lifestyle
EntertainmentVarietyFour COVID-19 Cases Recorded at Netflix’s Epic Building Amid Construction
Four cases of COVID-19 have been recorded at Netflix's Epic building, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. A source with knowledge of the situation tells Variety that the cases at Netflix's Epic location occurred three weeks ago. Those impacted were part of a crew hired by the streamer to complete construction […]
BusinessVarietyWarner Chappell Music China Promotes June Gao to General Manager
Warner Chappell Music has promoted June Gao to the new role of China general manager, the company said Wednesday. She will continue to be based in Beijing, reporting to Monica Lee, president of Warner Chappell Music Asia Pacific. Gao will oversee all of the firm's China business and build up a larger team there. Warner […]
LifestyleVarietyAlexander Wang Sews Up Deal for Stunning Midcentury Pavilion
For at least the last 150 years, the rolling, wooded hills of New York State’s scenic Westchester County have attracted American aristocrats and other financial fat cats looking for a bucolic escape from the hurly-burly of Manhattan. Rockefellers and van Cortlandts built palatial country estates, and some of the area’s current crop of upper-crust homeowners […]
EntertainmentVarietyNetflix Releases Premiere Date and Trailer for ‘Lupin’ Starring Omar Sy (TV News Roundup)
In today's TV news roundup, Netflix announced the premiere date and released a trailer for "Lupin," and Fox shared an extended teaser for "The Masked Dancer." CASTING Netflix announced Page Kennedy, Diamond Lyons, Khali Daniya-Renee Spraggins, Jermelle Simon, Gabrielle Dennis and Journey Christine have been cast in "The Upshaws." The newly announced actors join Mike […]
EntertainmentVarietyTry and Try 100 Times: Harry Styles and the Lost Art of Song Sequencing
Sequencing has become somewhat of a lost art in the age of shuffle, but not in Harry Styles' eyes -- or ears. To hear Variety's Hitmaker of the Year tell it, an album’s cohesion relies on getting the track list right. How many variations did the singer consider before deciding the final order of “Fine […]
EntertainmentThe WrapHeaven’s Gate Cult Member Explains in HBO Max Docuseries Why They All Wanted to Get Castrated (Exclusive Video)
There’s a lot to be shocked by when it comes to the religious UFO cult Heaven’s Gate, but one of the oft-forgotten aspects was the mass-castration cult members willingly took part in.In an exclusive clip from the upcoming HBO Max docuseries “Heaven’s Gate: The Cult of Cults,” a former member explains why he wanted to be the first person to undergo the procedure despite the fact that it was to be performed by a former nurse in a non-medical facility. “It’s terribly human,” he says regarding his reasoning. Watch the clip above.“As someone who was so deeply entrenched into the cult for so long, Sawyer’s insight into the group and pivotal moments such as this are key throughout the documentary,” Ross Dinerstein, executive producer on the series, said in a statement. “Not only was he present for these moments, he was typically at the center, playing a major role. In each episode, he completely opens up about his time with Heaven’s Gate, the thought process and motives behind the cult’s actions and many intricacies that haven’t yet been shared publicly.”Also Read: Good Lord, the Trailer for HBO Max's 'Heaven's Gate' Docuseries... (Video)“Heaven’s Gate: The Cult of Cults” is a four-part series described as a “thorough examination of the infamous UFO cult through the eyes of its former members and loved ones. What started in 1975 with the disappearance of 20 people from a small town in Oregon, ended in 1997 with the largest suicide on US soil and changed the face of modern New Age religion forever.”All four episodes of the series will debut on HBO Max on Thursday, Dec. 3.“Heaven’s Gate: The Cult of Cults” is a Max Original produced by CNN Original Studios and Campfire. Directed and executive produced by Clay Tweel (“Gleason”), the docuseries is also executive produced by Campfire CEO Ross Dinerstein (“The Innocent Man”) and Shannon Riggs, Amy Entelis and Lyle Gamm for CNN Original Studios, with Chris Bannon, Eric Spiegelman, Peter Clowney and Erik Diehn executive producing for the digital media company Stitcher (“Heaven’s Gate” podcast, “Sold in America” podcast).Read original story Heaven’s Gate Cult Member Explains in HBO Max Docuseries Why They All Wanted to Get Castrated (Exclusive Video) At TheWrap
BusinessVarietySpotify Shares Hit All-Time High as Investors Enthuse Over New Engagement Features, Podcast Momentum
Spotify's stock jumped 12.6% Wednesday -- closing at an all-time high price of $320.89 per share -- as investors evidently rallied around new features the audio-streaming platform introduced and data signaling its podcast push is gathering steam. The surge pushed Spotify's market capitalization to $60.8 billion, with the stock more than doubling in value since […]
BusinessThe WrapEW Top Editor JD Heyman Axed After Complaints of ‘Inappropriate,’ ‘Racially Insensitive’ Comments (Exclusive)
JD Heyman was ousted as the top editor at Meredith’s Entertainment Weekly on Monday after multiple senior staffers filed complaints with the company’s human resources department accusing Heyman of creating a hostile workplace by belittling staffers and making “inappropriate” and “racially insensitive” comments, TheWrap has learned. According to several individuals with knowledge of the events, at least eight senior EW employees banded together to file complaints over the last several months and several documented their case with emails as well as recordings. Multiple EW staffers declined to comment on the specific nature of the accusations against Heyman — though one described some of his comments as “racially insensitive” but not outright racist. Also Read: Entertainment Weekly's JD Heyman Is Out as Editor in Chief 'Effective Immediately' Tensions had been building at EW for some time. A former Meredith employee who worked with Heyman told TheWrap that Heyman’s blunt management style created an immediate “culture clash” from the moment he took over as EW’s editor in chief in June 2019 from beloved longtime editor Henry Goldblatt. The individual said the staff felt “whiplash” from Heyman’s “cynical” demeanor following Goldblatt’s more “earnest” approach. A spokesperson for Meredith told TheWrap the company had...Read original story EW Top Editor JD Heyman Axed After Complaints of ‘Inappropriate,’ ‘Racially Insensitive’ Comments (Exclusive) At TheWrap
BusinessVarietyHow Philo Keeps Pace in the Virtual MVPD Race
For just $20 a month, Philo offers consumers more than 60 cable channels. It's a simple value proposition that has helped this venture stand out in a crowded marketplace of so-called virtual MVPDs. And as Philo CEO Andrew McCollum explains, he's not about to make the mistake that has the prices of many of his […]
EntertainmentVariety‘Monkey Beach’ Sweeps at Red Nation Film Festival Awards
The Red Nation Film Festival has announced the winners of the 2020 Red Nation Film Festival Awards, and Loretta Todd's "Monkey Beach" swept with Best Picture, Lead Actress, Lead Actor and Best Director. The festival, which pivoted to virtual this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, also handed out prizes to "Gather" in the Best […]
StyleVarietyHow to Dress Like the Cast of ‘Selling Sunset’
All products and services featured by Variety are independently selected by Variety editors. However, Variety may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Some people tune into Netflix's hit reality drama "Selling Sunset" to drool over the incredible dream properties in […]
EntertainmentVarietyJason Statham in Talks to Star in Crime Drama ‘Small Dark Look’
Jason Statham is in negotiations to star in Focus Features' crime drama "Small Dark Look," with filmmaker Martin Zandvliet on board to direct. The project, formerly known as "Body Cross," centers on the Russian mob in London, with further plot details kept under wraps. Steven Knight, who received an Academy Award nomination for "Dirty Pretty […]
EntertainmentVariety‘DuckTales’ Reboot Canceled After Three Seasons at Disney XD
The "DuckTales" reboot will not continue past its current third season on Disney XD. "The talented creative team, led by Matt Youngberg and Francisco Angones, have delivered exceptional storytelling with uniquely reimagined characters for three seasons of 75 episodes and more than 15 shorts," a Disney XD spokesperson said in a statement. "While physical production […]
EntertainmentVarietyEllie Goulding Questions Music Awards Process in Op-Ed, Calls for ‘Transparency’
Last December, when Ellie Goulding accepted the Variety’s Decade award at our annual Hitmakers event, she noted — more out of curiosity than bitterness — that for all the commercial and critical success in her decade-plus-long career, particularly in her native U.K., she has had little recognition from the industry’s biggest awards. "I haven't really […]
EntertainmentVarietyDavid Lee Roth Gets Graphic With a ‘Hard-Boiled’ Interactive Novel and Soundtrack, ‘The Roth Project’
“When there aren’t any more trees, your comic books are going to go the way of all vinyl,” David Lee Roth says. Then he laughs. “That’s good! Mark that one!” And then he follows up. “Hey, no more vinyl trees ’round here!” With Diamond Dave, there’s always a laugh. And there’s usually a follow-up. It’s […]
EntertainmentVariety‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ Stars Kyle Richards, Kathy Hilton, Dorit Kemsley Test Positive for COVID-19
"Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" stars Kyle Richards, Kathy Hilton and Dorit Kemsley have tested positive for COVID-19. A source close to Bravo told Variety that production for the upcoming season has been suspended because of positive test results, but could not confirm identities because of privacy concerns. According to TMZ, cast members "did not contract […]
LifestyleVarietyHal Levitt’s Iconic Holt House Is Forever
What's behind a gate? In the case of this iconic 1960s modern from midcentury master Hal Levitt, it's the Holt House, one of Southern California's ultimate and most untarnished examples of sublime indoor-outdoor living. The sublimely preserved structure sits beyond a long, hedge-lined driveway. A bridge over the property's swimming pool connects the master suite […]
BusinessVarietyAmazon in Talks to Acquire Indie Podcast Company Wondery in $300M-Plus Deal (Report)
Amazon is in negotiations to buy Wondery, the four-year-old independent podcast producer and network, in a deal worth over $300 million, the Wall Street Journal reported. Hernan Lopez, formerly CEO of 21st Century Fox’s Fox International Channels, founded Wondery in 2016 with the mission of producing high-quality scripted and unscripted podcast entertainment. Lopez declined to […]
PoliticsThe WrapDonald Trump’s Niece Predicts He’ll Announce 2024 Presidential Run During Biden’s Inauguration
Mary Trump, the niece of President Donald Trump and the author of the bestseller “Too Much and Never Enough,” said the “likeliest scenario” for her uncle’s exit from the White House is a rally announcing his 2024 presidential run — at the same time as Joe Biden’s inauguration.“So far the likeliest scenario I’ve heard is that he’s gonna counterprogram the inauguration, maybe with a rally announcing his 2024 candidacy, which is a complete joke, or something like that,” Mary Trump told Vanity Fair. “I mean, he’s already checked out. Two thousand people are dying every day, and he’s playing golf. I think he’s much more focused on what he can get in the next 50 days, what kinds of deals he can make.”On Saturday, the Daily Beast reported that Trump has already discussed the possibility of launching his 2024 campaign during Biden’s inauguration — a move intended to disrupt the Democrat’s upcoming presidency and to win Republicans’ support. (Representatives for the Trump campaign did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.)Also Read: Here's Why Four Seasons Total Landscaping Was Picked for Trump Campaign Press ConferenceBut Trump’s post-presidency life will also be embroiled in legal troubles, his niece noted in her Vanity Fair interview.“As soon as Biden is inaugurated, Donald loses a huge amount of relevance, and therefore so do his children. I don’t think they quite understand how badly damaged that brand is,” Mary Trump said. “Donald isn’t just looking at lawsuits from me and E. Jean Carroll and other people. He’s also looking at serious exposure from banking institutions, which no longer have to protect him. And then of course there’s the legal exposure. He is, and his children are, looking at potentially very serious charges — tax fraud, money laundering and what have you.”She added, “They’re gonna have their hands full.”Read original story Donald Trump’s Niece Predicts He’ll Announce 2024 Presidential Run During Biden’s Inauguration At TheWrap
LifestyleVarietyGlendale Plays Chicago in ‘Christmas Vacation’
As Mavis Staples sings at the opening of the 1989 holiday classic “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “It’s that time. Christmastime is here. Everybody knows there’s not a better time of year.” Something lesser known? The yuletide staple (which turns 31 this week!) was primarily shot in Los Angeles, not Chicago where it was set. Mainly […]
EntertainmentVarietyHulu Expands ‘Watch Party’ Feature to All Subscribers
Hulu has expanded its Watch Party feature — letting you watch TV shows and movies in groups of up to eight people — to all of its subscribers. The Disney-controlled streamer first launched Watch Party in May, initially available only to subs on the $11.99/month no-ads plan. Now, Hulu has opened it up to customers […]
NewsThe WrapTony Hsieh’s Nitrous Oxide Use, Love of Candles May Have Contributed to Tragic Death
Former Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh’s affinity for nitrous oxide, alcohol and candles concerned those closest to him in his final days — and has led some to believe his hard-partying ways contributed to his inability to escape the fire that ultimately killed him, TheWrap has learned.In the months leading up to his Nov. 27 death in Connecticut, Hsieh, 46, had gone on a buying spree in Park City, Utah, the posh mountain town that is home to the Sundance Film Festival and a go-to vacation spot for celebrities like Will Smith, Robert Redford and Michael Jordan.The entrepreneur raised eyebrows there with his use of nitrous oxide and massive use of candles – a dangerous combination.“People in Park City say Tony Hsieh was high on nitrous oxide all the time and behaved very erratically — Howard Hughes-style — with 500 candles burning in his home — creating a fire threat that the local fire department had to manage,” a person with knowledge of Hsieh’s relationships in Park City told TheWrap.Also Read: Tony Hsieh's Bizarre Death Details Emerge: Former Zappos CEO Was 'Locked' In BasementSince March, Hseih had purchased 15 Park City homes, totaling 57 bedrooms, 71.5 bathrooms and more than 68,000 square feet, according to Curbed. Throw in two vacant lots he purchased, and Hseih’s Park City investment was worth around $56 million.Park City Fire District reps did not respond to TheWrap’s request for comment. Nitrous oxide is not flammable but can accelerate the burning process.It’s unclear why Hsieh had spent millions on Park City real estate; one possibility is that he was looking for a new tech hub to replicate his success in revitalizing downtown Las Vegas where he’d invested hundreds of millions of dollars.Also Read: Tony Hsieh, Former Zappos CEO, Dies at 46The Daily Mail on Wednesday also reported that Hsieh’s drug use worried those closest to him and had accelerated since stepping down as Zappos CEO last summer. Hsieh’s “drug of choice” was nitrous oxide, the site reported, in the form of “whippets” from whipped cream dispensers.“His heavy alcohol and drug use was known by everyone around him,” one unnamed colleague told the Daily Mail. “Anyone that challenged him about it was cast aside.”The colleague said many in his inner circle are now asking if Hsieh’s drug use could have played a role in his tragic death.Early on the morning of Nov. 18, firefighters were called to a home in New London, Connecticut, and told Hsieh was trapped inside, according to the Hartford Courant. Hsieh was pulled unconscious from the home and CPR was administered before he was later taken to a local hospital. He died last Friday, nine days after the fire. Medical examiners on Monday ruled it an accident and said his death was due to injuries caused by smoke inhalation.Still, the circumstances surrounding Hsieh’s death remain unclear. An emergency dispatcher, in audio obtained by The Daily Mail, said the fire was in a “shed that is attached to the exterior of the house,” and that a “male is barricaded inside” and unresponsive. “Everyone else is outside the house,” the dispatcher said. “They are trying to get him to open up.” Later, New London Fire Captain Brian Wright said that people at the home told firefighters Hsieh was “locked inside” a storage area and that first responders had to bust the door in to get to him.The discrepancies have left a handful of lingering questions, including whether Hsieh was “barricaded” or “locked” inside the room. The fire, as well as Hsieh’s inability to escape it, could be tied to his drug use, the colleague said.“The talk among his former colleagues at Zappos is that Tony was likely in the shed blacked out drunk and on drugs,” the colleague said. “He was a major alcoholic and a drug addict. He was hardcore.”Also Read: Tony Hsieh's Bizarre Death Details Emerge: Former Zappos CEO Was 'Locked' In BasementThe son of Taiwanese immigrants, Hsieh graduated from Harvard University before embarking on a successful career as an entrepreneur, venture capitalist and civic leader.Prior to joining Zappos, Hsieh co-founded the online advertising network LinkExchange, which he sold to Microsoft in 1998 for $265 million.While at Zappos, he also became a leading figure in public and private efforts to redevelop downtown Las Vegas. In 2013, he moved Zappos’ headquarters to the former Las Vegas City Hall building and pledged $350 million to other revitalization efforts.“Tony Hsieh played a pivotal role in helping transform Downtown Las Vegas,” Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak tweeted. “Kathy and I send our love and condolences to Tony’s family and friends during this difficult time.”Read original story Tony Hsieh’s Nitrous Oxide Use, Love of Candles May Have Contributed to Tragic Death At TheWrap
CelebrityThe WrapThe Rock Leads Tributes to Wrestling Legend and ‘Father Figure’ Pat Patterson
Pat Patterson, the former WWF professional wrestler, commentator and WWE match producer, has died at 79. When someone as beloved as Patterson passes, it does not take long for the genuine and heartfelt tributes to begin rolling in.Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson led the tributes, penning a message to his “father figure” on Instagram, and recounted how Patterson helped him land his first WWE wrestling match.“He was also responsible for calling Vince McMahon when I was training to become a pro wrestler (my $7 bucks days) and said, ‘Vince you gotta see this kid work in the ring.’ Vince flew me to RAW a few weeks later and I had my first match EVER in Corpus Christie, Texas. The rest is history and years later, here I am writing this post,” Johnson wrote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by therock (@therock)You can gather how great of a guy Patterson was from the words written by other friends and colleagues. Read more below:“I can not express how crushed I feel right now with the loss of Pat Patterson,” WWE executive and part-time wrestler Shane McMahon wrote on Twitter. “A true member of my family, mentor and dear friend. I love you Pat. God speed.”Also Read: Pat Patterson, WWE Legend and First Openly Gay Wrestling Superstar, Dies at 79“I’m deeply grateful to have grown up with @WWE Hall of Famer, the first-ever Intercontinental Champion, the father of the RoyalRumble and the first openly gay wrestler of his generation,” Shane’s sister Stephanie McMahon, the chief brand officer of WWE, penned. “Thank you for teaching me how to not take it all so seriously. Abooze.”“No words can describe what he gave to us,” her husband Paul “Triple H” Levesque, a former in-ring great and the person currently in charge of NXT, wrote. “His body as an in-ring performer, his mind as a storyteller, and his spirit as a beloved member of our large @WWE family. I will miss him for so many reasons… it’s never goodbye, it’s see ya down the road. Love you, Pat. Abooze.”“Loss is incredibly difficult. Those we love are only truly gone if we stop caring,” John Cena said. “Pat Patterson lived life as it should be lived with passion, love and purpose. He helped so many and always entertained with a story or joke. He will live on in my life always. Love you Patrick.”Also Read: WWE's The Undertaker on Retirement, Boneyard Match and When Wrestlers' Court Gets RealPatterson was the WWF/WWE’s first Intercontinental Champion. He also created the Royal Rumble Match.Patterson is considered the first openly gay wrestling superstar. His memoir, “Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE,” was published in 2016.Read more about Pat Patterson’s life here, and find additional tributes to the pro-wrestling legend below.Also Read: Rulon Gardner Explains Why Talks With WWE Broke Down - TwiceVery saddened to hear about the passing of one of my best friends..Pat Patterson. He had an infectious personality where you always wanted to be around him. This photo of Pat, @ShawnMichaels and me was from Wrestlemania 21. Pat helped us create an incredible Story. RIPHOFer pic.twitter.com/APHVs7hRoi— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) December 2, 2020Loved @wwe Hall of Famer Pat Patterson as a great friend and a mentor. The incredible times we had traveling the world, watching him sing karaoke, telling stories, talking golf are something I’ll treasure forever. Love you Pat, RIP legend. pic.twitter.com/xk3y08J24H— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) December 2, 2020Just heard of the passing this morning if the great, Pat Patterson. True legend of the pro wrestling business. A wonderful mentor who taught me so much. RIP old friend. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/t61R9yCze1— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) December 2, 2020Pat Patterson knew @WWE was his home away from home, a place where he felt completely accepted and truly loved. Someone like Pat made all the difference because he wasn’t afraid to be himself and he made no apologies for it. Pat did it his way. Rest in power, Pat♥️ pic.twitter.com/3hRYmaCb5W— NattieByNature (@NatbyNature) December 2, 2020I just heard the terrible news about the passing of Pat Patterson. I loved the man. I could listen to his stories for hours. One of the all-time great wrestlers, one of the best minds in the business, and a dear friend.RIPPatPatterson https://t.co/SozhlF8bQY— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) December 2, 2020Wow can 2020 just be over? I didn’t know Pat that well but was lucky enough to have a chance to work with him in wwe. I have nothing but fond memories of his stories and jokes backstage. Thank you Pat Patterson 🙏🏼 RIP pic.twitter.com/mXkpdgRGCV— Gail Kim-Irvine (@gailkimITSME) December 2, 2020Saddened to hear the news about Pat Patterson. Coming to WWE in 2002 was a “unique” situation. Pat was one of the first to go out of his way and genuinely make me feel at home. We shared many hours, stories, and yes a cocktail or 2. RIP Pat. You did it your way.— Eric Bischoff (@EBischoff) December 2, 2020That “My Way” reference is a nod to Patterson’s singing of the Frank Sinatra classic, most notably on WWE’s 2014 reality series “Legends’ House.”Watch that moment here:And now, back to the tributes…Wow – what a loss for the @wwe family. There was never a time I saw Pat Patterson backstage at a show or event where he wasn’t smiling or trying to make people laugh. Thanks for always being kind to me during our interactions. Your bright spirit will be missed.— Kayla Braxton (@KaylaBraxtonWWE) December 2, 2020Just read that Pat Patterson passed away. What great memories I have of a great man. I will dedicate "Chicken Necks" to him today and talk about all my fond memories. Really loved that guy. pic.twitter.com/7HG770pk0l— Vince Russo (@THEVinceRusso) December 2, 2020Heaven gained an angel! As my heart breaks a bit! Pat Patterson would fill a room w/ laugher, always sit & make me laugh every week in catering by barking & people would wonder where the dog was! Would joke w/ @HEELZiggler & I, & most importantly supported me! RIPPatPatterson pic.twitter.com/7D65WHToY9— Dana Brooke WWE (@DanaBrookeWWE) December 2, 2020I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Pat Patterson. My thoughts and prayers go out to Pat’s family and friends. I had the pleasure of working along side Pat in 1989. A class act, Best finish man in the Business. He will be missed. 💔— Tony Schiavone (@tonyschiavone24) December 2, 2020PAT PATTERSON I DONT KNOW WHAT TO SAY OTHER THAN I LOVE YOU. YOU HAVE BEAUTIFUL MIND FOR THIS BUSINESS AND BEAUTIFUL HEART FOR THIS WORLD. MY HEART IS BROKEN. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP rip pic.twitter.com/XASbSUG0qO— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) December 2, 2020Lawrence Yee contributed to this report.Read original story The Rock Leads Tributes to Wrestling Legend and ‘Father Figure’ Pat Patterson At TheWrap
EntertainmentVarietyProducers Agree to Notify Unions of Positive COVID-19 Results on Sets
Producers have agreed to notify the entertainment industry's unions when a member of casts and crews test positive for COVID-19 in a revision of the industry's two-month-old safety protocols. The agreement, which took effect on Nov. 30, is contained in a Nov. 19 side letter issued by Carol Lombardini, president of the Alliance of Motion […]
EntertainmentVarietyHugh Keays-Byrne, ‘Mad Max’ Actor Who Played Immortan Joe, Dies at 73
Hugh Keays-Byrne, who played two iconic villains in the "Mad Max" franchise, has died, his representative confirmed to Variety on Wednesday. He was 73. Keays-Byrne played the antagonist Toecutter in the 1979 original "Mad Max" film by director George Miller, and he was brought back for the 2015 movie "Mad Max: Fury Road" to play […]
