Entertainment
Amber Heard says she doesn't blame jury in Depp libel case
Amber Heard says she doesn't blame the jury that awarded Johnny Depp more than $10 million after a contentious six-week libel trial in her first post-verdict interview.
“I don’t blame them," Heard told “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie in an interview clip aired Monday on NBC. "I actually understand. He’s a beloved character and people feel they know him. He’s a fantastic actor.”
“Today” plans to air more of its interview with Heard on Tuesday and Wednesday. The interview is airing nearly two weeks after the verdict, which also saw Heard awarded $2 million over her claim that one of Depp's attorneys defamed her.
Also read: Johnny Depp and Amber Heard: Uphill battle to rebuild images
Depp sued Heard for libel in Virginia over a December 2018 op-ed she wrote in The Washington Post describing herself as “a public figure representing domestic abuse.” His lawyers said he was defamed by the article even though it never mentioned his name.
The verdicts brought an end to a televised trial that Depp hopes will help restore his reputation, though it turned into a spectacle that offered a window into a volatile marriage and both actors emerged with unclear prospects for their careers.
Guthrie pressed Heard on her credibility and what it meant to jurors in the clips released Monday. “There’s no polite way to say it. The jury looked at the evidence you presented. They listened to your testimony and they did not believe you," she said. "They thought you were lying.”
Heard responded, “How could they not come to that conclusion? They had sat in those seats and heard over three weeks of non-stop, relentless testimony from paid employees” and witnesses the actor described as “randos” or random people.
Depp, who has not yet done a formal interview about the case, has said the verdict “gave me my life back." Heard said in a statement after the verdict that she was heartbroken, while her attorney said in a separate “Today” interview that her client was “demonized” on social media and she plans to appeal the judgment.
“I don’t care what one thinks about me or what judgments you want to make about what happened in the privacy of my own home, in my marriage, behind closed doors. I don’t presume the average person should know those things, and so I don’t take it personally,” Heard told Guthrie.
Also read: Depp and Heard face uncertain career prospects after trial
“You still couldn’t look me in the eye and tell me that you think on social media there’s been a fair representation. You cannot tell me that you think that this has been fair,” Heard said.
The Heard interview will also be featured in Friday's “Dateline” episode.
No satisfaction: Jagger has COVID, Rolling Stones gig off
The Rolling Stones canceled their concert in Amsterdam on Monday, just hours before it was due to start after lead singer Mick Jagger tested positive for COVID-19.
The band announced the cancelation in a statement, saying the 78-year-old Jagger tested positive “after experiencing symptoms of COVID upon arrival at the stadium” on the outskirts of Amsterdam. There were no further details about his condition.
“The Rolling Stones are deeply sorry for tonight’s postponement, but the safety of the audience, fellow musicians and the touring crew has to take priority,” the statement said, adding that the show would be rescheduled and tickets for the concert at Amsterdam's Johan Cruyff Arena would be honored for the new date.
READ: Rolling Stones return to stage, tour after Mick Jagger mends
Some fans were already in the stadium when it was announced that the show had been scrapped.
The veteran rockers are touring Europe with a show called SIXTY to mark six decades together. Their last show was at Liverpool's Anfield Stadium on June 9. The next scheduled concert is in Bern, Switzerland, on June 17.
Sani v Zayed: Fardin takes father’s side
Film actors Omar Sani and Moushumi's son Fardin opened up to the media about the Zayed Khan issue and took his father’s side by confirming the allegations as being true.
Fardin in a statement to media on Monday said, “My mother did not want any controversy regarding the issue and the statement she gave this morning was to cool off the situation.”
He said he is giving a statement to stop the matter from getting ugly.
“There are many people including Zayed who disturb my mother and I have proof of it. But I won’t share it as I don't want to give any importance to him (Zayed),” he said.
Also read: Omar Sani comes live after Moushumi says “Zayed is a good boy
“Many disagreements occur in a family which is very normal and both my parents want to resolve the issue immediately,” Fardin added.
On Monday noon appearing on the social media platform around noon Omar Sani said he won’t back away from his allegation that Zayed has been harassing his wife for some time.
The drama heightened after Moushumi on Monday sent an audio message to the media rejecting Omar Sani’s claim, saying she adores Zayed as a good boy.
Moushumi’s mention of her husband as ‘Omar Sani Bhai (brother)’ in that audio message raised many eyebrows.
Sani-Zayed strife
On Friday night at the wedding ceremony of actor Dipjol’s son at a convention centre in the capital, Sani himself said he slapped Zayed accusing him of misbehaving with Moushumi earlier. After that, Zayed Khan took out a pistol and threatened to shoot him, said Sani.
However, both Dipjol and Zayed denied the incident.
Also read: Omar Sani to lodge GD against Zayed
On Sunday , Sani submitted a written complaint against Zayed over the incident and said he would also lodge a general diary against him with police.
Omar Sani comes live after Moushumi says “Zayed is a good boy"
Actor Omar Sani on Monday went live on Facebook to reiterate his complaint against fellow actor Zayed Khan, a day after his wife popular actress Moushumi threw her weight on Zayed calling him “a very good boy.”
Appearing on the social media platform around noon Omar Sani said he won’t back away from his allegation that Zayed has been harassing her wife for some time.
The drama heightened after Moushumi on Monday sent an audio message to the media rejecting Omar Sani’s claim, saying she adores Zayed as a good boy.
A sharp reply came from Omar Sani on Monday.
Also read: Omar Sani to lodge GD against Zayed
Sani said, “In my 32 years of film career no one can point a finger at me and we (he and Moushumi) have been married for last 27 years with two children. I won’t move from my allegation against Zayed Khan that I have made at the Film Artistes Association on Sunday.”
Contiuing he said “Moushumi is my wife, mother of my children and a gorgeous mother actually. I won’t say anything disrespecting her. She knows better why he said Zayed is good boy! We have all evidences against him.”
“My children Fardin and Faiza will make the matter clear to you later as my guardian. I won’t make any further comments as I don’t want any misunderstanding in my family because of some outsider,” he added.
Sani also requested the audience and journalists to not make any bad comments about Moushumi.
Moushumi’s statement
Moushumi in an audio clip sent to the media on Monday morning said, “The allegation Omar Sani brought against Zayed about misbehaving with me is false. I adore Zayed Khan and he respects me a lot.”
“Our working relationship is quite good and he is a very good boy”, she added.
Moushumi’s mention of her husband as ‘Omar Sani Bhai (brother)’ in that audio message raised many eyebrows.
Also read: Zayed Khan denies allegation of wielding pistol and threatening to shoot Omar Sani
The Sani-Zayed strife
On Friday night at the wedding ceremony of actor Dipjol’s son at a convention centre in the capital Sani allegedly slapped Zayed accusing him of misbehaving with Moushumi earlier. After that, Zayed Khan took out a pistol and threatened to shoot him, said Sani.
However, both Dipjol and Zayed denied the incident.
On Sunday , Sani submitted a written complaint against Zayed over the incident and told he would also lodge a general diary against him with police.
Omar Sani to lodge GD against Zayed
Film actor Omar Sani is going to lodge a general diary against actor Zayed Khan for taking out a pistol and threatening to shoot him at the wedding event of Dhallywood actor Dipjol's son on Friday night.
Omar Sani said this to journalists at the Film Artistes Association on Sunday after he submitted a written complaint against his fellow actor Zayed.
According to Omar Sani, he slapped Zayed Khan on that night over misbehaving with his wife popular actress Moushumi and after that Zayed threatened to kill him.
Also read:Zayed Khan denies allegation of wielding pistol and threatening to shoot Omar Sani
However, actors Dipjol and Zayed denied the incident to UNB when contacted.
But Omar Sani said in a Facebook post that he is not going to leave the matter here saying, ”I will keep silent until my self-respect gets hurt.”
Sani told the media, “This industry is my longtime family and my seniors were always by my side in any crisis. Even today, I have approached the artists association keeping confidence in them.”
He further said that he would file a GD with the police following the advice of industry seniors.
Bongo brings Girls Squad Season 2 on June 15
Streaming platform Bongo will release Girls Squad Season 2 on the OTT platform on June 15 after its successful journey of season 1.
Girls Squad is a story centering the life of six girls. In Season 2, Samira Khan Mahi, Rukaiya Jahan Chamak, Sharna Lata, and Samonty Shoumi will continue their struggle for friendship, and love, and chase their dreams, Bongo said in a statement.
Also read: Bongo brings Turkish series 'Hercai' as 'Rehana'
The statement reads Girls Squad Season 2 is coming again under the composition and direction of Maidul Rakib.
Tania Brishti and Anindita Mimi will make their appearance in season 2. Popular actor cum anchor Shahriar Nazim Joy and actor Zaher Alvi will also play alongside the rest of the cast.
Bongo is releasing 20 new episodes of the new season.
Last year during Eid-ul-Azha, Bongo released the drama series 'Girls Squad Season 1' and broke the convention of hero content.
Also read:Bongo to bring another 7 original telefictions this Eid
Mushfiqur Rahman, Bongo's chief content officer said, "To give 100 percent entertainment to our viewers, we always thrive to select the best-suited actors and actresses for the project That is why, for Season 2, Joy, Alvi, and some other stars have been added to the series. Following the success of Season 1, we hope Season 2 reaches, resonates with, and delights our audience just as much."
Justin Bieber reveals rare disorder behind facial paralysis
Justin Bieber says a rare disorder that paralyzed half of the superstar performer’s face is the reason behind his tour postponement.
The multi-Grammy winner is suffering from Ramsay Hunt syndrome, he said in video he posted Friday on Instagram. The syndrome causes facial paralysis and affects nerves in the face through a shingles outbreak.
Bieber’s post comes after he cancelled his shows in Toronto and Washington, D.C. The singer demonstrated in the video that he could barely move one side of his face, calling the ailment “pretty serious.”
“For those frustrated by my cancellations of the next shows, I’m just physically, obviously not capable of doing them,” he said. The singer added, “My body’s telling me I’ve got to slow down. I hope you guys understand.”
READ: Justin Bieber opens up about his steep fall from grace
Bieber said he’s unsure how long he’ll take to heal. But he appeared positive about making a full recovery through rest and therapy.
“I’ll be using this time to just rest and relax and get back to a hundred percent, so that I can do what I was born to do,” he said.
In March, Biebers’ wife, Hailey Bieber, was hospitalized for a blood clot to her brain.
Britney Spears marries Sam Asghari in California
Britney Spears has married her longtime partner Sam Asghari at a Southern California ceremony that came months after the pop superstar won her freedom from a court conservatorship.
Asghari’s representative Brandon Cohen confirmed the couple’s nuptials. He said: “I am very ecstatic this day has come, and they are married. I know he wanted this for so long. He is so caring and supportive every step of the way.”
The wedding happened nine months after the pair were engaged and nearly seven months after Spears’ conservatorship ended. While seeking an end to the court case that controlled many aspects of her life, Spears expressed her desire to marry Asghari and have children.
Read: Shakira confirms split with soccer star Piqué
Spears got pregnant earlier this year, but experienced a miscarriage in March.
The couple met on the set of the “Slumber Party” music video in 2016.
The wedding day was not without unexpected drama — Spears’ first husband was arrested after attempting to crash their wedding.
Ventura County Sheriff’s Capt. Cameron Henderson said officers responded to a trespassing call after 2 p.m. Thursday. He says the pop singer’s first husband, Jason Alexander, was detained at the site of the ceremony.
Read: Depp and Heard face uncertain career prospects after trial
Henderson says Alexander was arrested after officers noticed he had a warrant for his arrest in another county.
Alexander went on his Instagram live when he approached the event security. In what appeared to be a mostly empty but decorated room, he told them Spears invited him.
“She’s my first wife, my only wife,” said Alexander, who was briefly married to Spears — his childhood friend — in 2004. Their marriage lasted only 55 hours.
Spears was previously married to Kevin Federline, with whom she shares two sons, ages 14 and 15le revealed .they were expecting a child. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)
Coke Studio Bangla concert held at Army Stadium
Conquering the brutal aftermath of Thursday's heavy showers, the first-ever concert of Coke Studio Bangla was held at Dhaka's Army Stadium last night.
The special concert, which was arranged by Coca-Cola Bangladesh and Bangladesh Football Federation marking the global tour of the FIFA World Cup trophy that arrived in Bangladesh on Wednesday, was delayed for several hours as the arena was flooded due to heavy showers.
Bangladesh Football Federation even announced that the concert was postponed; however, the event finally began at 9pm, minimising its earlier schedule while billions of viewers from home and abroad also virtually joined the concert on Coke Studio Bangla’s Facebook and YouTube Live.
Also read: Coke Studio's 'Chiltey Roud': Arnob whips up another magical track
The first large-scale, open-air concert featuring all Bangladeshi artistes after the Joy Bangla Concert in 2020 and the global outbreak of COVID-19, the performances began with Coke Studio Bangla season one theme song “Ekla Cholo” by the music producer of the ongoing season, Arnob, alongside Sunidhi Nayak, Zohad and more.
Few laughs, tough questions as Biden chats with Kimmel
There weren't a lot of laughs, but President Joe Biden got some unsolicited advice from Jimmy Kimmel when the president sat down for his first in-person interview with a late-night host since taking office.
The host of ABC's “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” expressed frustration on Wednesday about the intractable problems in Washington, and he advised the president, “I think you need to start yelling at people."
Biden demurred, saying the country is still suffering from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, but he insisted he’s “never been more optimistic in my life.”
Kimmel swiftly interjected: “Why are you so optimistic? It makes no sense!”
Also read: Biden evacuated after plane entered airspace near beach home
Biden said he was pinning his hopes on young people, the “best educated, least prejudiced, most giving generation in American history.”
“This generation is going to change everything,” Biden said. “We just have to make sure we don’t give up.”
The show was taped in the afternoon in Los Angeles. Biden is visiting the city for this week’s Summit of the Americas, which brings together countries from across the hemisphere. First lady Jill Biden was in the audience, along with Biden’s granddaughter Naomi and her fiancé.
Biden's only previous late-night appearance as president was in December, when he spoke remotely with Jimmy Fallon on NBC’s “The Tonight Show."
Kimmel began his interview by asking about gun control, referencing a string of recent mass shootings.
"I guess, I mean, just to get into it, why haven't we done anything about this?" Kimmel asked.
Biden responded that “this is not your father’s Republican Party,” and he blamed his political opposition for being too afraid to do anything about guns because they fear primary election challenges.
Also read: Biden says ‘we have to act’ after Texas school shooting
Kimmel pressed Biden on whether he could use executive orders to increase gun control, noting that former President Donald Trump “passed them out like Halloween candy.”
Although Biden has taken some unilateral steps on firearms, the president said he wasn't interested in stepping beyond the limits of his authority.
“I don’t want to emulate Trump’s abuse of the Constitution and constitutional authority,” he said.
Biden said he knows some people feel like “Republicans don’t play it square, why do you play it square.”
“Well, guess what,” he said. “If we do the same thing they do, our democracy will literally be in jeopardy. Not a joke.”
Kimmel responded, “It’s like you’re playing Monopoly with somebody who won’t pass go or won’t follow any of the rules, and how do you ever make any progress if they’re not following the rules.”
“You’ve got to send them to jail,” Biden joked.
At another point in the interview, Kimmel suggested he was disappointed in the progress that was being made on issues like climate change and abortion.
“We’ve moved backwards,” he said.
Later on, Kimmel sympathized with Biden’s challenges, particularly the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court decision that is expected to overturn Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion access nationwide.
“What a terrible job you have,” Kimmel said. “I’m glad you’re doing it. But, boy oh boy, does this seem like a bad gig.”
Biden said he was looking at executive orders that could help with abortion access — “we’re looking into it right now” — but said the best solutions were through legislation and elections.
If the court overturns Roe v. Wade, Biden said, “it’s going to cause a mini revolution and they’re going to vote a lot of these folks out of office.”