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      National Geographic Reacts to 'Genius: Aretha' Boycott Call by Aretha Franklin's Son: It's A Tribute

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      National Geographic

      Kecalf Franklin has previously slammed the producers behind the eight-part series, dedicated to the late Queen of Soul, for pushing the project through without their consent.

      Mar 18, 2021

      AceShowbiz –
      National Geographic is acknowledging complaint made by Aretha Franklin’s youngest son over “Genius: Aretha”. Days away from the premiere of the eight-part series dedicated to the late Queen of Soul, the TV network issued a statement in response to Kecalf Franklin’s online tirade that called for boycott.

      “We received the message from the family, we hear them and acknowledge their concern for Ms. Franklin’s legacy,” a representative for the network told The Root. “We think we have a shared goal here – to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Aretha Franklin. We can tell you that everyone who worked on ‘Genius: Aretha’ approached telling her story with the intention to respect Ms. Franklin in every aspect of the series and in every decision we made.”

      “The studio worked diligently to attain the endorsement of Aretha’s estate, which we are grateful to have. We worked with many people who knew Ms. Franklin – from Clive Davis to members of her family’s estate – to make sure we told her story in an honest and authentic way,” the rep further assured. “This series is called ‘Genius’ – it is a tribute to Aretha’s Genius – something we hope we can all celebrate. One of the comments from a guest attending our premiere last week was: ‘Aretha lived so much life… she needs 100 biopics!’ We can’t say it any better!”

      On Monday, March 15, executive producer Suzan-Lori Parks issued similar statement. “As the showrunner of ‘Genius: Aretha,’ I can tell you that every single day (and twice on Sunday!) – through COVID, social unrest, and every other challenge we faced – our intention was to respect Ms. Franklin in every aspect of our show and in every decision we made,” the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright stressed.

        See also…

      “As ‘The Queen,’ she is deserving of every single celebration of her life that the world can muster,” Suzan, who also serves as the series’ head writer, further pointed out. “And, on a personal note, as a Black American woman, I was taught at a very young age that soul is universal. Our series is all about soul, and we are honoring the life and soul of Aretha Franklin.”

      Back in mid-February, Kecalf took aim at the producers of “Genius: Aretha” for pushing through the project without his family concent. In an all-caps post, he declared, “The Franklin family ‘is not’ in support of the (Aretha Franklin National Geographic) ‘Genius’ series!!! The deal was pushed through without our consent!!!”

      Kecalf went on to beg “true fans” not to support the show. Nevertheless, he did note that his post “does not reflect our feelings toward any of the actors/actresses as we know they are just doing their jobs.”

      “Genius: Aretha” will start airing on March 21. It is directed by Anthony Hemingway, who also serves as executive-producer along with Ron Howard and Brian Glazer. Cynthia Erivo is taking the lead role of Aretha. A third installment of the “Genius” series, it comes on the heels of its coverage on Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso.

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      Piers Morgan's Comment About Meghan's Suicidal Thoughts Becomes Most Complained TV Moment

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      WENN

      The controversial comment made by the former ‘Good Morning Britain’ co-host about Meghan Markle’s mental health struggles breaks complaint record in British TV history.

      Mar 18, 2021

      AceShowbiz –
      Piers Morgan’s TV attack on the Duke & Duchess of Sussex has become the most complained about moment in British television history.

      Ofcom bosses have revealed they received over 57,100 complaints about Morgan’s remarks on “Good Morning Britain” after the outspoken newsman upset many viewers by questioning the Duchess’ claims she felt suicidal when the British media turned on her – something she discussed during a tell-all TV interview with Oprah Winfrey, which aired last week (ends12Mar21).

      Meghan, Duchess of Sussex was among those who filed an official complaint over Piers’ controversial remarks.

        See also…

      In the TV sit down, Meghan recalled wanting to end her own life after facing relentless, and often racist, attacks in the U.K. press as she struggled to adjust to life as a royal, but claimed palace officials denied her request to seek treatment.

      Morgan refused to apologise for his remarks and, after clashing with a colleague on-air, he subsequently quit his job at “Good Morning Britain”.

      It has since emerged that a representative for Meghan has also written to chiefs at regulatory group Ofcom about the situation, expressing concerns about Morgan’s attitude towards mental health in general, and how it could impact others needing help.

      Morgan cited freedom of speech as he defended himself following his TV exit, “I said I didn’t believe Meghan Markle in her Oprah interview. I’ve had time to reflect on this opinion, and I still don’t. Freedom of speech is a hill I’m happy to die on. Thanks for all the love, and hate. I’m off to spend more time with my opinions.”

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      Michelle Obama Feels Unworthy to Have Viola Davis Portray Her in 'The First Lady'

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      Instagram/WENN

      The former U.S. First Lady has responded to Viola Davis’ casting as her in an upcoming anthology series which will also star Michelle Pfeiffer and Gillian Anderson.

      Mar 18, 2021

      AceShowbiz –
      Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama doesn’t feel “worthy” enough to have Oscar winner Viola Davis portray her onscreen.

      The “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” star has been tapped as Mrs. Obama in “The First Lady”, an upcoming anthology series in which actor O-T Fagbenle will play her husband, Barack Obama, and Michelle cannot believe the incredible casting.

      “I feel that I’m not worthy,” she tells Entertainment Tonight. “I wish I could be better to live up to the character that Viola has to play, but it’s exciting.”

      “Anything Viola does, she does it with passion and vigour, and I know she will do no less for this role.”

        See also…

      Viola previously explained how she was “a little scared” to be playing Michelle in the show, which also stars Michelle Pfeiffer as Betty Ford and Gillian Anderson as Eleanor Roosevelt.

      The actress said, “She’s smart. She’s confident. She’s articulate. She believes in sisterhood.”

      “I wanna honour her. I wanna honour her with this portrayal because that’s what the drama is. That’s what we do as actors, we want to honour the human being. We don’t want to give a portrayal that isn’t easy for people to swallow.”

      The actress is nominated for Best Actress at the upcoming Academy Awards. She is up against Andra Day (“The United States vs. Billie Holiday”), Vanessa Kirby (“Pieces of a Woman”), Frances McDormand (“Nomadland”), and Carey Mulligan (“Promising Young Woman”).

      Meanwhile, “The First Lady” is coming to Showtime. Viola Davis will also share screen with the likes of Aaron Eckhart, Dakota Fanning, and Judy Greer.

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      Sharon Osbourne Enraged as She's Accused of Making Racial and Homophobic Comments About Colleagues

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      CBS

      The wife of Ozzy Osbourne drops F-bomb as she vehemently denies allegations suggesting that she made offensive comments about ‘The Talk’ co-host Julie Chen and producer Sara Gilbert.

      Mar 18, 2021

      AceShowbiz –
      Sharon Osbourne has slammed allegations she used racial slurs in an attack on her former “The Talk” co-host Julie Chen in a fiery new statement.

      Osbourne’s U.S. daytime show is currently on hiatus as TV bosses investigate a heated exchange between Sharon and Sheryl Underwood on the programme last week (10Mar21), and now rocker Ozzy Osbourne’s wife is facing a new scandal over racially and gender insensitive comments she has allegedly made in the past.

      Former “The Talk” co-host Leah Remini has reportedly told a New York Post writer she heard the Brit call Asian-American Chen “slanty eyes” and “wonton” and lesbian sidekick and producer Sara Gilbert “p**sy licker” and “fish eater.”

      Osbourne’s publicist, Howard Bragman, told the Post, “The only thing worse than a disgruntled former employee is a disgruntled former talk show host.”

        See also…

      “For 11 years Sharon has been kind, collegial and friendly with her hosts as evidenced by throwing them parties, inviting them to her home in the U.K. and other gestures of kindness too many to name. Sharon is disappointed but unfazed and hardly surprised by the lies, the recasting of history and the bitterness coming out at this moment.”

      “She will survive this, as she always has and her heart will remain open and good, because she refuses to let others take her down. She thanks her family, friends and fans for standing by her and knowing her true nature.”

      And now Osbourne herself is speaking out about the latest drama, telling the Daily Mail, “It’s c**p, all c**p… Everyone’s got an opinion or a story like the wonton story. It’s like f**k off with your f**king wonton story. F**k off!”

      “Of course, it’s a pile on. People want to add fuel to the fire and it comes with the territory and that’s fine.”

      Sharon is currently considering whether she’ll return to the show when it returns to TV on Tuesday (23Mar21), after facing criticism for defending Piers Morgan over public comments he made about the Duchess of Sussex’s recent tell-all with Oprah Winfrey.

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      Barbara Rickles, Comedian’s Wife and Target, Dies at 84

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      Don Rickles made jokes about her for decades. But by many accounts, they had one of the happiest marriages in show business.Barbara Rickles, the widow of the comedian Don Rickles and a fictionalized target of his comic insults, died on Sunday, which would have been their 56th wedding anniversary, at her home in Los Angeles. She was 84.A spokesman, Paul Shefrin, said the cause was non-Hodgkins lymphoma.“They were incredibly devoted to each other,” Mr. Shefrin wrote on his Facebook page. “She was the perfect woman for Don and vice versa.”A native of Philadelphia, Barbara Sklar met her future husband through his film agent, for whom she worked briefly. They married on March 14, 1965.By many accounts, the Rickleses had one of the happiest marriages in show business. They socialized often with another enduring Hollywood couple, Bob and Ginny Newhart. Don Rickles died at 90 in 2017.Barbara Rickles helped produce the Emmy-winning documentary “Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project” (2007) and the 2020 release “Don Rickles Live in Concert.” Don Rickles, in serious moments, would note that he was nearly 40 on his wedding day and had struggled for years to find someone.“I advise any young person that gets married, really, work at it. If you work at it, it’s delightful,” he said in 1986, during one of his many appearances on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson, whom he would tease endlessly about his multiple marriages.Mr. Rickles told a different story when he was in his better known “Mr. Warmth” persona. For decades he cracked jokes about his wife’s looks, about their sex life, about her supposed love of jewelry. When he appeared with Frank Sinatra on “Tonight” in 1976, he begged Sinatra to set him up with someone.“I need a girl so bad,” he said in mock despair. “I love my wife, but she’s ill.”The Rickleses had two children: Mindy Rickles, an actor and comedian, and Larry Rickles, a screenwriter and producer who died in 2011 at 41. Ms. Rickles is survived by her daughter and grandchildren.Near the end of his life, Mr. Rickles was filmed reminiscing with Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro, with whom he worked on the 1995 film “Casino.” The conversation turned to marriage.“You’re married again, right? You’re happy?” Mr. Rickles said to Mr. Scorsese.“Yeah, been married 20 years,” Mr. Scorsese said.“I’m married to Barbara — which is a mistake,” Mr. Rickles responded. “Nah, that’s a joke. She’ll hear it and say, ‘That’s not funny.’” More

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      Sharon Osbourne Unsure If She's Still 'Wanted' on 'The Talk' After Row With Sheryl Underwood

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      Instagram

      The Osbourne matriarch is unsure about returning to the CBS panel show following her clash with co-host Sheryl Underwood over Piers Morgan and Meghan Markle drama.

      Mar 18, 2021

      AceShowbiz –
      Sharon Osbourne isn’t sure if she wants to return to “The Talk” because she’s not sure if they even want her back.

      The CBS panel show is currently on temporary hiatus this week pending an internal network review after the 10 March (21) episode and Sharon’s explosive confrontation with co-host Sheryl Underwood, when they clashed over Sharon’s decision to defend her friend Piers Morgan against allegations of racism in the wake of his departure from U.K. TV show “Good Morning Britain”.

      Now, Sharon has told Entertainment Tonight, “I wish we could go on and have (an) adult conversation calmly and work it out but I don’t know whether we can.”

      “I don’t know whether it’s gone past that. I would love to but I don’t know whether I even want to go back… I don’t know whether I’m wanted there.”

      The news comes after CBS decided to pull the plug on the live shows on Monday (15Mar21) and Tuesday following the heated row between Sharon and Sheryl.

      The discussion started on “The Talk” when Sharon was talking about defending Piers over comments he made following Duchess Meghan’s interview with Oprah Winfrey, including insisting he didn’t believe her when she said she’d had suicidal thoughts.

      In response, Sheryl said, “While you are standing by your friend, it appears that you are giving validation or safe haven to something that he has uttered that is racist.”

        See also…

      Sharon replied, “Educate me, tell me when you have heard him say racist things? I very much feel like I’m about to be put in the electric chair because I have a friend, who many people think is a racist, so that makes me a racist? How can I be racist about anybody or anything in my life.”

      The show then cut to a commercial break, but when it returned, she continued to press Sheryl for an explanation as to what was racist about Piers’ comments and added, “And don’t try and cry, because if anyone should be crying, it should be me.”

      Now, Sharon has claimed she felt “blindsided” and “set up” with the grilling she received from her co-stars.

      “It was like, ‘You’re asking me the questions, you’ve got the questions written down there, and I haven’t even had time to get my head together to come up with a correct answer here,’ ” she added to ET.

      “You’re the one accusing me. And I didn’t even know this was happening. It was between her and I. I’m the one that should be crying here. My a** is on the line. I’ve just been pounced on, not even prepared for it.”

      And the 68-year-old star – who has also denied allegations of using racist and homophobic slurs toward her former co-hosts – has “apologised” to Sheryl after their row although she hasn’t heard back yet.

      “I own up to what I did. I can’t not own up. I said what I said. I got too personal with Sheryl. I should’ve never said stop her tears,” she continued. “She was hurting as I was hurting… I love Sheryl, I’ve apologised to Sheryl, she’s not gotten back and I can understand. Sheryl needs her time.”

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      Stephen Colbert Mocks Republicans’ Suspicious Minds on Vaccines

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      “Despite vaccines becoming more available, there’s still one thing holding Americans back: Americans,” Colbert lamented on Tuesday.Welcome to Best of Late Night, a rundown of the previous night’s highlights that lets you sleep — and lets us get paid to watch comedy. We’re all stuck at home at the moment, so here are the 50 best movies on Netflix right now.Calling TrumpStephen Colbert gave an update on the Covid-19 vaccination campaign on Tuesday night, lamenting that progress has been slow with a certain group of people.“Despite vaccines becoming more available, there’s still one thing holding Americans back: Americans,” Colbert deadpanned before launching into reports that Republicans were refusing vaccines in high percentages.“Because in a CBS poll, a third of Republicans said they would not be vaccinated. Come on, Republicans! Not everything is political. How do we convince you that you want it? Would it feel safer if the vaccine was administered by an AR-15?” — STEPHEN COLBERT“Many of the Republicans polled cited ‘distrust of government’ as a reason to not be vaccinated. They worry the vaccines were produced too quickly. Duh! It was produced quickly because all of science dropped everything because your president wanted them to, and they did everything right with clinical trials! You wouldn’t stand in front of your burning house and tell the Fire Department, ‘Hold on, there, hold on — you fellas got here suspiciously fast.’” — STEPHEN COLBERT“One potential side effect of the coronavirus vaccine is that people are exposed to the idea that government can get things done.” — STEPHEN COLBERTThere have been suggestions that Donald Trump, who did not appear with the four other living former presidents in a recent ad promoting the vaccines, should do more to encourage his supporters to get inoculated.“I don’t know why Trump isn’t promoting the vaccine. I mean, maybe he doesn’t want to help Joe Biden end the pandemic. You know, maybe he’s still trying to unload all that hydroxychloroquine that he bought last summer. The question is, why are Republicans so hesitant to get the vaccine in the first place? Well, it might be because their most trusted friends are telling them it can’t be trusted.” — TREVOR NOAH“And I can’t say that I’m surprised that Trump isn’t making an effort to get people vaccinated. I mean, the man barely did his job when he had his job; you think he’s going to start working now? For free?” — TREVOR NOAHThe Punchiest Punchlines (Sister Act Edition)“But President Biden has been trying to reach out to North Korea for weeks. Kim Jong-un isn’t having it. I don’t know if he’s tried sending a love letter — I hear Kim is really into those.” — JIMMY KIMMEL“At first I thought the reason for the lack of response might be that Kim Jong-un uses a fax machine, but then I remembered Biden does, too, so.” — JIMMY FALLON“After a long period of silence, Kim Jong-un’s sister, Khloé Jong-un — or, I mean, is it Kourtney? Kourtney Jong-un lashed out.” — JIMMY KIMMEL“She warned the Biden administration that if it wants peace it had better, quote, ‘refrain from causing a stink at its first step. We take this opportunity to warn the new U.S. administration trying hard to give off powder smell in our land.’ I’m sure it sounds more threatening in Korean.” — JIMMY KIMMEL“You don’t need to ask the ‘No malarkey’ guy to not cause a stink. He’s got it covered.” — JAMES CORDEN“That’s not how you talk to another country, is it? That’s how you talk to a spouse right before you go to a dinner party. You’re like: ‘Please avoid talking to Hank about politics. I don’t want you causing a stink.’” — JAMES CORDEN“Also I like that Kim Jong-un had his sister deliver the message. It’s like North Korea’s version of ‘I heard a noise in America; go check it out.’” — JIMMY FALLON“By the way, it’s rare that a dictator’s sibling speaks out. I don’t remember reading about any stern warnings from Lois Hitler.” — JIMMY KIMMEL“It’s funny because North Korea thinks these statements they make are sick burns but they always sound like riddles instead. It’s like: ‘If you wish to cross the bridge, be wise not to anger us like the cat who swallowed mushrooms unwashed.’” — JIMMY KIMMEL“Yeah, nice try, North Korea, but we’re America — we haven’t slept well for the past five years.” — JIMMY FALLONThe Bits Worth WatchingThe “Late Night” writers Jenny Hagel and Amber Ruffin poke fun at the Utah Black History Museum and myths that vaccines can turn people gay in Tuesday’s return of “Jokes Seth Can’t Tell.”What We’re Excited About on Wednesday NightThe actress Laverne Cox will pop by Wednesday’s “A Little Late With Lilly Singh.”Also, Check This Out“I’m finally being honest with myself,” the singer Demi Lovato said.Ryan Pfluger for The New York TimesThe singer Demi Lovato opened up to The New York Times about her queerness, her near fatal overdose and her journey to living her truth. “I’m ready to feel like myself,” she said. More

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      Michaela Coel's 'I May Destroy You' Dominates 2021 Royal Television Society Awards

      by

      HBO Max

      Shaun Parkes, in the meantime, takes home Best Actor honor for his role in Steve McQueen’s ‘Small Axe’, whereas Glenda Jackson’s ‘Elizabeth is Missing’ claims the Best Single Drama prize.

      Mar 17, 2021

      AceShowbiz –
      Michaela Coel and her hit drama “I May Destroy You” were the big winners at the Royal Television Awards in Britain on Tuesday, March 16.

      Coel was named Best Actor – Female for her portrayal of Arabella, and she also picked up the Writing – Drama prize, while the show was named Best Mini-Series.

      Though so, Coel was not able to virtually accept the awards. Host Jonathan Ross explained to viewers, “Now Michaela is at home trying to sort her internet connection. It’s frustrating because she was overlooked in other award shows. Michaela, I may destroy your internet provider.”

        See also…

      When her internet was finally back on again, the 33-year-old actress delivered three different acceptance speeches. Her wins came on the heels of her snubbing at the 78th annual Golden Globe Awards.

      There were double wins for Mae Martin’s series “Feel Good” and presenter Joe Lycett, while Shaun Parkes picked up the Best Actor – Male honor for Steve McQueen’s acclaimed “Small Axe” series and Glenda Jackson’s return to TV on “Elizabeth is Missing” landed the Best Single Drama prize.

      BBC, in the meantime, dominated the competitive categories by taking home a total of 14 wins. ITV, on the other hand, scored victory with “Loose Women” collecting the Daytime Programme award and “The Masked Singer” being dubbed Best Entertainment Series.

      The full list of RTS Awards winners is:

      Best Actor – Female: Michaela Coel (“I May Destroy You”)
      Best Actor – Male: Shaun Parkes (“Small Axe”)
      Breakthrough Award: Mae Martin (“Feel Good”)
      Best Arts Programme: “Grayson’s Art Club”
      Best Children’s Programme: “IRL With Team Charlene”
      Best Comedy Entertainment: “The Ranganation”
      Best Comedy Performance – Female: Gbemisola Ikumelo (“Famalam”)
      Best Comedy Performance – Male: Youssef Kerkour (“Home”)
      Best Daytime Programme: “Loose Women”
      Best Documentary Series: “Once Upon a Time in Iraq”
      Best Drama Series: “In My Skin”
      Best Entertainment Series: “The Masked Singer”
      Best Entertainment Performance: Big Narstie & Mo Gilligan (“The Big Narstie Show”)
      Best Formatted Popular Factual: “Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back”
      Best History Programme: “Damilola: The Boy Next Door”
      Best Live Event: “The Third Day: Autumn”
      Best Mini-Series: “I May Destroy You”
      Best Presenter: Joe Lycett
      Best Channel of the Year: BBC One
      Best Science & Natural History Programme: “The Surgeon’s Cut”
      Best Scripted Comedy: “The Young Offenders”
      Best Single Documentary: “Anton Ferdinand: Football, Racism & Me”
      Best Single Drama: “Elizabeth is Missing”
      Best Soap/Continuing Drama: “Casualty”
      Best Sports Presenter: Michael Holding
      Best Sports Programme: “England v West Indies First Test”
      Best Writing – Comedy: Mae Martin & Joe Hampson (“Feel Good”)
      Best Writing – Drama: Michaela Coel (“I May Destroy You”)
      Judges’ Award: Anne Mensah
      Outstanding Achievement Award: Russell T. Davies

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