A$AP Rocky charged with assault after Stockholm brawl - CNN

The 30-year-old -- whose real name is Rakim Mayers -- has been in custody since July 3, following a confrontation in the Swedish capital on June 30.

The rapper's lawyer, Slobodan Jovicic, has maintained he was defending himself after being assaulted and that his client is innocent.

But Swedish public prosecutor Daniel Suneson claims A$AP Rocky and two other men assaulted the victim by kicking and beating him with a whole or part of a glass bottle, according to court documents seen by CNN.

All three have been charged for their involvement in the brawl and will remain in custody until the trial.

Suneson said that he had determined the events constituted a crime "despite claims of self-defense and provocation" after reviewing video material and witness statements.

"It is worth noting that I have had access to a greater amount of material than that which has previously been available on the internet. In addition to video material, the injured party's statements have been supported by witness statements," Suneson said.

The prosecutor is relying on cell phone videos, surveillance video from the Grand Hotel and a burger restaurant, text messages from A$AP Rocky's body guard where he talks about the assault and where they say they've recorded it, texts from the assistant's phone and DNA analysis from a bottle used in the assault.

Footage posted by TMZ and others posted by A$AP Rocky of the brawl have been at the heart of the investigation.

Video clips shared on Instagram by A$AP Rocky show the rapper and his companions repeatedly ask two men to stop following them. The rapper wrote in a caption that one of the men hit a member of his security "in the face with headphones," and reasserted that he was "innocent."

But, in another video posted by TMZ, A$AP Rocky appears to grab one of the men and throw him to the ground. Another angle appeared to show the rapper and members of his entourage kicking and punching the man.

Suneson said there were two injured in the assault, but allegations of one were dropped due to insufficient evidence and the prosecution only related to one injured party.

Court documents claim that A$AP Rocky forcefully threw the victim to the ground before assaulting him.

A counter allegation was also made by the rapper's bodyguard, but that case was closed, Suneson added.

A$AP Rocky's case has drawn the attention of recording artists like Justin Bieber, as well as US President Donald Trump, who have called for his release. But authorities in Sweden have said they will not be swayed by international pressure.

"The Swedish judicial system is completely independent and does not take into consideration outside pressure from politicians or others," a spokesman for the Swedish prosecution authority told CNN on Sunday.

And, while Trump has offered to personally vouch for the 30-year-old rapper's bail, the bail system does not exist in Sweden.

As Dennis Martinsson, a legal expert in Sweden, told CNN: "If you know the Swedish legal system you know that there is no bail system."

"Actually, the Swedish constitution prevents any minister, even the Prime Minister, getting involved, or even saying something about an individual case," he added.

The President's involvement in the case came at the request of celebrities and the First Lady -- the latest incident in which star influence has swayed Trump to make certain decisions.

Trump on Friday credited Melania Trump with bringing A$AP Rocky's plight to his attention.

The President added: "Many members of the African American community have called me -- friends of mine -- and said, 'Could you help?'"

Trump also revealed on Twitter that he spoke to Kanye West about the matter. On Thursday, Kim Kardashian West thanked Trump, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Trump's son-in-law and senior White House adviser Jared Kushner for their efforts in trying to get A$AP Rocky released.

CNN's Veronica Stracqualursi contributed to this report.

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2019-07-25 08:27:00Z
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A$AP Rocky charged with assault after Stockholm brawl - CNN

The 30-year-old -- whose real name is Rakim Mayers -- has been in custody since July 3, following a confrontation in the Swedish capital on June 30.

The rapper's lawyer, Slobodan Jovicic, has maintained he was defending himself after being assaulted and that his client is innocent.

Two other individuals have also been charged for their involvement in the brawl, Swedish public prosecutor Daniel Suneson said in a statement. All will remain in custody until the trial.

Suneson said that he had determined the events constituted a crime "despite claims of self-defense and provocation" after reviewing video material and witness statements.

"It is worth noting that I have had access to a greater amount of material than that which has previously been available on the internet. In addition to video material, the injured party's statements have been supported by witness statements," Suneson said.

Footage posted by TMZ and others posted by A$AP Rocky of the brawl have been at the heart of the investigation.

Video clips shared on Instagram by A$AP Rocky show the rapper and his companions repeatedly ask two men to stop following them. The rapper wrote in a caption that one of the men hit a member of his security "in the face with headphones," and reasserted that he was "innocent."

But, in another video posted by TMZ, A$AP Rocky appears to grab one of the men and throw him to the ground. Another angle appeared to show the rapper and members of his entourage kicking and punching the man.

Suneson said there were two injured in the assault, but allegations of one were dropped due to insufficient evidence and the prosecution only related to one injured party.

A counter allegation was also made by the rapper's bodyguard, but that case was closed, Suneson added.

A$AP Rocky's case has drawn the attention of recording artists like Justin Bieber, as well as US President Donald Trump, who have called for his release. But authorities in Sweden have said they will not be swayed by international pressure.

"The Swedish judicial system is completely independent and does not take into consideration outside pressure from politicians or others," a spokesman for the Swedish prosecution authority told CNN on Sunday.

And, while Trump has offered to personally vouch for the 30-year-old rapper's bail, the bail system does not exist in Sweden.

As Dennis Martinsson, a legal expert in Sweden, told CNN: "If you know the Swedish legal system you know that there is no bail system."

"Actually, the Swedish constitution prevents any minister, even the Prime Minister, getting involved, or even saying something about an individual case," he added.

The President's involvement in the case came at the request of celebrities and the First Lady -- the latest incident in which star influence has swayed Trump to make certain decisions.

Trump on Friday credited Melania Trump with bringing A$AP Rocky's plight to his attention.

The President added: "Many members of the African American community have called me -- friends of mine -- and said, 'Could you help?'"

Trump also revealed on Twitter that he spoke to Kanye West about the matter. On Thursday, Kim Kardashian West thanked Trump, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Trump's son-in-law and senior White House adviser Jared Kushner for their efforts in trying to get A$AP Rocky released.

CNN's Veronica Stracqualursi contributed to this report.

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2019-07-25 07:24:00Z
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Bindi Irwin announces her surprise engagement to boyfriend of 6 years Chandler Powell - Fox News

Bindi Irwin announced her surprise engagement to Chandler Powell on social media Wednesday.

The conservationist and daughter of the late famed animal expert Steve Irwin announced the news on Twitter by posting two photos of herself with her longtime boyfriend. In one image, the couple is lovingly embracing each other. The second image shows curious fans a closer look at her shiny new engagement ring.

CROCODILE HUNTER’S DAUGHTER BINDI IRWIN DESCRIBES HEARTBREAK AFTER DAD’S PASSING: ‘IT’S LIKE LOSING A PART OF YOUR HEART’

“On my birthday I said ‘yes’ & ‘forever’ to the love of my life,” Irwin, who turned 21 on Wednesday, captioned the images. “Chandler, close to 6 years ago I fell in love with you & every day since has been a whirlwind of adventure & true happiness.”

Here’s to a lifetime of friendship, purpose & unconditional love,” she concluded.

BINDI IRWIN: MY PURPOSE IN THIS WORLD IS TO INSPIRE OTHERS

Irwin and Powell, 22, started dating in 2013 when he was in Australia for a professional wakeboarding competition, People notes. He visited the Australia Zoo, where the Irwin family lives and works. Since then, Powell has grown to share her affinity for animals. She previously told the outlet that she's thrilled to find someone who shares her late father's love of "wildlife and conservation," noting "he has this strength. Which is necessary when you're jumping on crocs."

Bindi previously relied on social media to share some loving thoughts about her dad, who was killed by a stingray while filming off the Great Barrier Reef in 2006 at age 44.

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"Together Forever," she captioned a photo of the entire Irwin family on Instagram.

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2019-07-24 13:21:36Z
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Taylor Swift's 'The Archer' is sparking a lot of speculation - CNN

The track is called "The Archer" and it's the fifth song on her new album, "Lover."

In an Instagram Live Session before the song dropped, Swift said, "There's a lot that's covered emotionally [on this album] and I really wanted to give you track five before the album came out."

"Track 5 is kind of a tradition that really started with you guys because, I didn't realize that I was doing this, but as I was making albums, I was instinctively putting very vulnerable, personal, honest, emotional songs as track 5," she added.

So, what's it about?

Some theories being bounced around:

Maybe it's a sequel to her song, "Delicate," from her sixth album, "Reputation,' on which she sings, "Any promises now, can we, babe? But you can make me a drink Dive bar on the East Side, where you at?"

Some are saying Swift is referencing Archer, a dive bar on London's East Side.

Others say it's about her boyfriend Joe Alwyn.

She sings, "I've been the archer, I've been the prey, screaming, who could ever leave me, darling, but who could stay?"

There's also some who suggest Swift is hinting at a falling out her friend Karlie Kloss -- or others in her circle -- with this lyric: "All the king's horses, all the king's men, couldn't put me together again, 'cause all of my enemies started out friends."

Swift identifies as both "the archer" and "the prey," in the tune. She sings she's "ready for combat," compares herself to a ghost in a house on fire, and tells the song's subject to stay with her so she doesn't die alone. (There's so much to dissect.)

The song was produced by Jack Antonoff.

"The Archer" will land in spot number five when "Lover" officially hits stores on August 23.

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2019-07-24 13:07:00Z
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Meek Mill launches new record label with Jay-Z's Roc Nation - Yahoo News

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Music Jay Z and Meek Mill

Jay-Z, left, and Meek Mill make an announcement of the launch of Dream Chasers record label in joint venture with Roc Nation, at the Roc Nation headquarters on Tuesday, July 23, 2019, in New York. (Photo by Greg Allen/Invision/AP)

NEW YORK (AP) — Meek Mill is in a Jay-Z state of mind: The Philadelphia rapper-turned-entrepreneur is launching a new record label in a joint venture with Jay-Z's Roc Nation.

The two hip-hop players celebrated the launch of Dream Chasers Records on Tuesday at the Roc Nation headquarters in New York City, signing contracts at a small press conference and popping champagne to celebrate the partnership.

"Of course I had offers to do a lot of business with other people, but the relationship we've built from (Roc Nation) believing in me through my whole career, through my ups and downs and the morals they showed to me and my team when it wasn't in their best interest to have showed it — I feel comfortable going through this right here at home," Mill said. "We're ready to work. We're just starting the beginning of a new chapter, a new page."

Mill, 32, will lead Dream Chasers as president, overseeing the label and its staff.

Mill built a strong fan base and buzz in Philadelphia with a string of mixtapes, and reached the mainstream when he topped the charts with his major-label debut in 2012. He's released two platinum albums and two gold records and reached the Top 25 of the pop charts with songs like "Going Bad" and "All Eyes on You." He even beat out Drake, Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre to win top rap album at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards.

Jay-Z, hip-hop's ultimate businessman, said he and Mill not only bonded musically, but in other areas.

"His integrity, his honesty, his sense of responsibility," Jay-Z rattled on about Mill. "Everything that he's done leading up to this point, it showed that he can carry that weight for the next generation of people. Everybody can sign some artists, make some money and brag about how hot they are for ... (but) for us, we look at the big picture. For us, it's way beyond signing hot artists and having a hot record."

Jay-Z, Mill and others joined forces earlier this year to form a coalition that lobbies for changes to state probation and parole laws, called the Reform Alliance. Mill became a symbol for criminal justice reform activists after a judge in Pennsylvania sentenced him to two to four years in prison for minor violations of his probation conditions in a decade-old gun and drug possession case. He spent months in prison before a court ordered him released.

"We come from the same neighborhoods, been through the same things," said Jay-Z, who grew up in the Marcy Projects complex in Brooklyn. "We're some of the few that made it through ... (and) that responsibility is not lost on us. We haven't made it to this point just to be like, 'Let's just irresponsibly live our life.' We had fun, don't get me wrong. It's fun too, but there's a responsibility that we carry for the entire culture."

Mill added: "Me coming out of prison this time, I signed up for a bigger responsibility. I always felt like I had a responsibility to lead the culture as much as I can. I always say Jay-Z and others that came before me was like a snowplow for people like myself. They made it easier to walk through the snowstorm. I want to continue to be a snowplow for the next generation coming behind me."

For his new label, Mill said he hopes to sign hard-working artists looking to move the needle, "not a social media success for the weekend or for the month."

The rapper will launch his Legendary Nights Tour on Aug. 28 with Future and will release a five-episode documentary series on Aug. 9 on Amazon Prime Video called "Free Meek," which follows his fight for exoneration in his legal case and his work with the Reform Alliance.

Mill recently announced he's now a co-owner of sports-apparel retailer Lids, and will lead the company's creative strategy and release a limited-edition collection of hats.

Jay-Z said Mill will be a success in whatever he tries.

"I know he can make music. We've seen that. We've heard the music. I think he cannot only make music, he can make stars. Not only can he make stars, he can make film. He can do anything he wants," he said.

"What we lacked for so long was opportunity," Jay-Z continued. "We've never had this sort of power. We never had someone come before us and then come back and show us, 'Yo, this is how it's done. These are the mistakes that I made.' We've never had it. It just hadn't existed. Hip-hop is 40 years old (and) we've just now gotten to the point where we can really affect change and the music and the culture that we create. We've been giving it away for so long, which is understandable, we got to start somewhere. Got to clean the floors up before you own the building — but we don't shine shoes anymore."

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2019-07-24 12:07:00Z
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Camille Grammer Suffers Wardrobe Malfunction On ‘RHOBH’: Dress Falls Off During Reunion - Hollywood Life

Have you ever been so mad, you accidentally ripped off your dress? Camille Grammer did just that as she stormed off the ‘RHOBH’ reunion, right after accusing Andy Cohen and her co-stars of creating ‘a setup.’

Camille Grammer, 50, couldn’t even wait until reaching the dressing room to tear off her mic — and her dress along with it — during the Season 9 reunion of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Before Camille gave Bravo viewers a sneak peek at her underwear [AS YOU CAN WATCH HERE], she felt especially cornered by her co-stars as part two of the reunion reached an emotional climax on July 23. For a brief recap, Camille claimed that she only invited the cast to her Hawaii wedding in Oct. 2018 because of “production,” called Dorit Kemsley the “phoniest person” she’s ever met, and accused her co-stars of wanting her to jump on the Lisa Vanderpump “hate train.” While the ladies defended themselves, Denise Richards, 48, wanted to know why Camille was so ticked off.

“Camille, what’s wrong with you? Honest to god, you need to go take a second because this is not good,” Denise told Camille. Andy Cohen then referenced Camille’s gossipy lunch with Denise from earlier in the season, as he asked Denise, “When you were sitting there at lunch with Camille and she was trash talking everyone, what was going through your mind?” Denise began to say she was “really uncomfortable” during her one-on-one lunch with Camille, but she couldn’t finish that thought.

“This is truly a setup,” Camille said, repeating, “This is truly a setup. I’m done.” And with that, Camille left the couch and attempted to yank off her mic, an effort that undid her dress’s zipper as well. The wardrobe malfunction didn’t faze Camille as she proceeded to march through the cameras backstage, dress falling, to the bewilderment of everyone. While Andy wanted to know what exactly was “the setup,” Denise calmly remarked, “She’s f***ing nuts.”

Camille provided viewers with her own commentary during her diva moment — you know, since the dress came off instead of the mic. “[Denise] did say that she cursed at her kids…she did say that…I’m not going through that bulls**t” with them,” Camille muttered, after Denise denied that she revealed to Camille that she curses at her daughters Sam, 15, Lola Rose, 14, and Eloise Joni, 8. Finally, Camille reached the dressing room where a production member saved the wardrobe malfunction from escalating even further. “Take this off. I’m leaving. Nasty b**ches,” Camille said, and that’s a wrap on part two of the reunion!

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2019-07-24 04:39:00Z
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Tarantino Scored a Rare Deal With 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' - Hollywood Reporter

MOVIES

6:15 AM PDT 7/23/2019 by Tatiana Siegel, Borys Kit

By acquiring the copyright to his latest release, the filmmaker joins a rarefied group of helmers that includes George  Lucas and Mel  Gibson.

In November 2017, the auction for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Quentin Tarantino’s latest project, came down to two studios, Warner Bros. and Sony.

Both were ready to cover the hefty budget of $95 million. Both were willing to give the acclaimed filmmaker a significant cut of the back-end proceeds. And both acquiesced to him having final cut.

But when it came to ceding copyright control of the movie to the filmmaker, only Sony, then eager to build out a winning slate, was willing to do it.  

With that line item, Sony won the right to finance and distribute what is now one of the buzziest movies of the year, and Tarantino became one of the few filmmakers to enjoy a rare and unique perk.

Sources say Quentin Tarantino's deal for Once Upon a Time gives him full ownership of the underlying copyright after 30 years in a complex schedule that shifts ownership from studio to filmmaker over that period. (Several sources say the timetable is a much shorter 20 years, with one source saying it's 10 years.) That puts the Oscar winner among a tiny pool of directors who have negotiated ownership stakes in their films, including George Lucas, Mel Gibson, Peter Jackson, and Richard Linklater.

Some directors who have managed this feat did so because they put up the film's budget, like Gibson, who reaped hundreds of millions of dollars from his self-financed The Passion of the Christ. Others took a gamble on either time or their upfront payday. Linklater negotiated for the copyright to his coming-of-age drama Boyhood, which was made during the course of 12 years. Peter Jackson owns the underlying rights to District 9, whose development he funded and whose independent sales deals allowed ownership retention. ((The filmmaker also owns his early indie horrors such as Bad Taste and Heavenly Creatures.) And Lucas morphed into a billionaire mogul by taking a smaller fee on the original Star Wars and keeping ownership of merchandising, licensing and sequels.

By contrast, top box office earners like James Cameron and Christopher Nolan aren't part of the copyright club, which allows a director to share in each part of the revenue stream and eventually sell his or her stake to a library. Many directors still are paid for a film's post-theatrical life on a less-advantageous royalties basis.

Tarantino didn't have to gamble money or an inordinate amount of time to earn the copyright to Once Upon a Time, whose budget came in at $90 million after the project qualified for a California tax credit. But he did create an entire media world surrounding DiCaprio's character. So if Tarantino wants to make a Bounty Law TV show (a fictitious series in Once Upon a Time), Sony won't own it, Tarantino will. However, Sony retains the right to be involved in a Once Upon a Time sequel or prequel.

Insiders say Tarantino asked for the copyright since he had already secured similar terms for his movies made under Harvey Weinstein, first at Miramax and later at The Weinstein Co. Sources with knowledge of those deals say copyright on his movies converted after 20 years. Still, the filmmaker now becomes a unicorn among Hollywood directors given that the Once Upon a Time deal was inked with one of the major studios as opposed to an independent.

When it came to Taratino's terms in the 2017 auction, Warner Bros. drew a line in the proverbial sand at the copyright demand, fearing that it would set a precedent.

"Warner Bros. couldn't do that," says a source familiar with the deal, "because then they would have to give Christopher Nolan that same deal."

A version of this story first appeared in the July 19 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.

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2019-07-23 13:15:00Z
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