Mumbai, India | AFP | India’s film industry on Monday welcomed the departure of the country’s chief film censor, who had stoked controversy by axing James Bond’s kissing scenes and briefly blocking the release of a movie for being too “lady-oriented”. The government said late Friday it was replacing Pahlaj …
Read More »Senegalese singer charged for remarks against president
Dakar, Senegal | AFP | A Senegalese singer was formally charged with “offending the head of state and broadcasting fake news”, her lawyer told AFP Wednesday, after audio of her lashing out at President Macky Sall went viral. Amy Colle Dieng, 39, was arrested on August 3 after unleashing a social …
Read More »Country music legend Glen Campbell dead at 81
Washington, United States | AFP | Country music legend Glen Campbell, the mellow-voiced “Rhinestone Cowboy” who sold millions of albums over a career that spanned decades, has died at the age of 81. Campbell, who left his mark on the music, television and movie worlds, died in Nashville, Tennessee, after a …
Read More »Disney unveils streaming TV services, including one for sports
New York, United States | AFP | Walt Disney Co. said Tuesday it is launching two new streaming television services including one for its ESPN-branded sports channel, while ending its deal with Netflix as it shifts towards direct content distribution. The media-entertainment giant called the move “a strategic shift in the …
Read More »Cosby’s lead defense lawyer quits ahead of re-trial
New York, United States | AFP | The top Philadelphia criminal defense attorney who helped Bill Cosby secure a hung jury on trial for sexual assault has quit ahead of the disgraced entertainer’s scheduled re-trial. Brian McMonagle, who proved his mettle with a tough-as-nails defense at one of America’s biggest …
Read More »Uganda shows off business, tourism potential at Astana EXPO 2017
Uganda participaes in Astana EXPO 2017, takes trade potential to central Asia Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda last week showcased her business, tourism and national achievements at the ongoing Astana EXPO2017 in Kazakhstan. The highlights of the Uganda day on July 24th 2017 included a press conference, a presentation …
Read More »Frank Ocean, gentle R&B voice, finds live intimacy at NY festival
New York, United States | AFP | Frank Ocean has captivated audiences since his debut with his tenderness, a gentle but unwavering voice in the often hyper-macho world of R&B and hip-hop. Nearly a year after he released his long-awaited second album, “Blonde,” Ocean has presented his ever-patient fans with …
Read More »Macron courts the stars; meets Rihanna on education
Paris, France | AFP | France’s Emmanuel Macron continued to reach for the stars Wednesday, hosting R&B icon Rihanna for what she called “incredible” talks at the presidential palace in Paris two days after Irish rocker Bono. Barbados-born Rihanna is an ambassador for the Global Partnership for Education, which is …
Read More »Jolie admits to ‘hardest time’ after Pitt split
New York, United States | AFP | Angelina Jolie has opened up about her split from Brad Pitt, confessing to having “the hardest time” and claiming to have spent months as a homemaker, doing dishes and cleaning up dog poop. Jolie, 42, filed for divorce last September, citing irreconcilable differences. …
Read More »Justin Bieber abruptly ends tour
New York, United States | AFP | Justin Bieber abruptly canceled the remainder of a world tour Monday, citing “unforeseen circumstances.” The 23-year-old Canadian superstar — who in recent years has been as known for off-stage antics as for his music — had been due to resume his “Purpose” tour …
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