Author: business

  • Jonathan Majors reportedly admits Grace Jabbari assault in new audio

    Jonathan Majors reportedly admits Grace Jabbari assault in new audio

    Jonathan Majors’ tumultuous relationship with Grace Jabbari is back in the spotlight, as a resurfaced audio clip seemingly shows the former Marvel star confessing to assaulting his ex.

    In the newly released audio clip, obtained by Rolling Stone and published on Monday, Majors reportedly can be heard admitting to strangling Jabbari and pushing her against a car during a conversation with the British dancer and movement coach. Majors was convicted in late 2023 for attacking Jabbari in a different incident during a car ride in Manhattan.

    Per Rolling Stone, the couple’s conversation was “captured in the aftermath of a days-long fight between Majors and his then-girlfriend.”

    The release of the audio comes just days before the much-anticipated premiere of Majors’ film “Magazine Dreams,” which had been previously scrapped from its original December 2023 release.

    USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Majors and Jabbari for comment.

    Grace Jabbari confronts Jonathan Majors over assault: ‘Something inside of you’

    Majors appears to show remorse for his assault of Jabbari in the resurfaced audio.

    “I’m ashamed I’ve ever,” Majors begins, according to the 28-second clip published by Rolling Stone. “I’ve never (been) aggressive with a woman before. I’ve never aggressed a woman — I aggressed you.”

    Following his March 2023 arrest over a domestic violence altercation, Majors faced eight misdemeanor counts at trial involving assault, aggravated harassment and harassment. At the time, Jabbari alleged he struck her in the head with his open hand, twisted her arm behind her back and squeezed her middle finger until it fractured.

    “You strangled me and pushed me against the car,” Jabbari says to Majors in the clip, to which Majors replies, “Yes, all those things are under ‘aggressed,’ yeah. That’s never happened to me.”

    Jabbari later probes Majors for an explanation for the assault, asking the “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” star if he attacked her because she “said something sarcastically, in your eyes.” In response, Majors says, “Well clearly, it’s more than that.”

    “Something inside of you,” Jabbari says as a follow-up. Majors replies, “Yeah, towards you.”

    Jonathan Majors says there are ‘no excuses’ after assault conviction

    In December 2023, a six-person jury convicted Majors for his assault of Jabbari following a two-week trial that the actor had hoped would salvage his damaged reputation and restore his status as an emerging Hollywood star.

    A Manhattan jury found Majors guilty of one misdemeanor assault charge and one harassment violation. The “Creed III” star was also acquitted of a different assault charge and of aggravated harassment. Majors pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

    In April 2024, Majors was sentenced to a 52-week in-person therapy domestic violence program in Los Angeles, a representative from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office confirmed to USA TODAY at the time. An order of protection was also issued for Jabbari. Majors originally faced up to a year behind bars for the assault conviction.

    However, Jabbari’s legal battle with Majors was far from over. The dancer sued Majors in March 2024 for allegedly abusing her and embarking on an “extensive media campaign” to destroy her reputation. The defamation and assault suit, which was settled in November of that year, accused Majors of battery, assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress and malicious prosecution.

    Majors reflected on the fallout from his assault conviction in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published Friday. While Majors didn’t address Jabbari’s allegations directly or the events of their relationship, the actor said “there has to be accountability for writing your own story.”

    Majors also revealed in the interview that he had been a victim of childhood sexual abuse, which he began working through in therapy after the trial. “There are no excuses, but by getting help, you begin to understand things about yourself,” he told the outlet.

    The Emmy-nominated actor has also been accused of abuse by former girlfriends Emma Duncan and Maura Hooper, according to allegations documented in a February 2024 report from The New York Times. The Times investigation also revealed a history of “volatility” on the set of Majors’ HBO series “Lovecraft Country,” including contention with female co-workers that led to complaints to the network.

    Jonathan Majors finds love with Meagan Good after Grace Jabbari assault

    Majors announced his engagement to “Harlem” star Meagan Good in November 2024 while attending the Ebony Power 100 Gala in Los Angeles.

    The couple sparked dating rumors in May 2023. The following month, Good began attending Majors’ assault trial in New York.

    Good opened up about pursuing a romance with the controversial actor despite his legal troubles in a July 2024 interview on the “Today” show.

    “At the end of the day, one thing I know is that I can always look myself in the mirror when I trust my spirit, when I trust God,” Good explained. “When I ask God, when I move to the beat of my own drum — I can always look and say, ‘I’m proud of that.’ Whatever happens, I have peace in my heart and I have harmony in my heart.”

    (This story was updated to add new information and a photo.)

    Contributing: Naledi Ushe, Kim Willis, KiMi Robinson, Brendan Morrow, Anna Kaufman and Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY

  • David Archuleta talks about Lady Gaga at iHeartRadio Music AwardsEntertain This!

    David Archuleta talks about Lady Gaga at iHeartRadio Music AwardsEntertain This!

    David Archuleta talks about Lady Gaga at iHeartRadio Music AwardsEntertain This!

  • Boy band JO1 takes a selfie at the iHeartRadio Music AwardsEntertain This!

    Boy band JO1 takes a selfie at the iHeartRadio Music AwardsEntertain This!

    Boy band JO1 takes a selfie at the iHeartRadio Music AwardsEntertain This!

  • JoJo Siwa wears large headpiece for iHeartRadio Music AwardsEntertain This!

    JoJo Siwa wears large headpiece for iHeartRadio Music AwardsEntertain This!

    JoJo Siwa wears large headpiece for iHeartRadio Music AwardsEntertain This!

  • Court temporarily blocks release of photos, videos

    Court temporarily blocks release of photos, videos

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    A court has issued a temporary restraining order preventing the release of some records in the death of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.

    The First Judicial District Court in New Mexico on Monday issued a temporary restraining order against the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the Medical Investigator. The order temporarily prevents the disclosure of photographs or videos showing Hackman or Arakawa’s bodies, the interior of their home and any lapel footage that includes their bodies or images of deceased animals at the home.

    Additionally, the order temporarily prevents the disclosure of autopsy reports or death investigation reports for Hackman and Arakawa.

    A court hearing to discuss the temporary order is set for March 31.

    Julia Peters, a representative for the estate of Hackman and Arakawa, filed a petition for the order.

    The petition argued that the order was necessary to protect the late couple’s “right to privacy,” saying that “during their lifetime, the Hackmans placed significant value on their privacy and took affirmative, vigilant steps to safeguard their privacy,” according to NBC News and People magazine.

    USA TODAY has reached out to Hackman’s rep for comment.

    Hackman, Arakawa and their dog were found dead at their New Mexico residence last month. Officials said foul play was not suspected. On March 7, New Mexico’s chief medical examiner said Arakawa died from Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease contracted by contact with mouse droppings. The medical examiner also said Hackman died from natural causes, noting the late actor had heart disease and complications caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

    According to a search warrant released in February, the Oscar-winning actor was found in a mudroom near his cane, while Arakawa was found in a bathroom near a space heater. Arakawa was observed with “body decomposition, bloating in her face” and mummification of her hands and feet. Investigators said the scene was “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”

    Arakawa is believed to have died first, around Feb. 11, while Hackman seemingly died about a week later, as the last activity on his pacemaker was recorded on Feb. 18. A gas leak was ruled out as the cause of death after an “extensive investigation” by the New Mexico Gas Company.

    Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said on March 7 that “we consider this an open investigation,” as there are “other loose ends we need to tie up.”

    (This story has been updated to add new information.)

    Contributing: Jay Stahl, Taijuan Moorman, Rick Jervis, Marco della Cava, Bryan Alexander and Anika Reed, USA TODAY

  • Michael Shannon leads passionate REM tribute show

    Michael Shannon leads passionate REM tribute show

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    If there’s ever going to be a Michael Stipe biopic, Michael Shannon has aced the unofficial audition.

    Since last year, the Oscar-, Emmy- and Tony-nominated actor has taken on an interesting new role: touring rock singer. Partnering with Superchunk guitarist Jason Narducy, Shannon has led an R.E.M. tribute band.

    In a performance at the Turner Hall Ballroom in Milwaukee Thursday, Shannon, 50, showcased a talent for tribute without mimicry.

    Shannon, 50, certainly wasn’t an aspiring copycat — especially when his adrenaline got the better of him as he sang the night’s most rocking numbers. But it was uncanny at times how much the deep-voiced actor echoed the sweetness of Stipe’s voice, channeled his aura and, at times, even his look.

    The group is rounded out by Narducy’s Superchunk bandmate Jon Wurster on drums, Wilco bassist John Stirratt, Poi Dog Pondering’s Dag Juhlin on guitar and keyboardist Vijay Tellis-Nayak.

    For the concert kickoff, Shannon performed “Feeling Gravity’s Pull,” sporting large-lens glasses and a patterned button-up shirt that could have been yanked from Stipe’s closet.

    Shannon also peppered the performance with dramatic Stipe-like gestures — palms theatrically pushed outward and sideways, his body twisted as he sang.

    The two-hour-and-six-minute set wasn’t a conventional tribute show — much to its benefit.

    R.E.M.’s biggest hits didn’t make the cut — no “Losing My Religion,” “Stand,” “The One I Love,” or “Shiny Happy People.” Only three songs from Thursday’s 31-song setlist appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 — “Daysleeper,” “Radio Free Europe” and “So. Central Rain.” But the band made room for plenty of deep cuts.

    It amounted to a show that R.E.M. diehards could truly admire. And for anyone who didn’t fit in that category, Thursday’s performance was a stirring reminder of just how rich and singular the band’s catalog really is.

    Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy play Turner Hall Ballroom in Milwaukee

    Caught Oscar-nominated actor Michael Shannon and members of Bob Mould Band, Wilco and Poi Dog Pondering at a R.E.M. tribute show at Turner Hall Ballroom Thursday. My review: https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/music/2025/03/14/michael-shannon-leads-passionate-r-e-m-tribute-show-at-turner-hall/82266629007/

    Posted by Piet Levy on Friday, March 14, 2025

    When the band reached the end of the “Reconstruction” portion of the program, Shannon praised the poetic and musical depths of such a concise album and bluntly dismissed its detractors as “full of crap.”

    The album presentation was just the beginning, with 20 more splendidly and lovingly played songs that followed.

    Anyone who’s admired the intensity Shannon brought to his meatiest roles — in Guillermo Del Toro’s “The Shape of Water” for instance, or HBO gangster saga “Boardwalk Empire” — saw it in the crazed eyes he flashed during a cover of Wire’s “Strange,” or the way he buried his anguished face in his palms during “Crazy.”

    Shannon also shared a touching beauty rarely seen in his screen work, his voice achingly pretty for a dreamy and warm “Daysleeper” and for “So Central Rain,” which he sang sitting on the stage with just Narducy on guitar for the start of a five-song encore.

    We may never see an R.E.M. concert again, but for the fans at Turner Hall in Milwaukee on Thursday, this was a sweet alternative.

  • Most anticipated streaming shows this springEntertain This!

    Most anticipated streaming shows this springEntertain This!

    Most anticipated streaming shows this springEntertain This!

  • Sam Rockwell's links to 'White Lotus' with Walton Goggins, Leslie BibbTV

    Sam Rockwell's links to 'White Lotus' with Walton Goggins, Leslie BibbTV

    Sam Rockwell’s links to ‘White Lotus’ with Walton Goggins, Leslie BibbTV

  • Will Smith tour to support ‘Based on a True Story’ album

    Will Smith tour to support ‘Based on a True Story’ album

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    Will Smith is cementing his pivot back to music with a summer tour.

    Smith, whose reentry into the music scene began last year, will tour several cities in Europe, Morocco and the United Kingdom in support of his new album “Based on a True Story.” The project marks his first full studio album since 2005’s “Lost and Found.”

    The tour, announced Monday, will begin July 13 in Hamburg, Germany, and will conclude in early September in Paris. Smith will perform not only his new tracks but several of his ’90s classics like “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It,” “Miami” and “Summertime,” according to a news release.

    “Based on a True Story” is set to hit streaming platforms on March 28 and will include already released singles like “You Can Make It,” “Work of Art” and “Tantrum” − made alongside rappers Russ and Joyner Lucas and Smith’s son Jaden Smith. Smith on Friday released the track list and album art, featuring him in a white T-shirt, baggy cargo jeans and a Phillies cap and matching letterman jacket, a nod to his hometown of Philadelphia.

    Fourteen tracks in total, it is expected to match the deeply personal tone of his pre-released singles, potentially diving into his public romantic and family life and the infamous Oscar slap.

    In 2022, before eventually winning an Oscar that same evening for his performance in “King Richard,” Smith slapped Chris Rock after the comedian made a joke about Smith’s wife Jada’s hair while presenting another award. The incident kicked off a wave of shock and debate that overshadowed the night and got Smith banned from the ceremony for 10 years.

    Fans of the Fresh Prince may have become more accustomed to him in front of the camera than behind the mic in recent years. The Oscar winner worked to remake that image in 2024, performing a new track at the 2024 BET Awards and making a surprise visit at Coachella in April to join J Balvín’s set.

    He closed out the year with a series of concerts in San Diego at The Observatory North Park.

    This year, Smith has continued to drum up hype for his musical return, joining former “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” co-star Tatyana Ali for a viral dance challenge set to Grammy Award-winning rapper Doechii’s  “Anxiety.” Doechii herself joined in the fun in a video posted to Smith’s Instagram Saturday.

    How to get Will Smith tour tickets

    Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. local time. Fans can sign up for early access to tickets at https://willsmith.com/#tour.

  • How to watch Netflix documentary

    How to watch Netflix documentary


    The documentary is directed by Alexandra Lacey, who worked on projects like “Tinder Swindler” and “Three Identical Strangers.”

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    The tornado that raged through Joplin, Missouri 14 years ago is the subject of a new Netflix documentary.

    “The Twister: Caught in the Storm” is a feature-length documentary that tells the story of the EF-5 tornado that swept through Joplin, Missouri on May 22, 2011. The film focuses on a group of young people from the area whose high school graduation day was affected by the tornado.

    Ranked as the seventh deadliest tornado in U.S. history, the Joplin tornado killed 161 people and left another 1,000 injured. The tornado wrecked through 13 miles of the city, with wind speeds over 200 miles per hour.

    “This catastrophic event ravaged Joplin, and yet its community overcame, rebuilt and became an enduring symbol of hope. The film features adrenaline-inducing real-life footage, filmed by people in Joplin, taking us into the eye of the storm,” the documentary’s synopsis reads.

    “The Twister: Caught in the Storm” is directed by Alexandra Lacey, a UK-based filmmaker known for working on projects like “Tinder Swindler,” “American Nightmare” and “Three Identical Strangers.” She’s also directed television series “The Fake Sheikh,” “Welcome to Murdertown” and “Mansion: The Lost Tapes.”

    The documentary’s release happens to follow the mass destruction of several tornados that raged through the Midwest and South over the weekend. At least 37 people had been reported dead in Kansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, Alabama and Missouri, as of Monday morning.

    As the Netflix documentary’s premiere date nears, here’s what to know about “The Twister: Caught in the Storm.”

    How to watch ‘The Twister: Caught in the Storm’

    Netflix’s new documentary, “The Twister: Caught in the Storm” will be available to watch on Netflix at 2 a.m. CST on Wednesday, March 19.

    Do you need a Netflix subscription to watch ‘The Twister: Caught in the Storm’?

    Yes, viewers need a Netflix subscription to watch “The Twister: Caught in the Storm.” Here is more information about Netflix’s subscription plans:

    • Standard with ads: $7.99 per month
    • Standard without ads: $17.99 per month
    • Premium: $24.99 per month

    Watch the trailer for ‘The Twister: Caught in the Storm’

    Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].