster. For me, it became a business and I ended up not having parents,” she told People in 2023.

Brad Paisley’s ‘Accidental Racist’ Song

Image Credit: Getty Images

In 2013, Brad Paisley released the song “Accidental Racist,” a collaboration with rapper LL Cool J that was quickly panned for its tone-deaf attempt to address racial issues.

“This song was meant to generate discussion among the people who listen to my albums,” Paisley told Vulture. “But I thought that my fans would get something out of hearing a point of view that they don’t hear very often — a perspective you really don’t hear in country music… There is a gulf of understanding that I was trying to address.” 

Billy Ray Cyrus’ Affair

Image Credit: Michael Tran/FilmMagic

Back in the day, Billy Ray Cyrus began dating Kristin Luckey and Miley’s mom, Tish at the same time and the two women gave birth to Cyrus’ offpsring only seven months apart.

Billy Ray and Tish stayed together, eventually marrying and welcoming two more kids in the decades-long marriage. In 2022, the two officially went their separate ways.

Willie Nelson’s Arrest

Image Credit: Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images

In 2006, Willie Nelson was arrested when his tour bus was pulled over and police found 1.5 pounds of marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms. The singer was held in custody briefly before paying a $2,500 bond to be released, per ABC News. 

Zac Brown’s Arrest

Image Credit: Getty Images

In 2016, Zac Brown was arrested for possession of drugs, including cocaine. Brown claimed that he had been “in the wrong place at the wrong time,” per People.

“I attended a private gathering at a Miami-area hotel and had only been there for a short time when police officers arrived and arrested two people in the room who had just showed up a few minutes before. I did not know these people and had no idea that there were drugs in their possession,” he said in a statement.

“I cooperated fully with the authorities and am not part of any ongoing police investigation. Everyone is responsible for their actions, and I regret using poor judgment and putting myself in that position.”

Garth Brooks’ Infidelity

Image Credit: Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images

In the ’90s, Garth Brooks made waves for admitting he cheated on his then-wife, Sandy Mahl, with Trisha Yearwood — whom he ultimately married in 2005 and has been with ever since.

Brooks and Mahl wed in 1986 and went on to have three children together. But Brooks later admitted that his marriage was forever changed when he first met and began collaborating with Yearwood in 1987.

“It’s strange because I felt that feeling like when you just meet your wife, but I’ve been married for 13 months,” Brooks said during a 2013 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. 

Taylor Swift’s First Kanye West Run-In

Image Credit: Fairchild Archive/Penske Media via Getty Images

The moment Kanye West hijacked Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV Video Awards will long live in infamy in Nashville circles. 

West interrupted the former country star’s big win to claim that the award should have gone to Beyoncé. 

Shania Twain’s Revenge

Image Credit: GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images

After finding out in 2008 her husband was cheating with her best friend, Shania Twain flipped the script by later marrying her former bestie’s hunky husband, Frédéric Thiébaud.

Wynonna Judd’s Marriage Breakdown

Image Credit: Larry McCormack/Variety via Getty Images

While Wynonna Judd’s then-husband D.R. Roach was in rehab in 2007, he was convicted on 13 counts of sexual battery of a minor younger than 13. The two split that same year. 

LeAnn Rimes… again

Image Credit: Fairchild Archive/Penske Media via Getty Images

LeAnn Rimes went from country music darling to public enemy #1 when she started a relationship with married actor Eddie Cibrian while he was still with Real Housewives star Brandi Glanville.

Cibrian then got divorced from Glanville and tied the knot with Rimes less than a year later. The two are married to this day. 

Hank Williams Jr’s Offensive Remarks

Image Credit: Scott Legato/Getty Images

In 2011, when Hank Williams Jr. made a joke comparing Obama to Hitler on Fox & Friends, it got his theme song pulled from Monday Night Football. 

The controversial star never apologized for the incident and, instead, doubled down by making another statement to his concert crowd a year later calling the president “a Muslim president who hates farming, hates the military, hates the U.S. and we hate him!”

Keith Urban’s Alleged Infidelity

Image Credit: Michael Buckner/Penske Media via Getty Images

Although rumors have long plagued Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman, they hit an all-time high in 2006 when lingerie model Amanda Wyatt claimed she had an affair with Urban.

“I feel sorry for Nicole. Keith cheated on her repeatedly with me, right up to just before they got married,” Wyatt told The Daily Mail. “He’s done it once, and he’ll probably do it again.” Despite the claims, the two have not commented on the rumors and have stayed together ever since. 

Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert’s Divorce

Image Credit: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BMI

Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert dropped a bomb on fans in 2015 when they announced they were divorcing the day it was finalized.

“This is not the future we envisioned,” a rep for the couple said in a statement at the time, per Us Weekly. “And it is with heavy hearts that we move forward separately. We are real people, with real lives, with real families, friends and colleagues. Therefore, we kindly ask for privacy and compassion concerning this very personal matter.”

A few years after their split, it seemed Shelton and Lambert still hadn’t buried the hatched when Shelton seemingly tweeted about his ex-wife’s split from Evan Felker. “Been taking the high road for a long time.. I almost gave up,” Shelton tweeted. “But I can finally see something on the horizon up there!! Wait!! Could it be?! Yep!! It’s karma!!”

Loretta Lynn’s Progressive Song

Image Credit: Getty Images

In 1975, Loretta Lynn released the song “The Pill,” which was considered outrageous for its frank discussion of birth control. Radio stations refused to play the tune, and even to this day, some still do.

The song was a celebratory ode of birth control and sexual freedom with lyrics like: “This old maternity dress I’ve got is going in the garbage / The clothes I’m wearing from now on won’t take up so much yardage / Miniskirts, hot pants, and a few little fancy frills / Yeah, I’m making up for all those years since I’ve got the pill.”

Source link

Cardi B talks about complicated marriage with Offset – Music News

Cardi B has revealed details about her broken marriage to rap star Offset.

The 31-year-old rapper married Offset, 32, in 2017 and they have two children together. He has a 5-year-old daughter, Culture, and a 2-year-old son, Wave.

However, their marriage was shaken up by reports of their breakup last year.

In a Rolling Stone cover interview, Cardi was asked about the future of her marriage, to which she replied, “I'm thinking about it a lot. I'm thinking about it a lot because we love each other.”

“It's not even about love. We're best friends. So, I was like, 'Okay, well, there was a time when I didn't have a best friend or I didn't have a support system.' “How do you break up with your partner? It's not even about that. How can I stop talking to my best friend? ”

She also talked about what she likes about her marriage. “What I like is that we really like each other and have a support system. We're really each other's cheerleaders. I don't really like talking to people. If I ask for something, he will talk to me, because I don't like to ask.

The “I Like It” singer went on to talk about the hardest part of her marriage, noting that her own work commitments sabotaged things somewhat.

The star, who has appeared in films such as Hustlers and Fast & Furious 9, said: “Sometimes I can't be a wife… It's not like I can't. It's like my career is killing me. You know what kind of person he is,” he said. My career comes first, my kids come second, and sometimes I don't realize that I'm putting more things before my relationships. ”

When she met up with Rolling Stone again two weeks later for the same cover interview, she emphasized, “My kids come first. My kids come first.”

Source link

'It Ends With Us' trailer featuring Taylor Swift song released

The first official trailer for It Ends with Us, a romantic drama film based on the beloved book by best-selling author Colleen Hoover, was released to social media users on Thursday, starring Blake Lively as Lily Bloom. followed.

A few beats of music from Taylor Swift's “My Tears Ricochet,” from Taylor Swift's Grammy Award-winning album “Folklore,” the first images of the cast members incorporate an element of whimsy. Introduced.

The trailer introduces viewers to key scenes from the book, including the day Bloom opens her flower shop, the first time she meets Kincaid on the roof of a building, and the couple's second chance encounter a year later. The trailer, which is just under two and a half minutes long, includes many of the book's most memorable moments, as well as quotes directly from the pages of Hoover's novel.

Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis: Blake Lively says she's “mortified” over joke that “Photoshop failed”

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have been announced to play Lily and Lyle in It Ends With Us, which will be released in early 2023. (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images;)

In early 2023, Lively was cast as Bloom in the film. At the time, Justin Baldoni was also revealed to play Lyle Kincaid, Bloom's love interest turned abusive husband.

The move to cast the two was controversial among fans, as the book appeared to be cast in their 20s. Lively is currently 36 years old and Baldoni is 40 years old.

When the cast was announced, fans took to social media to highlight their desire to see actress Abigail Cowen or Holland Roden play Bloom, and actor Theo James play Kincaid.

Still, even though filming has wrapped and a release date has been set, fans strongly rejected Lively and Baldoni's casting decisions in the trailer comments section.

One user wrote, “I love the actors, but this cast is so different…” and another user wrote, “I literally sent this trailer to my sister and she said the same thing, because I loved this book. , I can't find this cast member.'' As for the character…I guess it's Atlas…

5 romance books to read when you're in the mood for a page-turning love story

Click here to sign up for our entertainment newsletter

Actor Brandon Skrenner was chosen to play Atlas Corrigan, the book's gentle heroine and Bloom's childhood sweetheart.

The film's production and release were delayed from its original February 2024 release date due to the Writers Guild of America strike that began on May 1, 2023 and lasted 118 days.

Fans again took to the comments section of the social media post to debate Lively's ill-advised outfits, including baggy clothes, plaids, and layers of fabric, while filming took place on the streets of New York City.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

However, the film is still highly anticipated and is scheduled to be released exclusively in theaters on August 9, 2024.

Gabriele Regalbuto is the SEO editor at Fox News Digital. Gabriele holds a degree in Journalism and Communications from West Virginia University. She has worked on producing content for newspapers, magazines and digital her platforms. At Fox, we have helped cover breaking news such as the 2024 presidential election cycle, the 2022 midterm elections, the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

Source link

Gloria Estefan and Ángela Aguilar to appear on 2024 Billboard Latin Women in Music

Photo provided

Gloria Estefan and Ángela Aguilar will be honored at the 2024 Billboard Latin Women in Music event, Billboard and Telemundo announced Thursday (May 16). . The show will air exclusively on Telemundo on Sunday, June 9th at 9pm ET. This special will also be streamed simultaneously on the Telemundo app and Peacock.

The celebration, which focuses on the efforts of Latina female musicians who are “actively working for positive change, inclusivity, and gender equality in the music industry,” will honor the Cuban-American superstar with the title of Legend. , a musical star from the Mexican region will earn the title of Musical Dynasty. honor.

Hitmaker of “Conga” and “Mi Tierra,” Estefan is world-famous as a versatile singer and composer who seamlessly blends his Cuban roots with mainstream music, making him one of the top Latin musicians on the world stage. He is known for paving the way for Billboard hailed her as the most successful Latin “crossover” artist of all time, highlighting her transformative influence on her music and culture. She has sold over 100 million records. Her awards include her three Grammy Awards, including the Kennedy Center Honors in 2017 and the Gershwin Award for Popular Song in 2019, the latter of which was awarded to her husband Emilio. This is a joint award with Estefan.

The Legends recognition is given to outstanding artists who “leave behind a unique and immeasurable legacy and have made a significant impact on the industry throughout their musical careers.”

Meanwhile, Aguilar's Musica Dynasty title is given to artists who “continue to uphold their family's artistic heritage and pay homage to the musical dynasty to which they belong.” The Mexican singer is a member of the esteemed Aguilar family, and the 20-year-old has carved out a successful career with her talents while upholding her family's traditions.

He has produced a variety of hit songs, including “Dime Como Quires” with Cristian Nodal, which ranked 8th on Hot Latin Songs, and reached number 1 on the Mexican Regional Airplay Chart three times. This Grammy-nominated singer is a force to be reckoned with. She was also named to Billboard's 21 Under 21 in 2022 and 2023.

Other Latina women in music honorees include Kany Garcia, who will receive the Spirit of Change Award, and Ana Barbara, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. They were among the first round of winners announced by Telemundo and Billboard on May 8th.

Additional winners will be announced in the coming weeks for the second annual Billboard Latin Women in Music ceremony, hosted by actress Jacqueline Bracamontes.

Source link

Lenny Kravitz to headline Pepsi's UEFA Champions League final kick-off show – Music News

Lenny Kravitz's UEFA Champions League Final Kickoff Show by Pepsi is officially underway.

Following reports two months ago that the 'Fly Away' hitmaker had been scouted for a half-time performance at London's Wembley Stadium on June 1, the 59-year-old musician will play in the Champions League against Dortmund. It was confirmed that there will be a performance before the finals. And Real Madrid.

In addition to being a fan favorite, the Grammy winner will perform songs from his highly anticipated LP, Blue Electric Light, live for the first time.

Kravitz commented: “I'm really looking forward to performing at the UEFA Champions League Final Kick-Off Show, hosted by Pepsi, in London, which holds a special place in my heart.” It's going to be a very exciting event. I can't wait to show you everything we have in store.”

Eric Melis, vice president of Pepsi Global Brand Marketing for PepsiCo, added: “As a brand with a rich heritage in both music and football, we are proud to once again bring together millions of viewers from around the world to our host city.” One of music's most iconic artists said: The electrifying performance was broadcast live from London's iconic Wembley Stadium, the home of music, sport and entertainment. The UEFA Champions League Final Kickoff Show presented by Pepsi will be headlined by music industry legends, adding unparalleled dynamism and energy to the show. Lenny Kravitz is someone who always gives the best he can and spreads love and humanity in all his work. He lives by the “Thirsty For More” philosophy, which celebrates people's thirst for life. And we can't wait for it. See how fans react to this can't-miss show. ”

UEFA Marketing Director Guy-Laurent Epstein said: “This year's UEFA Champions League Final Kick-Off Show, presented by Pepsi, will see legendary rock and roll icon Lenny Kravitz take to the stage and deliver a signature performance before the match. I'm sure the fans will be on their feet for the show.” This year's UEFA Champions League final. We are extremely proud of our long-standing and fruitful partnership with Pepsi, as we work together to make this flagship match on the football calendar even more memorable and enjoyable for fans at Wembley and those watching around the world. Let me. ”

Kravitz has also filmed a video titled “Wembley is Blue | Wembley is Blue | Wembley is Blue.” Lenny Kravitz x UCL Final Kickoff Show by Pepsi” will excite fans.

The caption reads: “In the film, as Lenny Kravitz slowly walks down the tunnel, paintbrush in hand, painting the Pepsi blue walls, there is an unmistakable echo of the UEFA Champions League anthem being whistled. I can hear you…” before walking out onto the sacred turf. Walking past Wembley Stadium's magnificent UEFA Champions League trophy, the rock star could be seen stretching his legs before stepping onto the stadium's hallowed turf. Then the camera suddenly moved and showed a blue mural of his face covering the pitch. London's vibrant stadium is preparing for the ultimate show. ”

Fans can watch the kick-off show on local broadcasters and on the official UEFA YouTube channel. Fans are encouraged to follow Pepsi on Instagram, X (officially her Twitter), and Facebook to stay up to date.

Source link

Tame Impala sells entire music catalog to Sony – Music News

Tame Impala has sold their entire music catalog to Sony Music Publishing.

The 'Borderline' hitmaker, whose real name is Kevin Parker, is said to include all of his past and future releases, including work for Rihanna, Sir Mick Jagger, Gorillaz, Mark Ronson and more. Reached a worldwide deal with the label. .

“The idea of ​​transferring ownership of my songs was not something I considered lightly,” he said in a statement.

“These are the culmination of my blood, sweat and creativity over the years I have been a recording artist and songwriter.”

The exact details of the agreement have not been made public at this time.

The musician added: “I have tremendous love and trust in the Sony Publishing family and have had nothing but great experiences with Damian Trotter and members of the gang around the world.

“I feel like my songs are much safer in Sony's hands. I'm excited about the future and happy to continue working with Sony no matter what happens in the future.”

Meanwhile, Sony Music Publishing CEO and Chairman Jon Platt praised Parker's “versatile” songwriting catalog.

He said: “I have always admired Kevin Parker and believe he is one of the most versatile songwriters of our time.

“Kevin has built a catalog of songs with incredible range and staying power, and has always remained true to his vision.

“It is an honor to represent his music and we are committed to extending his legacy of success.”

As Tame Impala, Parker has released four studio albums and numerous singles, and his songwriting credits include Rihanna, Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Mark Ronson, and Sir Mick Jagger. , Gorillaz, Lady Gaga, Daft Punk, The Weeknd, and more. more.

Most recently, Parker teamed up with Dua Lipa on several songs on her latest album, Radical Optimism.

Source link

Beyoncé and Adele's publishers slam companies for training AI on music

Image credit: Getty Images

Image caption: Adele and Beyoncé are among the artists signed to the Sony Music-owned label. Article information Author: Tom Gerken Role: Technology reporter

May 16, 2024

The world's largest music publishers have written to Google, Microsoft and OpenAI demanding they disclose whether their music is being used to develop artificial intelligence (AI) systems.

Sony Music, which represents artists such as Beyonce and Adele, prohibits the unauthorized use of its music to train, develop or profit from AI.

In a letter sent to more than 700 companies, Sony Music said it had “reason to believe” the companies “may already be using our music without permission.”

The BBC has contacted Google, Microsoft and OpenAI for comment.

Sony Music has given the companies a deadline to respond, and said it will enforce its copyrights “to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law,” including upcoming AI laws in the EU.

AI training

Sony Music's complaint is part of a larger controversy that has been raging since the launch of the latest generation of AI-powered tools: What data did they train them on, and did they ask for permission to use that data?

For example, a chatbot might “learn” to respond in a particular style by being shown billions of books, or an image-generating tool might be fed millions of existing images.

Similar software exists for creating music, although Sony Music's complaint is that it can only do so after having access to millions of songs, some of which it owns the copyright to.

Both Google and OpenAI are developing AI tools that can generate music, but it's unclear what data was used to train them.

Do not copy

In a multi-page letter, Sony Music asks that the following be sent to each of the hundreds of recipients:

Details of the songs owned that were used to train the AI ​​system, how the songs were accessed (e.g. via online streaming services), how many copies of the songs there are, whether copies still exist, how long they have existed, and, assuming copies did exist in the first place, why such copies should have existed for any length of time.

In its letter, the company said the copies may consist of only parts of a song and that it was prepared to enter into licensing agreements for future use.

But it's unclear whether any of the AI ​​companies contacted trained their tech on music owned by Sony Music, and even if they did, it's unclear whether they actually broke the law.

There are questions in both the EU and the US about whether training AI tools with such content constitutes copyright infringement or falls within the fair use or “transient copy” exception.

Nana Nwachukwu, a lawyer at AI ethics firm Saidot, said training an AI model with copyrighted music “may amount to copyright infringement” under current EU rules.

She said “exceptions exist” for companies to have “lawful access” to music, as long as the music is in the public domain and not paid for or licensed for AI training.

However, the upcoming EU AI law will change this.

“The legislation would mandate that all general-purpose AI models comply with rigorous documentation and transparency requirements,” she said.

“This includes an obligation to publish a detailed overview of the training data used, respecting opt-outs from copyright holders, and ensuring all use of data complies with EU copyright law.”

Meanwhile, in music, Sony Music rival Universal Music has filed a lawsuit in the US against AI company Anthrophic, alleging that the company infringed the copyrights of hundreds of song lyrics.

Source link

Sony Music Group has warned over 700 companies not to use their content to train AI.

One of the world's biggest record labels has issued a notice to hundreds of companies warning them not to train artificial intelligence models on their content without permission.

Sony Music Group, which owns famous labels such as Columbia Records, RCA Records, and Epic Records, has begun sending formal letters to more than 700 generative AI companies and streaming platforms, prohibiting them from mining text or data, web scraping, or using SMG content without explicit licensing agreements.

This includes a wide range of content, including audio recordings, songs (including lyrics), cover artwork and metadata, according to a copy of the letter obtained by NBC News.

In its letter, SMG said it recognises the “great potential and advancements” of AI.

“However, any unauthorized use of the SMG Content in training, developing or commercializing AI systems deprives the SMG Companies and SMG Talent of control over and appropriate compensation for the use of the SMG Content, is inconsistent with the normal exploitation of their works, unreasonably undermines our legitimate interests and infringes our intellectual property and other rights,” the company said.

Such actions “are inconsistent with the normal use of these works, unduly harm our legitimate interests, and infringe our intellectual property and other rights,” the letter said.

Asked for comment, an SMG spokesperson directed NBC News to a statement the company posted online on Thursday.

“Technological advances have frequently changed the course of creative industries, and AI will likely continue this long-standing trend,” the post reads, “but that innovation must ensure that the rights of songwriters and recording artists, including their copyrights, are respected.”

The letter asks the companies to confirm that they are not using SMG content without permission, or, if so, to provide details about how that content was used in AI training.

The European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act, the world's first comprehensive AI law passed in March, includes a provision requiring providers of general-purpose AI models to publish “sufficiently detailed” summaries of the content used to train the model.

Concerns over the use of AI have dogged the music industry in recent months, as the rapid adoption of generative AI tools makes it easy for anyone to scrape copyrighted content and create AI-generated music.

In the United States, where regulations protecting human creations are still lagging behind, many companies have begun negotiating their own agreements to license content used to train AI models, and some have sued AI companies for training their AI models with copyrighted material.

Several tracks that appear to use AI-generated vocals have already appeared online. Last year, a song called “Heart on My Sleeve,” written by an anonymous musician calling himself “Ghostwriter,” featured vocals reminiscent of Drake and The Weeknd, but was quickly removed from streaming services following a copyright infringement claim by Universal Music Group.

(UMG has no affiliation with NBCUniversal, the parent company of NBC News.)

In April, Drake released “Taylor Made Freestyle,” which featured an AI-generated voice of the late rapper Tupac Shakur. The diss track was removed from Drake's X and Instagram accounts days after Shakur's estate threatened legal action.

Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee's Intellectual Property Subcommittee last month, arguing for legislation to prevent the use of deepfakes without consent.

“Our fundamental position on AI is simple: everyone should have the right to decide how their name, likeness and voice are used,” Kyncl said in prepared remarks. “These characteristics are the very foundation of our individuality and are not just data for others to take and use. An individual's identity should not be used in ways that they would never accept or want to participate in.”

Artists are also calling for protections from AI: Last month, more than 200 artists signed an open letter calling on AI developers, tech companies, and digital music services to pledge not to use AI in ways that “detract from or replace the human artistry of songwriters and artists.”

Source link

Michael Cohen once swore Trump had no involvement in payments to Stormy Daniels, his former lawyer testifies

Join Fox News for access to this content

The maximum number of articles has been reached. To read more, log in for free or create an account.

Please enter a valid email address.

Enter your email address[続行]By pressing , you agree to Fox News' Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, including notice of financial incentives. Please check your email and follow the instructions provided to access the content. Need help? Click here.

A lawyer who once advised Michael Cohen says the ex-Trump lawyer had nothing to do with hush money payments to porn performer Stormy Daniels and that Cohen made the arrangement himself. It is claimed that

Robert Costello, the attorney who advised Cohen after he was indicted on federal charges in 2018, told Congress on Wednesday, the same week that Cohen was testifying against his former boss in a Manhattan courtroom. He testified before the House Weapons Committee on Capitol Hill.

Costello, a former U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York, said he was able to talk about his interactions with Cohen because he had “waived the attorney-client privilege and the attorney's duty of loyalty to his client.” He explained. ”

Flashback: Trump v. Manhattan: Bob Costello testifies to grand jury, says Michael Cohen is a 'serial liar'

Costello testified before the grand jury in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's case against former President Trump. Mr. Costello testified in March 2023, weeks before the Bragg grand jury indicted Mr. Trump on 34 counts of first-degree business record falsification.

Mr. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen arrives in Manhattan Criminal Court on May 14, 2024, for former President Trump's trial on charges of concealing hush money payments related to an affair in New York City. leave home. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images)

Costello recalled an exchange with Cohen in 2018 in which he said the former Trump lawyer was “suicidal and desperately looking for a way out” after the indictment.

“I advised him that the SDNY believes he committed a crime and may have evidence that could be used to prosecute President Trump,” Costello testified Wednesday. “I explained to Mr. Cohen that he was not a target of the investigation, that he was a lost man, and that the U.S. Attorney's Office would run him over if Donald Trump led him to do so.”

Costello told Cohen: “If you have true information that could implicate Donald Trump, if you cooperate with us against Donald Trump, we can resolve your legal issues by the end of the week.” He testified that he explained that.

“I emphasized that the information that Mr. Cohen could provide had to be true or it would be useless,” Costello testified, saying he did this “many times” during their first meeting.

New York vs. Trump: 'Star witness' Michael Cohen testifies, Trump supporters flock to court to 'support their friend'

“Each time, Cohen said to me, 'I swear to God, Bob, I have nothing on Donald Trump,'” Costello recalled Cohen saying. “Cohen must have said this at least 10 times, because I kept coming back to the problem from different approaches.”

During their conversation, Costello said Cohen told her he would do “whatever it takes” to avoid spending a day in jail.

Mr. Costello also referred to a telephone conversation he had with Mr. Cohen a few days earlier, in which Mr. Cohen said he was “seriously considering jumping off the roof of the Regency Hotel in New York City” because he “couldn't stand the pressure of a criminal about to come.” “I am thinking about it,” he said. case. ”

Mr. Costello said he urged Mr. Cohen to reconsider.

“With true information, wouldn't it be easier to cooperate against Donald Trump than to commit suicide?” he asked.

Michael Cohen is cross-examined by defense attorney Todd Blanche in former President Trump's criminal trial (Reuters/Jane Rosenberg)

Costello also testified that he was involved in a non-disclosure agreement with adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Costello said Cohen was contacted by a lawyer who told him that if Trump did not intend to “buy his silence,” he would allege that he had sexual contact with Trump.

Costello said Wednesday that Cohen “doesn't believe the allegations, but believes this story would be embarrassing for Mr. Trump and especially for Melania, so he decided to handle it himself.”

Costello testified that Cohen's “motives have become clear” as he reportedly expressed a desire to work for the Trump administration after the 2016 election.

Mr. Costello testified that Mr. Cohen thought Mr. Trump would nominate him as attorney general or at least chief of staff.

“Mr. Cohen then explained that he had negotiated $130,000 in exchange for an NDA to do so. When Mr. Trump asked if he knew about this, Mr. Cohen said no. When asked if he received the dollars from Mr. Trump or Trump entities, he said no, “or a friend,'' Costello also said no,'' Costello testified.

“I asked if this came from Mr. Cohen's own money, and Mr. Cohen said no. Then, when asked where he got the money, Mr. Cohen said he could not tell anyone where it came from. I explained that I took out a HELOC loan because I didn't want anyone to know.” ”

Michael Cohen testifies that he secretly recorded President Trump in preparation for the 2016 election

Mr. Costello echoed Mr. Cohen's testimony at Mr. Trump's trial this week, saying that Mr. Cohen said he did not want his wife to know because she was in charge of the family finances.

So far, Mr. Cohen has testified at Mr. Trump's criminal trial that he personally paid $130,000 to Mr. Daniels using a home equity line of credit to hide the payments from his wife. Cohen said he did so because President Trump told him to “deal with it” and prevent negative stories before the election.

Cohen testified that of the $130,000 he paid Daniels, “$420,000 was reimbursed.” Cohen said former Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg had indicated that the payments would be “grossly calculated,” and that Trump himself was aware of the repayments.

However, Cohen also testified at trial that he did not tell Costello that Trump knew about the redemption because he was still loyal to Trump. He also said, “Based on all our conversations, I believe that: [Costello] He will run back to Mr. [Rudy] Mr. Giuliani and his interactions will likely be leaked to President Trump. ”

In a courtroom sketch from Manhattan State Court in New York City, May 14, 2024, Michael Cohen reveals that he used business records to hide the money he paid to hush porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016. He is testifying in former President Trump's criminal trial on charges of falsification. (Reuters/Jane Rosenberg) )

Costello said Wednesday that the “gist” of his testimony was that “When Michael Cohen was given the opportunity to engage Donald Trump in exchange for eliminating his huge legal problems, Donald Trump He has repeatedly stated that he knows nothing of the truth.”

New York v. Trump: Cohen testifies that he made payments to Stormy Daniels out of his own pocket

“Now that Michael Cohen is in prison, he is on a journey of revenge because he has been disbarred from practicing law and is blaming Donald Trump for the fact that he actually went to prison.” Costello said. “The Southern District of New York saw this and acted appropriately. The Manhattan District Attorney became famous and took a different route to 'get' Trump.”

Costello said Cohen was “simply not a trustworthy person” and claimed that Cohen “lies when he thinks it's in his own interest, but tells the truth when it's in Michael Cohen's own interest.” did.

Donald Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen returned to the witness stand Tuesday in the New York v. Trump trial. (Getty Images)

After testifying before a grand jury last year, Mr. Costello told reporters that Mr. Cohen was a “serial liar.”

At the time, in March 2023, Fox News Digital reached out to Cohen for comment on Costello's claims.

“If Bob Costello's comments had been more fanciful, he would have been a best-selling novelist,” Cohen told Fox News Digital last year. “Importantly, I never slept with Stormy. I told her years ago that the payments were made at Donald's direction, in concert, and for Donald's benefit. said.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“The truth is the truth and the documents in DANY's possession prove it.”

Cohen is expected to continue testifying Thursday as prosecutors wrap up their case. Judge Juan Melchan is presiding over the Trump trial.

Source link