Names and faces
A judge in Melbourne, Australia, awarded Rebel Wilson record damages of $3.66 million Wednesday over magazine articles that the actress said cost her roles in Hollywood films. In June, a jury decided that articles claiming Wilson had lied about her age, origins of her first name and her upbringing in Sydney were defamatory. Justice John Dixon said a substantial award amount was required to “vindicate” Wilson after her reputation as an “actress of integrity was wrongly damaged.” Bauer Media, publisher of the Australian magazines Woman’s Day, Australian Women’s Weekly, NW and OK, said it was considering the judgment. The 37-year-old Wilson, best known for the comedies Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids, was in London on Wednesday, and her lawyers were unable to immediately talk to her about the case. Wilson said on Twitter that the case “wasn’t about the money.” “I’m looking forward to helping out some great Australian charities and supporting the Oz film industry with the damages I’ve received,” she tweeted. “Also looking forward to getting back to my career and entertaining everyone!” Her lawyer Richard Leder said outside court that the damages were about four times higher than the previous Australian record for a defamation case. Bauer lawyer Georgina Schoff told the judge that Wilson had failed to prove the articles caused her financial losses. But the jury said Bauer failed to prove that the articles published in 2015 were substantially true or that they were unlikely to harm her career.
Bruno Mars is getting his own television special, a first for the Grammy-winning performer. Atlantic Records and CBS announced Tuesday that Bruno Mars: 24K Magic live at the Apollo will air Nov. 29 on CBS. The special was taped at the Apollo Theater in New York’s Harlem, and Mars performed on top of the venue’s marquee. Mars and his band also taped performances and interactions with New Yorkers throughout the city. The past year has been a huge success for the singer, songwriter and producer. Mars’ recent album, 24K Magic, reached double platinum status, while the single “That’s What I Like” hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and R&B/Hip-Hop songs charts. The album’s first single and title track also reached No. 1 on the R&B charts. Mars is the executive producer for the special.