Gabrielle Union, NBC settle dispute
GabrielleUnion and NBC said Tuesday that they have settled their differences in their dispute over her firing as a judge on “America’sGot Talent,” which she saidwas retaliation for her complaints that the showtolerated racism on the set.
“We’ve reached an amicable resolution,” Union and the network said in a joint statement. “NBC Entertainment appreciates the important concerns raised by GabrielleUnion and remains committed to ensuring an inclusive and supportiveworking environment where people of all backgrounds are treated with respect.”
Both sides declined further comment and would not give further details.
Union, known for her roles in the films “Bring It On” and “Bad Boys II,” appeared on the talent showcase created by Simon Cowell for a season, until she and fellowfirstyear judge JulianneHough weren’t asked to return.
Variety reported soon after thatUnion, who is Black, believed shewas fired because she had askedNBC and the show’s producers to respond to an environment that tolerated racist jokes and remarks fromjudges and producers.
Jenkins to direct ‘Lion King’ follow-up:
The
Walt Disney Co. will make a follow-up to the 2019 live-action “The Lion King,” with Barry Jenkins, the director of the Oscarwinning “Moonlight” and the James Baldwin adaptation “If Beale Street Could Talk,” set to direct.
Disney announced plans Tuesday for a kind of prequel to last year’s poorly reviewed but highly popular photorealistic remake. The new “Lion King” grossed more than $1.6 billionworldwide, so a sequel
was perhaps always likely.
Less expectedwas a “Lion King” with Jenkins directing. The film, Disney said, will explore themythology of “The Lion
King,” includingMufasa’s origin story.
“Having the opportunity towork with Disney on expanding this magnificent tale of friendship, love and legacy while furtheringmy work chronicling the lives and souls of folk within the African diaspora is a dream come true,” Jenkins said in a statement.
Amazon to release ‘Borat’ sequel:
Sacha Baron Cohen has filmed a sequel to his 2006 film “Borat! Cultural Learnings of America forMake Benefit GloriousNation of Kazakhstan” that Amazon plans to release before the election.
The streaming giant confirmed Tuesday that it has acquiredworldwide rights to the film. It’s reportedly titled: “Borat: Gift
of PornographicMonkey to Vice Premiere Mikhael Pence toMake Benefit Recently DiminishedNation of Kazakhstan.”
Reports have steadily accumulated about the project throughout the summer as itwas filmed in secret.
Cohen originated the character of Borat Sagdiyev, a fictional Kazakh journalist, on his series “Da AliGShow.” The 2006 film, directed by Larry Charles, grossed $262 millionworldwide andwas nominated for best adapted screenplay.
Oct. 1birthdays: Actorsinger Julie Andrews is 85. Jazz bassistDaveHolland is 74. Actor RandyQuaid is
70. Actor EsaiMorales is
58. Actor ZachGalifianakis is 51. Actor Sherri Saumis
46. Actor SarahDrewis 40. Comedian-actor Beck Bennett is 36. Actor Jurnee Smollett-Bell is 34. Actor Brie Larson is 31. Actor Priah Ferguson is 14.