Names and faces
■ Sloppy Joe’s, the iconic Key West bar that Ernest Hemingway frequented during the 1930s, reopened Thursday after closing six months ago because of the coronavirus pandemic. By noon, the bar had already reached the 50% capacity allowed by law, including three Ernest Hemingway look-alikes. Concerns about covid-19 had forced the cancellation of the 40th Ernest Hemingway Look-Alike Contest held at Sloppy Joe’s each July during the subtropical island’s annual Hemingway Days festival. Charlie Boice, who won the contest in 2015, traveled nearly 250 miles from Jupiter, Fla., to attend the reopening. “Coming back to Sloppy Joe’s is a wonderful thing,” Boice said. “For most people, it’s just a destination on a cruise or a destination on vacation. But for the Papas, this is home.” The three-night competition typically draws about 150 stocky, bearded entrants from the United States and other countries, as well as their supporters and hundreds of spectators. The Duval Street bar has been associated with the legendary author since he lived in Key West during the 1930s. With the noted exception of the Key West Marlin Tournament, most other area festival events were canceled as well.
■ Queen Elizabeth II has stripped disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein of royal honors that he was awarded almost two decades ago. Weinstein was made Honorary Commander of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2004. “[The title] shall be canceled and annulled,” the Friday order from the Queen read. “His name shall be erased from the Register of the said Order.” The title was rescinded by the royal Forfeiture Committee. The honor can be revoked once a recipient is convicted of a crime and sentenced to more than three months in prison, officials said. Being stripped of an honorary title is the latest blow against Weinstein, who is facing 23 years in prison after being convicted of criminal sex act and rape earlier this year. Six women testified against Weinstein at his trial in Manhattan, where he was accused of raping and sexually abusing young actresses and models. His victims included Emmy-nominated actress Annabella Sciorra, “Project Runway” production assistant Mimi Haley and actress Jessica Mann. The Queen bestowed the honorary title on Weinstein and his brother Bob while they ran their movie production company Miramax. The honor is given to those who have made a “distinguished, innovative contribution to any area.” In 1998, six years before the Weinstein brothers received the honor, Miramax produced “Shakespeare in Love,” which won seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress for Judi Dench, who played Queen Elizabeth I.