Cuba Gooding Jr. Touches Accuser's Butt on Security Vid, But No Clear 'Pinch' - TMZ

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TMZ.com

Cuba Gooding Jr. definitely made contact with the backside of a TAO nightclub server -- that's clear in this surveillance video, but it could still be key in helping the actor beat the charges.

TMZ's obtained security footage of the alleged butt-touching incident that got Gooding indicted on 2 of the 6 counts he's facing. Natasha Ashworth claims he used his right hand to pinch her right buttock as he was walking past her at TAO in NYC ... around 4:20 AM on Oct. 24, 2018.

Two camera angles back up much of Ashworth's account of what went down. After the initial contact, you can see she's agitated and there's a heated convo. She claims she told Gooding not to touch her butt, and he replied, "Aw, that's no fun, and I didn't, I touched your back."

The video shows Cuba attempting to point out where he claims he touched her. However, as prosecutors said in the indictment ... you see Natasha grab his arm and motion him away.

What's NOT clear from the video is what kind of contact Gooding made with Natasha's backside -- a glancing touch, a pat or the "pinch" she and prosecutors allege. That could help the Oscar winner if this goes before a jury, where prosecutors would have to prove the allegation beyond a reasonable doubt.

On the other hand, Gooding is charged with sexual abuse in the third degree and forcible touching -- and a jury could see the contact constituting the latter.

His attorney, Mark Jay Heller tells us, "This is a bogus butt grope claim. The video proves Cuba is innocent beyond a reasonable doubt."

Gooding will be in a Manhattan courtroom Thursday to be arraigned on counts 5 and 6 -- related to a separate accuser.

JUNE 2019

TMZ.com

TMZ broke the story, there's also security footage of the rooftop bar incident from this past June which resulted in the initial indictment. You'll recall, that accuser claims Gooding touched her breast.

He's pleading not guilty to all 6 counts.

As we first reported ... Ashworth is also suing Gooding Jr. for assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Her attorney, Joshua Kleiman, declined to comment on the surveillance video.

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2019-10-31 08:46:53Z
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Cuba Gooding Jr. Touches Accuser's Butt on Security Vid, But No Clear 'Pinch' - TMZ

Exclusive

TMZ.com

Cuba Gooding Jr. definitely made contact with the backside of a TAO nightclub server -- that's clear in this surveillance video, but it could still be key in helping the actor beat the charges.

TMZ's obtained security footage of the alleged butt-touching incident that got Gooding indicted on 2 of the 6 counts he's facing. Natasha Ashworth claims he used his right hand to pinch her right buttock as he was walking past her at TAO in NYC ... around 4:20 AM on Oct. 24, 2018.

Two camera angles back up much of Ashworth's account of what went down. After the initial contact, you can see she's agitated and there's a heated convo. She claims she told Gooding not to touch her butt, and he replied, "Aw, that's no fun, and I didn't, I touched your back."

The video shows Cuba attempting to point out where he claims he touched her. However, as prosecutors said in the indictment ... you see Natasha grab his arm and motion him away.

What's NOT clear from the video is what kind of contact Gooding made with Natasha's backside -- a glancing touch, a pat or the "pinch" she and prosecutors allege. That could help the Oscar winner if this goes before a jury, where prosecutors would have to prove the allegation beyond a reasonable doubt.

On the other hand, Gooding is charged with sexual abuse in the third degree and forcible touching -- and a jury could see the contact constituting the latter.

His attorney, Mark Jay Heller tells us, "This is a bogus butt grope claim. The video proves Cuba is innocent beyond a reasonable doubt."

Gooding will be in a Manhattan courtroom Thursday to be arraigned on counts 5 and 6 -- related to a separate accuser.

JUNE 2019

TMZ.com

TMZ broke the story, there's also security footage of the rooftop bar incident from this past June which resulted in the initial indictment. You'll recall, that accuser claims Gooding touched her breast.

He's pleading not guilty to all 6 counts.

As we first reported ... Ashworth is also suing Gooding Jr. for assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Her attorney, Joshua Kleiman, declined to comment on the surveillance video.

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https://www.tmz.com/2019/10/31/cuba-gooding-jr-alleged-butt-pinch-video-sexual-misconduct/

2019-10-31 08:34:58Z
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Kevin Hart posts an emotional video about his car crash. 'I see things differently,' the comedian says - CNN

The comedic superstar posted the nearly 2-minute video overnight Tuesday on his official Instagram account.

"Basically, what you realize is that you're not in control," Hart says in a voice-over as the video begins. "No matter how much you think you're in control, you're not in control. At the end of the day, it can all be over, man."

Hart, 40, was one of three people involved in a one-car crash on September 1 in Calabasas, California. Hart and the driver, Jared Black, sustained back injuries. Black's reckless driving caused the crash in Hart's 1970 Plymouth Barracuda, the California Highway Patrol determined.

"My world forever changed" as a result of the crash, Hart notes in his video, which includes footage of him in the hospital, struggling with rehabilitation and at home.

"You know when God talks, you gotta listen," Hart says. "I swear, life is funny. Because some of the craziest things that happen to you end up being the things that you needed most. And in this case, I honestly feel like God basically told me to sit down."

Hart goes on to talk about how people sometimes miss what they're supposed to prioritize when they move through life too quickly.

"After my accident, I see things differently," he says over video that includes footage of him at home with his three children. "I see life from a whole new perspective. My appreciation for life is through the roof."

Hart expresses his gratitude for his fans and God and includes footage of his doctor discussing with him how his recovery will take a year.

The actor ends his video by looking ahead.

"I'm thankful for simply still being here, on the road to being a bigger and better version of me," Hart says. "I'm looking forward to an amazing 2020."

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https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/30/entertainment/kevin-hart-crash-video/index.html

2019-10-30 12:11:49Z
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'House of the Dragon': HBO confirms 10 episodes of 'Game of Thrones' prequel - CNBC

Daenerys from Game of Thrones.

Source: HBO

HBO has confirmed details of a new "Game of Thrones" prequel called "House of the Dragon."

The cable network announced Tuesday that it has ordered 10 episodes of the spinoff series based on George R. R. Martin's companion book "Fire & Blood."

Taking place 300 years before the events of "Game of Thrones," the series will depict the stories of the Targaryen kings who had long ruled Westeros.

Miguel Sapochnik and Ryan Condal will partner as showrunners, according to the premium cable channel, with both also poised to work as executive producers alongside Martin and Vince Gerardis.

"The 'Game of Thrones' universe is so rich with stories," Casey Bloys, president of HBO programming, said in a statement.

"We look forward to exploring the origins of House Targaryen and the earlier days of Westeros along with Miguel, Ryan and George."

Sapochnik, who directed six episodes of the flagship show — including "Battle of the Bastards," which is IMDB's highest-rated episode — will direct the "House of the Dragon" pilot.

The announcement comes shortly after reports emerged on Tuesday that the cable network had scrapped another spinoff series of "Game of Thrones."

A much-anticipated prequel starring Naomi Watts was reportedly axed after HBO opted not to commission a full series.

HBO has always been known for its heavily curated content. Shows like "Vinyl" and "Hung" were canceled because they were not as strongly received by viewers as other shows, despite millions of dollars' worth of investment and critical acclaim.

The premium cable service has put much of its production power behind new shows like "Watchmen," which debuted earlier this month to favorable reviews, as well as new seasons of "Westworld," "Barry" and "Last Week Tonight."

— CNBC's Sarah Whitten contributed to this report.

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2019-10-30 11:35:58Z
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Kevin Hart posts an emotional video about his car crash. 'I see things differently,' the comedian says - CNN

The comedic superstar posted the nearly 2-minute video overnight Tuesday on his official Instagram account.

"Basically, what you realize is that you're not in control," Hart says in a voice-over as the video begins. "No matter how much you think you're in control, you're not in control. At the end of the day, it can all be over, man."

Hart, 40, was one of three people involved in a one-car crash on September 1 in Calabasas, California. Hart and the driver, Jared Black, sustained back injuries. Black's reckless driving caused the crash in Hart's 1970 Plymouth Barracuda, the California Highway Patrol determined.

"My world forever changed" as a result of the crash, Hart notes in his video, which includes footage of him in the hospital, struggling with rehabilitation and at home.

"You know when God talks, you gotta listen," Hart says. "I swear, life is funny. Because some of the craziest things that happen to you end up being the things that you needed most. And in this case, I honestly feel like God basically told me to sit down."

Hart goes on to talk about how people sometimes miss what they're supposed to prioritize when they move through life too quickly.

"After my accident, I see things differently," he says over video that includes footage of him at home with his three children. "I see life from a whole new perspective. My appreciation for life is through the roof."

Hart expresses his gratitude for his fans and God and includes footage of his doctor discussing with him how his recovery will take a year.

The actor ends his video by looking ahead.

"I'm thankful for simply still being here, on the road to being a bigger and better version of me," Hart says. "I'm looking forward to an amazing 2020."

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https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/30/entertainment/kevin-hart-crash-video/index.html

2019-10-30 11:33:31Z
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John Witherspoon, comedian and actor in 'Friday' films, dies at 77 - Fox News

Actor and comedian John Witherspoon, who is best known for his role as Ice Cube’s father in the “Friday” films, has died at age 77, his family said in a statement Tuesday.

His manager Alex Goodman told The Associated Press that Witherspoon died in his Los Angeles home late Tuesday. No cause of death was released. The family said in a statement to Deadline that Witherspoon, who was born Jan. 27, 1942, is survived by his wife, Angela, and sons JD and Alexander and a large extended family.

ICE CUBE EXPLAINS WHY LAMAR ODOM, OTHER EX-NBA PLAYERS WERE REMOVED FROM BIG3

“We are all in shock, please give us a minute for a moment in privacy and we will celebrate his life and his work together. John used to say ‘I’m no big deal’, but he was huge deal to us,” the statement said. The family also announced Witherspoon's death in a tweet from his official Twitter account early Wednesday.

“He was a Legend in the entertainment industry, and a father figure to all who watched him over the years. We love you “POPS” always & forever,” they said.

Witherspoon began his career appearing in 1970s TV shows, such as "Barnaby Jones" and "The Richard Pryor Show," NPR reported. He also performed on "The Wayans Bros." television series and voiced the grandfather in "The Boondocks" animated series.

His most recognizable role was "Pops," Ice Cube's father in the stoner comedy "Friday" and its two sequels. He played a crude but affectionate father trying to guide his son to be better. Witherspoon’s film roles also included "Vampire in Brooklyn" and "Boomerang," and he was a frequent guest on "Late Show with David Letterman."

“I’m devastated over the passing of John Witherspoon. Life won’t be as funny without him,” Ice Cube said on Twitter late Tuesday.

Regina King, who appeared as Witherspoon's daughter in "Friday" and also voiced both of his grandsons in "The Boondocks," called him her "comedic inspiration" on Twitter.

“My dad, my grandpa, my comedic inspiration! I love you Spoons! Rest In Paradise, King,” she wrote early Wednesday.

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JD Witherspoon, the actor’s son, tweeted that he was happy for all the great times he and his dad had together.

"We'd roast each other like homies more than Father & Son, and I really liked that. He was my best friend & my idol," JD Witherspoon posted. "Love U Dad...I'll miss u."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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2019-10-30 09:51:46Z
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John Witherspoon, comedian and actor who starred in 'Friday,' has died at 77 - CNN

"It is with deepest sorrow that we can confirm our beloved husband and father, John Witherspoon, one of the hardest working men in show business, died today at his home in Sherman Oaks at the age of 77," his family said in a statement.

Witherspoon is survived by his wife, two sons and "a large family," the statement said.

"We are all in shock, please give us a minute for a moment in privacy and we will celebrate his life and his work together. John used to say 'I'm no big deal,' but he was huge deal to us."

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Witherspoon kicked off his career as a stand-up comedian and made his television debut in the 1970s, appearing in shows including the detective series "Barnaby Jones."

He was, arguably, best known for playing Ice Cube's dad in the "Friday," film series. The 1995 comedy and its sequels, "Next Friday" and "Friday After Next," chronicle the trials of a man as he tries to make it through the day.

"I'm devastated over the passing of John Witherspoon," Ice Cube wrote on Twitter. "Life won't be as funny without him."

Witherspoon also played dad, John "Pops" Williams, to the title characters on the sitcom "The Wayans Bros." and he was "Spoon" on NBC's "The Tracy Morgan Show." The actor also had roles in the movies "Boomerang" and "Vampire in Brooklyn," both of which starred Eddie Murphy.

"I'm sad. Broken. Hurt... yet extremely grateful to God that I got to spend 5 years of my life working with one of the funniest sweetest wisest humblest loving men," Marlon Wayans wrote on Instagram, as a tribute to his TV dad. "Thank you God for the many many many laughs that we shared on and off the set."

"My dad, my grandpa, my comedic inspiration," actress Regina King wrote on Twitter Tuesday night. "I love you Spoons! Rest In Paradise, King."

The two worked together on "Friday" and the animated show "The Boondocks," which aired from 2005 through 2014 and offered a satirical take on African American culture and politics.

Witherspoon voiced "granddad," one of the foul-mouthed Freemans in the show.

He had recently hinted on the "Joe Rogan Experience" podcast that he might return to the role after Sony Pictures Animation announced plans to bring the series back.

Actress Marsha Warfield also paid tribute to the comic.

"I'm so sorry to hear this," she said. "To me, Spoon was a friend, a brother, a funny, talented comedian and a good man."

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2019-10-30 09:09:17Z
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