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Bill O’Reilly Issues His Own Defense of NY Times Story on Sex Harassment Claims as Fox News Offers Weak Tea Response

Roger Friedman
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Bill O’Reilly Issues His Own Defense of NY Times Story on Sex Harassment Claims as Fox News Offers Weak Tea Response

Bill O’Reilly may not get it. But he’s done at Fox News. Stick a fork in him.

O’Reilly had to issue his own defense today of a New York Times take out on the $13 million worth of settlements made for him on sex harassment claims. Fox News didn’t put out the statement. O’Reilly did, on his website:

Just like other prominent and controversial people, I’m vulnerable to lawsuits from individuals who want me to pay them to avoid negative publicity. In my more than 20 years at Fox News Channel, no one has ever filed a complaint about me with the Human Resources Department, even on the anonymous hotline.
But most importantly, I’m a father who cares deeply for my children and who would do anything to avoid hurting them in any way. And so I have put to rest any controversies to spare my children.
The worst part of my job is being a target for those who would harm me and my employer, the Fox News Channel. Those of us in the arena are constantly at risk, as are our families and children. My primary efforts will continue to be to put forth an honest TV program and to protect those close to me.

Fox, for their part, gave a weak tea defense to the Times: “21st Century Fox takes matters of workplace behavior very seriously,” the statement said. “Notwithstanding the fact that no current or former Fox News employee ever took advantage of the 21st Century Fox hotline to raise a concern about Bill O’Reilly, even anonymously, we have looked into these matters over the last few months and discussed them with Mr. O’Reilly. While he denies the merits of these claims, Mr. O’Reilly has resolved those he regarded as his personal responsibility. Mr. O’Reilly is fully committed to supporting our efforts to improve the environment for all our employees at Fox News.”

But what is that, really? Obviously not enough to satisfy O’Reilly, who felt he had to defend himself separately.

The Times story is not really new. Most of the $13 million was paid to Andrea Mackris in the infamous “loofah” case. She got between $9 and $10 million.. It’s an old story by now, swept away when the Fox News publicity machine got rid of it. But now it’s back and not by accident. It was one thing when anti-Fox stories were just the domain of New York Magazine’s expert, Gabriel Sherman. But now it’s the Times.

This is the way it goes: The US Attorney’s office in New York is investigating them because of the O’Reilly settlements. The Murdoch sons see the writing on the wall. O’Reilly is a dinosaur. Attacking Rep. Maxine Waters for her “James Brown wig,” then questioning her patriotism? Even for O’Reilly, it’s too much in prime time.

His time is coming to an end. The Times story is the bat signal. It’s a lot like what happened to Roger Ailes at Fox News. They defended and defended him. And then they didn’t. That’s when anti-Ailes stories starting showing up everywhere. And where is he now? Fox sees that Tucker Carlson succeeded Megyn Kelly without a hitch. Replacing O’Reilly is no longer than issue.

 

 

 

One Direction’s Harry Styles Announces Title of First Single: “Sign of the Times”

Roger Friedman
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One Direction’s Harry Styles Announces Title of First Single: “Sign of the Times”

Brace yourselves. The title of Harry Styles’ first single has been announced. It’s “Sign of the Times.” The sign is coming next Friday, produced by Jeff Bhasker. The word is it will be a five minute epic along the lines of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Just what we needed!

“Baywatch: The Movie” Red Carpet Premiere Will Bring The Rock, The Hof, Zac Efron and Santa Monica Beach to Times Square

Roger Friedman
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“Baywatch: The Movie” Red Carpet Premiere Will Bring The Rock, The Hof, Zac Efron and Santa Monica Beach to Times Square

If you can’t go to the beach, let the beach come to us. Or something like that.

Circle May 21st for the day when Times Square is turned into a Santa Monica beach for the world premiere of “Baywatch: The Movie.” Paramount, which overlooks the crossroads of the world, will fill the concrete plaza that used to be Broadway (don’t get me started) with sand, sharks, and no doubt a red (or tan) carpet punctuated by a large white lifeguard stand. I can only imagine there’s some SPF suntan product tie -in as well.

Sources tell me that rather than have the premiere in “Baywatch”‘s home surf and turf, the studio is accommodating Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock, who has to be in New York that week. That also means Zac Efron, Priyanka Chopra, Pamela Anderson and the one and only David Hasselhoff will be there, too, for what is sure to be a memorable event.

“Baywatch” is directed by Seth Gordon and rated R– this is not really a movie version of the tame TV show. Reports from Las Vegas this week at Cinema Con indicate a far raunchier screenplay than anything that was on the small screen– with some coarser humor than the television lifeguards ever offered. If that’s the case, the old Times Square– not the current version– might have been more appropriate.

Forget OldChella: Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan Are Reeling in the Years for Mega Show

Roger Friedman
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Forget OldChella: Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan Are Reeling in the Years for Mega Show

Last year I told you first about Desert Trip aka Oldchella, the Indio, California shows featuring Paul McCartney, the Stones, the Who, etc.

Well, you didn’t think Irving Azoff, manager of managers, was going to wait for that to come around again in October. Azoff has set up his own mega shows for the west and east coasts this July.

Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers, Journey and Earth, Wind and Fire are all taking taking part in Classics East at NY’s Citifield (Shea Stadium) on July 29th and 30th, and Classics West at L.A.’s Dodger Stadium on July 15th and 16th.

And the groups are all managed by Azoff! The Desert Trip people will be disappointed. This drains the acts they can feature in October if they try to reprise their event. And there will be a ‘wow’ factor here, too as the Eagles are performing for the first time without Glenn Frey, the Mac is back with Christine McVie, and I can’t see how Michael McDonald won’t be with the Doobies and Steely Dan.

Tickets go on sale April 7th.

Rock Hall: Dhani Harrison Will Present to Jeff Lynne, Pharrell Will Give Nile Rodgers Honorary Award

Roger Friedman
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Rock Hall: Dhani Harrison Will Present to Jeff Lynne, Pharrell Will Give Nile Rodgers Honorary Award

I told you back on December 20th that Jann Wenner was hoping that by getting Jeff Lynne and ELO into the Rock Hall he’d get someone big to induct him for the HBO show — Tom Petty, Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney. Well, he got someone from the Beatles universe– Dhani Harrison, the well spoken son of late Beatle George Harrison. I’m sure Wenner’s still hoping one of those other guys will show up. But Dhani is what we call ‘a good kid.’

Pharrell Williams will induct Nile Rodgers for his “Award of Excellence.” Rodgers and his group Chic didn’t actually get voted in. They were “selected by a committee.” This means that everyone who knows Nile and loves him put pressure on Wenner to do something after all all this time. A couple of years ago Wenner gave this award to Ringo Starr. Rodgers is perplexed but he’ll accept for his whole band and late partner Bernard Edwards.

Wenner also probably thought he’d get Bob Dylan for Joan Baez. Well, it’s not happening. So Jackson Browne. the most affable man alive, will step in. Also announced: Neil Young is inducting Pearl Jam, Pat Monahan of Train is inducting Journey, the guys from Rush are toasting Yes.

HBO sent out the press release of announcers because, let’s face it, this is all about the TV show at this point. But the release I got said this:

“Additional performers include Lenny Kravitz in a very special tribute performance to Prince, Alicia Keys, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Indigo Girls, and others.”

So is Lenny doing tributes to all those people? Who knows!

WHCA on Trump Staff Skipping Annual Dinner: “Only the White House can speak to the signal it wants to send with this decision”

Roger Friedman
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WHCA on Trump Staff Skipping Annual Dinner: “Only the White House can speak to the signal it wants to send with this decision”

The White House Correspondents Association has sent out this notice to the staff of Donald Trump at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. I’ll bet the White House staff is pretty upset they had to say no to this event– they came to Washington to meet celebrities and have some fun. Now they’ll be the first staff in 25 years to miss the festivities. What do they in return? Bowling night with Tiffany?

WHCA:

Dear members, The White House informed the White House Correspondents’ Association this evening that White House staff will not be attending this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner out of “solidarity” with President Trump, who has previously announced that he would skip the event. The WHCA board regrets this decision very much. We have worked hard to build a constructive relationship with the Trump White House and believe strongly that this goal is possible even with the natural tension between the press and administrations that is a hallmark of a healthy republic. We made clear in our meeting tonight that President Trump, Vice President Pence, and White House staff continue to be welcome to join us at this dinner. Only the White House can speak to the signal it wants to send with this decision. But our signal is clear: We will celebrate the First Amendment on April 29 and look forward to acknowledging the important work of our terrific members and awarding scholarships to students who represent the next generation of our profession. Best, Jeff WHCA president

What Took So Long? Judy Garland’s 78 Year Old “Over the Rainbow” Added to National Recording Registry, Along with Streisand’s “People” “American Pie,” Judy Collins’ “Amazing Grace”

Roger Friedman
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What Took So Long? Judy Garland’s 78 Year Old “Over the Rainbow” Added to National Recording Registry, Along with Streisand’s “People” “American Pie,” Judy Collins’ “Amazing Grace”

“Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland is only now in the National Recording Registry? Almost eighty years after it was released? Makes you wonder what’s in there already. (Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg must be laughing in heaven.) Added today are Garland’s signature hit, plus “Hound Dog” (Mike Stoller and Jerry Leiber’s hit was recorded next by Elvis), Don McLean’s “American Pie,” “In the Midnight Hour” by Wilson Pickett, and Barbra Streisand’s “People.” Really, you have to wonder why it took so long for most of these additions. Someone go and tell the Registry people the Beatles are in town next week.

 

2016 National Recording Registry (Listing Titles in Chronological Order)
1. The 1888 London cylinder recordings of Col. George Gouraud (1888)
2. “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (singles), Manhattan Harmony Four (1923); Melba Moore and Friends (1990)
3. “Puttin’ on the Ritz” (single), Harry Richman (1929)
4. “Over the Rainbow” (single), Judy Garland (1939)
5. “I’ll Fly Away” (single), The Chuck Wagon Gang(1948)
6. “Hound Dog” (single), Big Mama Thornton (1953)
7. “Saxophone Colossus,” Sonny Rollins(1956)
8. The Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants at the Polo Grounds, announced by Vin Scully (September 8, 1957)
9. “Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs,” Marty Robbins(1959)
10. “The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery,” Wes Montgomery (1960)
11. “People” (single), Barbra Streisand (1964)
12. “In the Midnight Hour” (single), Wilson Pickett(1965)
13. “Amazing Grace” (single), Judy Collins (1970)
14. “American Pie” (single), Don McLean (1971)
15. “All Things Considered,” first broadcast (May 3, 1971)
16. “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars,” David Bowie (1972)
17. “The Wiz,” original cast album (1975)
18. “Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975),” Eagles (1976)
19. “Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha,” Gunter Schuller, arr. (1976)
20. “Wanted: Live in Concert,” Richard Pryor (1978)
21. “We Are Family” (single), Sister Sledge (1979)
22. “Remain in Light,” Talking Heads (1980)
23. “Straight Outta Compton,” N.W.A. (1988)
24. “Rachmaninoff’s Vespers (All-Night Vigil),” Robert Shaw Festival Singers (1990)
25. “Signatures,” Renée Fleming (1997)

Steven Spielberg, Tom Brokaw Salute “Five Came Back,” WWII Netflix Doc About Hollywood Directors

Regina Weinreich
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Steven Spielberg, Tom Brokaw Salute “Five Came Back,” WWII Netflix Doc About Hollywood Directors

“We still have not come to grips with World War II,” asserted newsman Tom Brokaw, the author of several books on the subject. “It was the largest event in the history of mankind.”

Brokaw moderated a panel on Monday night following Netflix’s preview screening of its new eries, “Five Came Back,” at Alice Tully Hall, that included  Guillermo Del Toro, Lawrence Kasdan, George Stevens, Jr., the series’ director Laurent Bouzereau, and the author Mark Harris–on whose book the documentary is based.

The series shines a light on little known film work of five highly successful mid-century Hollywood directors: John Huston, John Ford, George Stevens, William Wyler, and Frank Capra. Each left lucrative careers to document what was going on in Europe during the war, with life changing results. as Del Toro, Kasdan, Francis Ford Coppola, Paul Greengrass, and Steven Spielberg– who made a special stop to take pictures and answer questions– serve as their voices in this riveting documentary.

It was a star studded evening with playwright Tony Kushner, actress Linda Emond, plus Oren Moverman, Ben Foster, Gay Talese, Bennett Miller, Jeffrey Toobin, and Julie Taymor among those who moved on to an after party at Shun Lee. Much of the talk was about the film’s relevance today. Some footage featured Charles Lindbergh speaking as head of the America First Committee. Well, after Pearl Harbor, we all know how that turned out. Haven’t we heard this sentiment in more recent times?

And aside from the great archival footage, something else was retro, the paucity of women. As Taymor wanted to know: Were there none who could have joined the austere directors asked to speak about the historic filmmakers and their work? This gripe was all in keeping with Guillermo Del Toro’s observation for all, referring to the bravery of the five who came back: They tell us to keep quiet about politics. We have every right—even an obligation—to talk about politics.

 

Exclusive: Jeremy Renner NOT in “Mission Impossible 6,” Said to be Too Busy with “Avengers”

Roger Friedman
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Exclusive: Jeremy Renner NOT in “Mission Impossible 6,” Said to be Too Busy with “Avengers”

Jeremy Renner will not be in Christopher McQuarrie’s “Mission Impossible 6.” That’s the word and I’ve confirmed it. He did two “MI”s with Tom Cruise, but that was enough. He’s doing two “Avengers” movies back to back instead — “Infinity War” and “Ant-man and the Wasp” as Hawkeye.

This would explain the addition of Henry Cavill aka Superman. I guess Cavill will replace Renner in Ethan Hunt’s squad.

Renner was always a weird fit with Cruise. He really can star in his own movies, and has– like “Bourne Legacy.” He’s an Oscar nominee, and actually should be at the Oscars more often. Word is he’s very good in “Wind River,” coming this August.

No word yet on how they’ll say William Brandt has departed the “Mission” group. But think of all the actors who’ve come and gone around Cruise’s Ethan Hunt. Renner won’t be the first or the last.

One Direction’s Harry Styles: Promo Onslaught Begins with First Single, TV Appearance

Roger Friedman
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One Direction’s Harry Styles: Promo Onslaught Begins with First Single, TV Appearance

Last year it was Zayn. Now it’s Harry. Styles, that is.

The many styles of Harry, formerly and maybe later in life member of One Direction, begins April 7th. That’s when Sony drops his first post-1D single.

Then, 8 days later, Harry– having learnt the song– will perform it on “Saturday Night Live.” The host is Jimmy Fallon, which means Jimmy will also have Harry on to promote the appearance earlier that week.

Harry Styles is the “cute one” from One Direction, not necessarily the best singer or performer. We’ll see how that goes. He’s also in a big movie this year, “Dunkirk,” directed by Chris Nolan.

Styles was beaten to the punch as a solo out of One D by Zayn Malik, who’s already an album and a couple of hit singles. Also, Niall Horan’s had a single. That Liam and and another one.

If Harry’s career is played right, he’ll be the new Timberlake. That’s what they’re aiming for. God bless! I’m rooting for him!

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