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Read Joe Biden’s Classy Statement About Donald Trump’s Impeachment Trial: “The substance of the charge is not in dispute”

Roger Friedman
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Read Joe Biden’s Classy Statement About Donald Trump’s Impeachment Trial: “The substance of the charge is not in dispute”

I like Joe Biden. Here is his classy statement following the trial of Donald Trump. “While the final vote did not lead to a conviction, the substance of the charge is not in dispute.”

That’s right. I really feel Biden conveyed to Nancy Pelosi to wrap this thing up so he could get on with his plans. Enough already.

President Biden:

It was nearly two weeks ago that Jill and I paid our respects to Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who laid in honor in the Rotunda after losing his life protecting the Capitol from a riotous, violent mob on January 6, 2021.

Today, 57 Senators – including a record 7 Republicans – voted to find former President Trump guilty for inciting that deadly insurrection on our very democracy. The Senate vote followed the bipartisan vote to impeach him by the House of Representatives. While the final vote did not lead to a conviction, the substance of the charge is not in dispute. Even those opposed to the conviction, like Senate Minority Leader McConnell, believe Donald Trump was guilty of a “disgraceful dereliction of duty” and “practically and morally responsible for provoking” the violence unleashed on the Capitol.

Tonight, I am thinking about those who bravely stood guard that January day. I’m thinking about all those who lost their lives, all those whose lives were threatened, and all those who are still today living with terror they lived through that day. And I’m thinking of those who demonstrated the courage to protect the integrity of our democracy – Democrats and Republicans, election officials and judges, elected representatives and poll workers – before and after the election.

This sad chapter in our history has reminded us that democracy is fragile. That it must always be defended. That we must be ever vigilant. That violence and extremism has no place in America. And that each of us has a duty and responsibility as Americans, and especially as leaders, to defend the truth and to defeat the lies.

That is how we end this uncivil war and heal the very soul of our nation. That is the task ahead. And it’s a task we must undertake together. As the United States of America.

Claudia Conway Returns to Twitter The Night Before Her “American Idol” Audition Airs: “It is not a publicity stunt”

Roger Friedman
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Claudia Conway Returns to Twitter The Night Before Her “American Idol” Audition Airs: “It is not a publicity stunt”

She’s baaack.

The night before her “American Idol” audition airs on ABC, Claudia Conway has returned to Twitter. She’s been off since August 23rd, 2020.

What does the daughter of Kellyanne and George Conway have to say? First: “side note but how in the world could trump have been acquitted”

OK. We agree, Claudia!

A fan asked her if she was being pressured to appear on “Idol.” Claudia replied:” i’m not at all :) this was a really amazing opportunity and i took it! it’s starting the next chapter of my life: coming into my own and creating a name for MYSELF. i’m claudia; i’m not someone’s daughter or that girl in family “drama”. i’m just claudia”

She added: “hi also a lot of people think that my being on american idol is a publicity stunt but i can promise you it is not. i have been vocally trained and in music for most of my life and did this on my own merit :)”

Claudia is 16. She thinks she’s in control. She doesn’t realize “American Idol” is using her for publicity, not the other way around.


 

 

Report: Broadway On Hold Until Summer or Fall, Six to Nine Months Says League President

Roger Friedman
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Report: Broadway On Hold Until Summer or Fall, Six to Nine Months Says League President

Broadway will not be back before this summer or fall.

That’s what Broadway League president Charlotte St Martin said in an interview with Yahoo Finance this week.

“It’s probably six to nine months before we’re actually open,” St, Martin told reporter Alexis Christophorous. “And who knows what we’ll be doing then?”

So much for that brief feeling of elation when we heard stadiums and some venues could re-open at 10% capacity.

St. Martin says socially distanced seating on Broadway is not financially feasible, which we surmised. Big Broadway houses can’t function unless every seat is filled, not every other seat with a blank row in between.

The reporter did not ask St. Martin about the Tony Awards, which are in limbo. The only certain winner of last year’s Tonys is Aaron Tveit, the only nominee for Best Actor in a Musical. The others have been waiting for months to know who won, and then there’s no date for a ceremony.

All this means that Broadway will mostly be closed this summer, and we won’t see any new shows or previews of any value until after Labor Day. What a mess!

 

 

Bachelor Nation Implodes: Host Chris Harrison Stepping Away from Show After Invoking “Historical Racism”

Roger Friedman
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Bachelor Nation Implodes: Host Chris Harrison Stepping Away from Show After Invoking “Historical Racism”

Chris Harrison is stepping away from The Bachelor on ABC. Now.

He announced it an hour ago on Instagram, admitting that he invoked “historical racism” when his interview on Extra with Rachel Lindsay went sideways.

Late yesterday Lindsay said when her contract was up with The Bachelor she was leaving.

Remember, “The Bachelor” that we’re seeing on the air was taped six weeks ago. So in real time, Harrison is not proceeding with live shows like “After the Rose,” coming up next week.To get the back story here, click on my story from yesterday. I would say Harrison’s goose is cooked, but look, Nick Cannon is back doing his thing. And Morgan Wallen’s fans haven’t cared about his scandal. So maybe Harrison will ride and come back in the next season. Anything is possible. I used to say “The Bachelor” and its ancillaries was just junk, the people weren’t very bright, and thought the undoing of it would be the contestants. But look how it’s opened this dialogue. If Harrison, the host, thought that plantation sorority parties were alright in 2018, imagine what the general public thinks. We haven’t made a lot of progress.

 

What Year Is It? Oldies from the 60s and 70s Swarm iTunes As Impeachment (Very 1974) Rolls On

Roger Friedman
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What Year Is It? Oldies from the 60s and 70s Swarm iTunes As Impeachment (Very 1974) Rolls On

What year is it again? 1974? That was the year of the Nixon impeachment, the classic Impeachment you might call it.

And on the iTunes chart today: many singles from the 60s and 70s today, more than usual, likely a result of low pricing but also because we need comfort music during this stressful time.

Number 14 is “My Girl” by the Temptations, 15 is Otis Redding’s “Dock of the Bay.”

Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” is 22. Kool and the Gang’s “Get Down on It” is 32.

“Respect” by the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, is number 36. “Super Freak” by Rick James is 45.

Number 50 is the remixed version of The Supremes’ “Where Did Our Love Go?” The Supremes’ “Baby Love” is at 74.

“The Supremes Number 1s” greatest hits is at number 16 on the album chart. These sales are in memory of Mary Wilson, who died much too young this week at age 76.

We need this music now. Lap it up, kids. Add the Beatles, the Stones, Sam & Dave, bring it on.

 

TV News: Donald Glover and Phoebe Waller-Bridge Team Up for “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” Amazon Series

Roger Friedman
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TV News: Donald Glover and Phoebe Waller-Bridge Team Up for “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” Amazon Series

Here’s a combo you don’t think of right away: Donald Glover, of “Atlanta” fame and many other successes, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge of “Fleabag.”

This twosome are going to play Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie from the great 2005 movie, “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.” Donald and Phoebe will be married hit men-woman whatever. They’re teamed with Francesca Sloane, whose credits include “Atlanta,” and some kind of adaptation of Anais Nin’s erotic works,= to make this a reality for Amazon Studios.

How clever of Amazon to find a way to continue their relationship with Phoebe. And to bring in Glover, sometimes known as Childish Gambino, and a hot commodity in all regards, is brilliant. It’s got to be comedy, right? With these two it can’t be too dark.

We’ll see what’s next.

 

Scandal? What Scandal? Punished? Country Singer Morgan Wallen Sold Over 200,000 Records This Week

Roger Friedman
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Scandal? What Scandal? Punished? Country Singer Morgan Wallen Sold Over 200,000 Records This Week

Scandal? What scandal?

Country singer Morgan Wallen said the N word on a tape made by TMZ and a small part of the world went crazy. His agent dropped him, his record company suspended him. The Country Music Awards banned him.

And Wallen’s fans didn’t care. This week he sold more than 200,000 records and finished at number 1 with his “Dangerous: The Double Album.”

An older album, called “If I Know Me,” is included in that count.

Until last night when new records were released, Wallen commanded the charts all week. At one point he had 20 of the top 100 iTunes singles. He still has half a dozen. And the albums are still selling.

Country music fans just didn’t care. Nevertheless, Wallen offered a perfunctory apology that no one paid any attention to.

 

So what now? I’m sure all is forgiven and Wallen’s “suspension” from his all white record and management company called Big Loud will welcome him back with ooen arms. It’s not the money, you know, it’s the money.

Paramount Plans New Version of Famed “The King and I” for Film, But the King Will Have to Be Thai Or Else

Roger Friedman
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Paramount Plans New Version of Famed “The King and I” for Film, But the King Will Have to Be Thai Or Else

In his signature role, Yul Brynner played the King of Siam, now Thailand, in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The King and I.”

Brynner was not Siamese or Thai. He was Russian, born in Vladivostok. If he took the role now, there would be PC protests from here to Singapore.

So the new Paramount Studios version of the movie will have to find a Thai actor play the King. Otherwise, we will never hear the end of it. Cries of cultural appropriation will sound day and night.

Brynner was acting the role. He won a Tony Award for it, and then was one of 9 Oscar nominees when the original film was made.

But acting isn’t important anymore.

In the most recent Broadway edition Japanese star Ken Watanabe played the King. It was reportedly hard to understand him. But he had the look.

My favorite production starred Donna Murphy as Anna, the English teacher who melts the King’s heart, and Lou Diamond Phillips. Murphy was sensational.

There’s been one non musical version of the story of Anna and the King of Siam. Jodie Foster was Anna. Chow Yun-Fat was the King. Andy Tennant was the uninspired choice of director.

So we’ll wait and see how this all turns out.  Choice of director and choreographer will be important since the producers– a company called Temple Hill — are known for TV productions like “Orange is the New Black.” Concord Music is helping but the Temple Hill gang would be smart to hire someone from Broadway ASAP as consultant. There are plenty of people available, unfortunately.

Sorry Seems to be the Easiest Word for Morgan Wallen, Chris Harrison, Justin Timberlake, Who All Issue Apologies

Roger Friedman
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Sorry Seems to be the Easiest Word for Morgan Wallen, Chris Harrison, Justin Timberlake, Who All Issue Apologies

Everyone is sorry. To twist Bernie Taupin’s original lyrics, “Sorry seems to be the easiest word.”

Everyone’s got an apology this week. Morgan Wallen apologizes for drunkenly using the “N” word. “Bachelor Host” Chris Harrison is sorry he said stupid things in a discussion of racism on his show.

Now Justin Timberlake is sorry for throwing Janet Jackson under the bus at the Super Bowl years ago, and for writing a song about his nasty break up with Britney Spears.

The Apology Tour continues. At the 2004 Super Bowl half time show, Justin ripped Janet’s blouse, exposing her, and causing the first ever global “wardrobe malfunction.” She got blamed, he stayed mum, and she paid the price for years. He also let his ex girlfriend, Spears, suffer from taunting after they broke up. He got a hit record out of it, “Cry Me a River.”

Now a contrite Justin writes:

“I’ve seen the messages, tags, comments, and concerns and I want to respond. I am deeply sorry for the times in my life where my actions contributed to the problem, where I spoke out of turn, or did not speak up for what was right. I understand that I fell short in these moments and in many others and benefited from a system that condones misogyny and racism.  I specifically want to apologize to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson both individually, because I care for and respect these women and I know I failed. I also feel compelled to respond, in part, because everyone involved deserves better and most importantly, because this is a larger conversation that I wholeheartedly want to be part of and grow from. The industry is flawed. It sets men, especially white men, up for success. It’s designed this way. As a man in a privileged position I have to be vocal about this. Because of my ignorance, I didn’t recognize it for all that it was while it was happening in my own life but I do not want to ever benefit from others being pulled down again. I have not been perfect in navigating all of this throughout my career. I know this apology is a first step and doesn’t absolve the past. I want to take accountability for my own missteps in all of this as well as be part of a world that uplifts and supports. I care deeply about the wellbeing of the people I love and have loved. I can do better and I will do better.”

 

UPDATE: “Bachelor Nation” Imploding Over Race as Host Chris Harrison Is Criticized by the Women AND Men of Current Season

Roger Friedman
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UPDATE: “Bachelor Nation” Imploding Over Race as Host Chris Harrison Is Criticized by the Women AND Men of Current Season

UPDATE: the men of the latest season have spoken out now too:

 

 

The TV kabal known as “Bachelor Nation” is imploding, and it’s over race, of all things. After one white season after another, Rachel Lindsay — a lawyer who was about 10 times smarter and better educated than previous contestants — became the first Black Bachelorette. Instead of returning to her old life when the show was over, Lindsay– articulate, smart, and attractive — saw she could have a broadcasting career. She took a job with “Extra.” I met her a few weeks ago on a Zoom call with other press for a Q&A about a movie, and was so impressed.

But everything’s come around for Lindsay. When a white “Bachelor” contestant this season named Raechel Kirkconnell was revealed to have a racist past, it was Lindsay who had to interview the show’s host, Chris Harrison, for “Extra.” At issue was a photo of Kirkconnell from a sorority party at a former Southern plantation, dressed as an Antebellum Belle of the Ball.

Lindsay wasn’t having it. At one point she says to Harrison, “If I went to that party, what would I represent at that party?” It was the question of a prosecutor.

Harrison’s answer, as you can see in the video, was shockingly stupid. Since this party took place in 2018, he indicated that it would have been alright then– two years ago!

Harrison, a deer in the headlights, replied: “You’re 100 percent right in 2021. That was not the case in 2018. And again, I’m not defending Rachael. I just know that, I don’t know, 50 million people did that in 2018. That was a type of party that a lot of people went to. And again, I’m not defending it. I didn’t go to it.”

Harrison has quickly backtracked. He’s “apologized” on Instagram for saying something so stupid. “To my Bachelor Nation family—I will always own a mistake when I make one, so I am here to extend a sincere apology,” Harrison wrote on Instagram. “I have this incredible platform to speak about love, and yesterday I took a stance on topics about which I should have been better informed.”

The women of “The Bachelor” aren’t accepting it.

“We are the women of Bachelor Season 25,” the contestants wrote back on Instagram. “Twenty-five women who identify as BIPOC were cast on this historic season that was meant to represent change. We are deeply disappointed and want to make it clear that we denounce any defense of racism. Any defense of racist behavior denies the lived and continued experiences of BIPOC individuals. These experiences are not to be exploited or tokenized. Rachel Lindsay continues to advocate with ‘grace’ for individuals who identify as BIPOC within this franchise,” the statement concludes. “Just because she is speaking the loudest, doesn’t mean she is alone. We stand with her, we hear her, and we advocate for change alongside her.”

Lindsay has now emerged as the voice of reason for “Bachelor Nation” and “Extra.” She’s kept mum in response only to post this wide adage to her own Instagram: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference.”

Meantime, the first Black Bachelor, Matt James, rolls toward the conclusion of his series. Did he find love? Was he just repelled by all of these people? For the first time, the answer may matter. I’d like to see him just wash his hands of the whole thing and walk away.

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