The Culture

The Culture

January 15, 2025

Drake Sues Universal Over Defamation, Denies Kendrick's Pedophile Claim

By Michael D. Carroll AND Erin Keller

Drake has intensified his legal battle against Universal Music Group (UMG), filing a defamation lawsuit accusing the label of spreading a "false and malicious narrative" about him being a pedophile.

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in federal court in New York City, alleges UMG knowingly released and promoted Kendrick Lamar's diss track, "Not Like Us," which Drake claims falsely portrays him as a pedophile.

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Three Things People are Watching on TV

Severance Season 2 – Everything We Know, Season 3 Update, and How To Watch

Severance returns on January 17, and we have all the info on how and when you can watch season two. Find out more.

Robert De Niro Plays Two Roles in New Film From Goodfellas Screenwriter

The first trailer for The Alto Knights has been released, and we're seeing double. Check it out.

Final Destination 6 Coming Soon

Final Destination: Bloodlines, the newest installment in the hit thriller series, is set to hit theaters this year. Here's when.

Melanie Martinez Accused of Promoting Child Abuse With Coloring Book

Singer Melanie Martinez's Cry Baby Coloring Cook has sparked a spirited debate on social media, with detractors suggesting that it promotes child abuse. TikTok user @sadboygumart addressed the controversy in a viral video that has garnered more than 7.5 million views. Click above and scroll down to watch.

Neil Gaiman: JK Rowling Responds to Sexual Assault Claims Against 'Sandman' Author

After more sexual assault allegations against Gaiman emerged, Rowling has compared the reaction to the claims to the initial reactions against Harvey Weinstein. Learn more.

Princess Kate Reveals Secret Pressure of Cancer Journey

The Princess of Wales' sweet reaction to a fellow patient said a lot about her journey to announcing her cancer was in remission. Check it out. 

Simone Biles Calls Out Men Who Didn't Recognize Her

Even though Simone Biles is the most decorated gymnast of all time, not everyone recognizes the Olympian when she is in public. Read more.

Beyoncé's Mystery Announcement Postponed: What We Know

The "Texas Hold 'Em" singer revealed after her NFL half-time show on Christmas Day that fans could expect some big news from her on January 14. Find out more.

Map Shows Chris Pratt's Home Surrounded by Los Angeles Fires

The actor's property sits on the edge of the ongoing Palisades fire, which has ravaged large sections of Los Angeles. Get the details.

Culture Spotlight
Kavin Becon

Julia Stiles Embraces a New Title With 'Wish You Were Here': Director

By H. Alan Scott

Now that Julia Stiles has directed her first feature film, Wish You Were Here, she sees directors in a whole new light. "I almost wanted to call some directors that I had worked with and be like, 'I'm so sorry that I was annoyed with you when you told me to do that thing.'" Best known for acting, Stiles knew she needed to adapt this novel for film when she read it. "The book broke my heart but also made me laugh. It felt like it had such a good spirit to it, and I'm a romantic at heart."

The film follows a young woman swept up in a new romance only to learn her partner is terminally ill. While she says she ran "in the other direction" of making the film too saccharine, she didn't let a cynical voice fully take over. "There is something really important about showing how much this girl takes care of him, and that it's OK to be kind and loving." Now Stiles says directing has made her a better actor. "I think I realized that if you trust your director, and I mean really trust that person and believe in their vision, you can throw spaghetti against the wall and see what sticks."

Listen to the latest episode of The Parting Shot HERE

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