PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
Barack and Michelle Obama are getting into the television business with Monday’s announcement that they have signed a multiyear deal with Netflix.
The former president and first lady have formed their own production company, Higher Ground Productions, for the material. In announcing a deal that had been rumored since March, Netflix offered no specifics on what shows they would make.
Netflix said the Obamas would make “a diverse mix of content,” potentially including scripted and unscripted series, documentaries or features.
“We hope to cultivate and curate the talented, inspiring, creative voices who are able to promote greater empathy and understanding between peoples, and help them share their stories with the wider world,” Barack Obama said in Netflix’s announcement.
Restaurant group negotiating to buy out embattled Batali
The restaurant group co-owned by Mario Batali says it has been “actively negotiating” to buy out the celebrity chef facing sexual misconduct allegations. The B&B Hospitality Group says Batali and partner Joe Bastianich have signed a letter of intent, and final terms could be set by July 1.
The New York Police Department confirmed it’s investigating Batali after a woman told “60 Minutes” that Batali drugged and sexually assaulted her in 2005.
Batali denies assaulting the woman.
B&B says it had been unaware of what it calls the “chilling” and “deeply disturbing” allegations.