AP entertainment news
15th defense lawyer in murder case leaves
LOS ANGELES — Marion “Suge” Knight has lost another defense lawyer — his 15th — and the three-year wait for his murder trial to start will grow even longer.
Judge Ronald S. Coen released attorney Dominique Banos on Friday, citing a conflict of interest.
Banos says she believes she is a target in the witness-tampering investigation that led to the indictment and removal of two of Knight’s lawyers. She denies any wrongdoing.
The judge appointed a 16th attorney, Robert DeBlanc. But Knight said he has already privately hired yet another, without giving his name.
The Death Row Records co-founder has pleaded not guilty to murder and attempted murder for running over two men outside a Compton burger stand in 2015.
Coen scrapped an April 9 trial date and scheduled another hearing in May.
Chris Evans may not return as Captain America
NEW YORK — The actor who plays Captain America may be ready to hang up his shield.
Chris Evans tells The New York Times he has no plans to return to the Marvel movie franchise after reshoots of the fourth “Avengers” movie later this year. Evans says “you want to get off the train before they push you off.”
The movie has yet to be titled and is expected to be released in 2019.
Evans has played the role since “Captain America: The First Avenger” in 2011.
The actor is making his Broadway debut as a police officer in “Lobby Hero,” which is scheduled to open Monday.
Lorna Luft has successful brain surgery for tumor
LOS ANGELES — A representative for Lorna Luft says the singer has had successful brain surgery after being diagnosed with a tumor.
Victoria Varela told The Associated Press on Thursday that Luft had the surgery to remove the tumor on Tuesday at a hospital in Los Angeles and is expected to be released soon.
The daughter of Judy Garland and sister of Liza Minnelli collapsed earlier this month backstage after a concert and was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Varela says Luft thanks her fans for their support and also her doctors for taking good care of her. Luft says she plans to reschedule her concerts in England.
Luft also is in remission after fighting breast cancer.