ABC News benches ‘GMA3’ anchors
Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes will be benched from their anchoring duties at ABC News’ “GMA3” while the news division weighs the effect their recent disclosure of a romantic relationship might have on the program and the company, ABC News President Kim Godwin informed staffers Monday.
Godwin told ABC News employees that Robach and Holmes had not violated any company policy, according to a person familiar with the matter, but indicated ABC News felt the matter had become “an internal and external disruption,” and “wanted to do what’s best for the organization.”
The duo has generated reams of unwanted attention since the revelation last week that they had been involved romantically for some time. Since the disclosure, the pair has been the focus of tabloid reports, with viewers analyzing their every word on camera to see if either was making reference to the discovery of the relationship.
Gio Benitez and Stephanie Ramos were to co-host Monday’s broadcast, but there’s not a sense at present of how the program will be staffed for the rest of the week or when Robach and Holmes might return.
Butler to be honored:
Austin Butler is set to receive the Breakthrough Performance Award for his performance in “Elvis” at the Palm Springs International Film Awards.
“Austin Butler commands the screen with a larger-than-life performance as Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s spectacular film ‘Elvis.’ The heart and soul of the movie, Butler’s dedication to this role shows in the nuances he brought to the character,” festival chairman Harold Matzner said in a statement.
Swifties sue Ticketmaster:
It’s no secret that there is bad blood between Taylor Swift fans and Ticketmaster. Now the Swifties are officially taking legal action.
According to Rolling Stone, 26 Taylor Swift fans from 13 states filed a lawsuit against the ticket vendor Friday in
Los Angeles County. The complaint accuses Ticketmaster of violating the California Cartwright Act and the California Unfair Competition Law during last month’s “Verified Fan” pre-sale for Swift’s upcoming tour. The plaintiffs are seeking a civil fine of $2,500 per violation.
‘Sesame Street’ actor dies:
Bob McGrath, an actor, musician and children’s author known for his portrayal of one of the first regular characters on the children’s show “Sesame Street” has died at age 90.
McGrath was a founding cast member of “Sesame Street” when the show premiered in 1969, playing friendly neighbor Bob Johnson. He made his final appearance on the show in 2017.
McGrath’s passing was confirmed by his family who posted on his Facebook page on Sunday. Sesame Workshop tweeted Sunday evening that it “mourns the passing of
Bob McGrath, a beloved member of the Sesame Street family for over 50 years.”
Dec. 6 birthdays: Actor Patrick Bauchau is 84. Singer Frankie Beverly is
76. Actor JoBeth Williams is 74. Actor Tom Hulce is
69. Singer Tish Hinojosa is 67. Comedian Steven Wright is 67. Guitarist Peter Buck is 66. Actor Janine Turner is 60. Director Judd Apatow is 55. Actor Ashley Madekwe is 41.