We need to talk about Chimp Crazy on Max. Have you seen it? It's the new docuseries about Tonia Haddix, the self-described "Dolly Parton of chimps," from Tiger King director Eric Goode. The series follows Haddix as she sends authorities and PETA on a cat-and-mouse chase for a chimpanzee named Tonka, who previously appeared in films like Buddy and George and the Jungle.
I'll be the first to say the subject matter is disturbing. The documentary highlights the troubling industry fueling private ownership of wild animals like chimpanzees, and the dangers that can come from it. In no way should Haddix be celebrated for her behavior, which was dangerous, unethical, and concerning. That said, she's iconic and I'm obsessed with her.
The documentary does a great job balancing showing how disturbing the subject matter is while also highlighting how unique Haddix is. She's like a character from a John Waters film, complete with wigs, makeup, and over-the-top outfits. I posted about her on my Instagram today because I just needed people to see this woman. While in no world do I condone her actions, I could legit watch her all day.
You can stream Chimp Crazy on Max right now.
Here's what else is poppin' in the world of pop culture...
I can now say a friend from high school has hosted the Golden Globes, because my good buddy Nikki Glaser was just announced as the award show's next host. In a statement, Glaser said, "Some of my favorite jokes of all time have come from past Golden Globes opening monologues when Tina [Fey], Amy [Poehler] or Ricky [Gervais] have said exactly what we all didn't know we desperately needed to hear. I just hope to continue in that time-honored tradition (that might also get me canceled)." You can listen to my chat with Glaser on this episode of the Parting Shot podcast. (We talk about our high school days as well.)
Speaking of the Parting Shot podcast, I've got two amazing chats for you today. I spoke with the great Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor about two big projects she has this month, Lee Daniel's The Deliverance and Hulu's The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat. And then I had to share a little bit of my brief conversation with Nick Jonas, because like, Nick Jonas! We talked about his new movie The Good Half, his return to Broadway and how we need him and Glen Powell to do a movie together. (OK, I need it. I need it now.)
Armie Hammer's return to social media isn't going great. The disgraced actor, who was accused of sexual and physical abuse, including cannibalism, posted a video to Instagram letting followers know he was selling his truck because it's just too expensive. "Since being back in L.A., I have put about 4 or 500 dollars' worth of gas in it, and I can't afford it. I can't afford the gas anymore," Hammer said. While I believe in redemption, I'm also like, maybe don't share everything you know? Especially if most of your followers are only waiting for you to do or say something scandalous.
That's it for me today. Keep scrolling for more entertainment news. I'll be back on Friday.
Nick Cave, known for his dark and intense persona with the Bad Seeds, has evolved in recent years following personal tragedies, including the deaths of his sons. His new album Wild God marks a shift towards a more uplifting and hopeful outlook, with Cave describing it as a joyful and rejuvenating work. Read all about Wild God below.
Taylor Swift fans are not waiting for the pop star to endorse a candidate in this presidential election. More than 20,000 Swifties joined a Zoom webinar kickoff call Tuesday night. Here's how much they raised.
Prince William's Earthshot Prize summit in New York City next month faces being overshadowed as Prince Harry has announced a multi-day working visit to the city at the same time. Find out more.
While fans are excited that Oasis is reuniting for a series of concerts in 2025, the English band has previously been known to cancel their gigs at the last minute. Newsweek explains what you can do to insure against a no-show.
The country singer took issue with one thing that the It Ends With Us star said. Here's what she disagreed with.
During the season 3 premiere of the brothers' podcast New Heights on Wednesday, the former Philadelphia Eagles star spilled details about Travis Kelce's SNL hosting debut.
By H. Alan Scott
Sometimes the scariest thing can be the things we take for granted: our personal devices. Cell phones, smart TVs, Siri, Alexa. That's exactly what John Cho must battle in Chris Weitz's new film AfrAId (August 30). "Siri and I have a bumpy relationship. I've been looking at her askance for years." Cho plays Curtis, a dad tasked with protecting his family after their digital assistant turns against them.
"Looking back on my own parenting, we didn't really think twice about the computer and the iPad, which is just a really open tunnel for the whole world to get to our children." Acknowledging the pros and cons of technology, Cho says "the film is really about, what if the con was much worse than we thought?"
Cho jumped at the role because of Weitz. "He happened to write a fantastic film, but there's a chance I would have done it even if it was terrible, because I love him so much." And AfrAId adds another unique credit to Cho's impressively diverse resume. "I was [always] an omnivore when it came to entertainment. It's not like I stayed in one particular lane."
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