Ellen Pompeo Says What Many People Are Thinking About Gabrielle Union's Exit From 'America's Got Talent' - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

The news of Gabrielle Union’s exit from America’s Got Talent was shocking on its own. But no one expected the reports that followed.

While sources initially made it seem as if her departure was merely another panel rotation, insiders have since claimed that Union was ousted from the show after speaking out about the work environment at AGT.

The news prompted a barrage of emotional reactions online, including one from Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo. In a series of tweets, Pompeo said what many people have been thinking about all of this.

(L-R) Ellen Pompeo and Gabrielle Union | Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images North America; Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

Inside Gabrielle Union’s departure from ‘America’s Got Talent’

On Nov. 22, news broke that Union, as well as Julianne Hough, would not return for the show’s 15th season. Both women had only been on the show for the 14th season, which ran from May to September 2019.

A day later, on Nov. 23, blog Love B Scott shared a report that offered more insight into Union’s exit. Sources told the website that Union’s departure came after she spoke out about “problematic” situations on the show.

Variety later reported that one of those situations involved a racial joke that Jay Leno allegedly made while guest-hosting the show. The remarks were ultimately edited out of the episode, which aired on Aug. 6.

Sources also told Variety that Union and Hough received “excessive notes” about their physical appearance during their time on the show. Executives allegedly told Union on multiple occasions that her hairstyles were “too black” for viewers.

In response to the report, NBC shared a statement that read:

“‘America’s Got Talent’ has a long history of inclusivity and diversity in both our talent and the acts championed by the show. The judging and host line-up has been regularly refreshed over the years and that is one of the reasons for AGT’s enduring popularity. NBC and the producers take any issues on set seriously.”

Twitter reacts to Gabrielle Union’s exit from ‘America’s Got Talent’

The news has sparked many conversations online about race, power, and influence. Pompeo is one of many who took to Twitter to react to Union’s exit, writing in a series of messages on Nov. 28:

“It’s unfortunate that @nbc the same network that protected disgusting men like Matt Lauer and punished women for speaking out or not putting up with it…has not changed their practices or culture. I support @itsgabrielleu commitment to speaking up to injustice. It takes courage” Pompeo started, referencing former Today show anchor Matt Lauer’s firing over sexual misconduct allegations.

In a follow-up tweet, Pompeo wrote that her message was specifically targeted at “white girls,” whom she asked to “stand with your sisters on the front lines.”

“This is a teaching moment..It’s important..white girls I’m talking to you..whether you truly understand what racial injustice is or not..that you stand with your sisters on the front lines. Don’t cut side deals & don’t not get involved because it isn’t your issue..because it is,” she continued.

“Workplace cultures will continue to be toxic until there is unity and solidarity among all women,” Pompeo added. “If you go for self in these moments you undermine the work we are out here trying to do. Obviously this network feels like they can operate like this and it’s okay.”

Gabrielle Union will be OK

Union has seen the outpouring of love and made it clear that she’ll bounce back from this.

“To all the friends and family that have my back and all the friends and family I’ve never met who show love and support when everyone is looking and when no one is looking…All praise, gratitude, and thankfulness,” she captioned a Nov. 28 photo of her husband, Dwyane Wade, and their blended family.

Though her days on AGT have ended, Union still has her acting career, a beautiful family, and thousands of supporters who have her back.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMikwFodHRwczovL3d3dy5jaGVhdHNoZWV0LmNvbS9lbnRlcnRhaW5tZW50L2VsbGVuLXBvbXBlby1zYXlzLXdoYXQtbWFueS1wZW9wbGUtYXJlLXRoaW5raW5nLWFib3V0LWdhYnJpZWxsZS11bmlvbnMtZXhpdC1mcm9tLWFtZXJpY2FzLWdvdC10YWxlbnQuaHRtbC_SAQA?oc=5

2019-11-30 16:29:24Z
52780453159873

Box Office: ‘Frozen 2’ Has Finally Become A Breakout Sequel - Forbes

Idina Menzel in Frozen II (2019)

Walt Disney

Frozen II, starring Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad, topped the Black Friday box office with a whopping $34.031 million (-18% from Thursday), continuing to show that folks were indeed very excited for the animated sequel but (comparatively speaking) were willing to see it with the kids “at some point” over what was essentially a ten-day opening holiday frame. We saw that with Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (a $7.5 million opening day and a $195 million 14-day holiday sprint) in December of 2017, and with Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace in May of 1999 (a $105 million Wed-Sun debut and then a $66 million Fri-Mon Memorial Day weekend frame), and we may see something similar with Cats and The Rise of Skywalker next month.

The film now earned $236.354 million in North America, soon to best the unadjusted domestic earnings of every non-Pixar Disney toon save for Zootopia ($341 million in 2016), Frozen ($400 million in 2013/2014), The Lion King ($422 million, counting the 2011 reissue) and The Lion King ($543 million in 2019). Presuming the 36.3/63.7 domestic/overseas split from last weekend (when it opened with $130 million domestic and $228 million overseas) has held, Frozen II has earned around $651 million worldwide. So, yeah, it’ll probably pass $269 million domestic and $740 million worldwide by tonight. With a possible/likely $88.44 million Fri-Sun weekend (-32%) and $128.17 million, besting Catching Fire’s $73 million/$109 million Thanksgiving weekend haul, Frozen II will have around $292 million domestic (and around $800 million worldwide) by tomorrow night.

That will give it the 15th-biggest, sans inflation, ten-day total ever, above Finding Dory ($286 million toward a $486 million cume) and below Beauty and the Beast ($319 million/$504 million) and Incredibles 2 ($349 million/$608 million). As noted yesterday, it’s already Walt Disney Animation’s biggest-grossing theatrical sequel, ahead of Ralph Breaks the Internet ($529 million in 2018) and, uh, The Jungle Book 2 ($186 million in 2003), Peter Pan 2: Return to Neverland ($115 million in 2002), Fantasia 2000 ($90 million in 2000/2001) and Rescuers Down Under ($27 million). Unlike Pixar, Illumination or DreamWorks, Walt Disney Animation almost never makes theatrical sequels to their theatrical toons. Frozen II is a very rare thing by virtue of its existence, which only made it more unique within the marketplace.

They have, starting with The Return of Jafar in 1994, made plenty of direct-to-VHS or direct-to-DVD sequels to their animated theatricals. Both Jungle Book 2 and Return to Neverland originally began life as direct-to-DVD titles. For that matter, so too did, once upon a time, Pixar’s Toy Story 2 which was initially a home video release before they overhauled the film and made something worthy of wide theatrical release. You could say that decision was a game changer but, let’s be honest, it’s not like DreamWorks wasn’t going to make Shrek 2 after Shrek earned $484 million in the summer of 2001. And, yes, Frozen is one of the few recent Walt Disney Animation flicks that was huge/popular enough that it merited a theatrical sequel.

Since Frozen was not created as a franchise-starter, it has an advantage over many of the disappointing sequels we’ve seen of late. It only exists because of consumer demand, not because the studio wants to milk a once-successful IP or because certain filmmakers want to roll the dice again with their favorite franchise. The core appeal of Frozen was the character chemistry of Kristen Bell’s Anna and Idina Menzel’s Elsa, and the buzzy songs, so the film merely had to deliver that to please the fans and the crowds. While, I may take issues with the story/plot, the sequel works on a character-driven/emotional level, which is arguably more important if you must triage. In this sense, Frozen II = The Force Awakens (which I just rewatched two nights ago).

After Wonder Woman 1984 and No Time to Die vacated for early 2020, Disney moved Frozen II to November 22. That was the launching pad for three (out of eight) Harry Potter films (Chamber of Secrets opened two weeks before Thanksgiving), all three Hunger Games sequels, four out of five Twilight movies and (thus far) the first two Fantastic Beasts flicks. We’d usually have the big fantasy launching on the pre-Thanksgiving frame and then a big (usually Disney) toon debuting over Thanksgiving. Frozen II became the big YA fantasy/adventure blockbuster AND the seasonal animated biggie of the moment, essentially canceling out its own competition. That Terminator: Dark Fate and Charlie’s Angels bombed also made Frozen II the only game in town for big-scale, female-led action/fantasy blockbuster thrills.

Frozen II is this year’s Hunger Games/Twilight/Harry Potter, the family-friendly Grinch (from 2000) and the court-appointed Disney toon (Moana, Coco, etc.) all wrapped up into one appealing package. It’s not unlike how Joker ended up playing the role in October/November of the big horror movie, the big adult-skewing prestige flick and the big franchise/comic book movie all in one. Canny scheduling and good fortune left Frozen II as the event film of the movie for nearly all demographics. So, it took a week, but I would argue that Frozen II is indeed a “breakout sequel,” with a ten-day wide release cume far surpassing the first Frozen’s $134 million “end of second weekend of wide release (Frozen opened at the El Capitan one weekend before it went wide) total.

Frozen’s second wide release weekend was in early December, but that was part of Disney’s diabolical plan. And even if it drops dead after Sunday, think The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part I ($281 million total after a $220 million ten-day cume), well, we’re still talking about a toon that’ll earn well over $373 million domestic and (unless it crashes even harder overseas) over $1 billion worldwide. If the Twilight Saga sequels are the doom-n-gloom scenario, then The Grinch (1.87x its $137 million ten-day cume for a $260 million total) is the pie-in-the-sky scenario, one that would give Frozen II a $554 million domestic finish. Even post-Thanksgiving legs between Justice League (1.33x) and the first Twilight (1.6x) still gets Frozen II between $388 million and $469 million domestic.

Frozen II snagged the third-biggest animated opening of all time and will snag the biggest non-opening weekend ever for a toon, ahead of Incredibles 2’s $80 million second-weekend gross (from a $183 million debut). Frozen has the record for the biggest Thanksgiving debut ($67 million Fri-Sun/$93 million Wed-Sun), but now, as of tomorrow, Frozen II will best Catching Fire’s second weekend gross to snag the biggest Thanksgiving Fri-Sun and Wed-Sun gross ever. Even if it drops dead after Thanksgiving, and it might not since it’s the only “big” game in town until Jumanji: The Next Level on December 13, it’ll near $400 million domestic and probably cross $1 billion worldwide. Frozen II is a breakout sequel, even if it (to paraphrase the Dixie Chicks) took the long way around.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiqwFodHRwczovL3d3dy5mb3JiZXMuY29tL3NpdGVzL3Njb3R0bWVuZGVsc29uLzIwMTkvMTEvMzAvZnJpZGF5LWJveC1vZmZpY2Utd2FsdC1kaXNuZXktZnJvemVuLWlpLXN0YXJyaW5nLWtyaXN0ZW4tYmVsbC1hbmQtaWRpbmEtbWVuemVsLWhhcy1maW5hbGx5LWJlY29tZS1hLWJyZWFrb3V0LXNlcXVlbC_SAa8BaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZm9yYmVzLmNvbS9zaXRlcy9zY290dG1lbmRlbHNvbi8yMDE5LzExLzMwL2ZyaWRheS1ib3gtb2ZmaWNlLXdhbHQtZGlzbmV5LWZyb3plbi1paS1zdGFycmluZy1rcmlzdGVuLWJlbGwtYW5kLWlkaW5hLW1lbnplbC1oYXMtZmluYWxseS1iZWNvbWUtYS1icmVha291dC1zZXF1ZWwvYW1wLw?oc=5

2019-11-30 16:00:17Z
52780452915323

Caitlyn Jenner claims Kylie Jenner spends 'between $300,000 and $400,000 a month' on private security - Fox News

The Kardashian-Jenner family takes their safety very seriously.

The mega-popular reality TV family has faced issues in the past with stalkers and robbers, so now they travel everywhere with private security, according to Caitlyn Jenner.

During an episode of the British reality TV show, "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!" the Olympian who was married to matriarch Kris Jenner admitted that her youngest daughter, Kylie Jenner, spends hundreds of thousands of dollars on bodyguards.

CAITLYN JENNER JOINS BRITISH REALITY SHOW 'I'M A CELEBRITY... GET ME OUT OF HERE'

“I bet you Kylie will spend anywhere between [$300,000] and $400,000 a month,” she revealed. “A ton of money.”

Jenner added that “it’s sad” her daughters (she also shares 24-year-old Kendall Jenner with Kris) have grown up needing protection.

“They’re used to it. They’ve been doing it forever,” she said. “They like the security guys there.”

Jenner also opened up about her estranged relationship with stepdaughter Khloe Kardashian and how coming out about her transition affected her kids.

BRODY JENNER THROWS SHADE ON CAITLYN: I DON'T EXPECT MUCH FROM HER

"The first was the kids. I started with Brandon, my son, and he said to me: 'Dad, I’ve always been so proud to be your son but I’ve never been more proud of you than right now'," Jenner explained.

"I went through every kid and Khloe for some reason was p***ed off about something through this whole process, it’s been five or six years and I really haven’t talked to her since."

CAITLYN JENNER SAYS SHE HASN'T SPOKEN TO KHLOE KARDASHIAN IN 'FIVE OR SIX YEARS'

Jenner and Kris split in 2014, one year before she publicly came out as a transgender woman. They were married for over 20 years.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiQmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZveG5ld3MuY29tL2VudGVydGFpbm1lbnQva3lsaWUtamVubmVyLXNlY3VyaXR5LWJ1ZGdldNIBRmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZveG5ld3MuY29tL2VudGVydGFpbm1lbnQva3lsaWUtamVubmVyLXNlY3VyaXR5LWJ1ZGdldC5hbXA?oc=5

2019-11-30 15:35:58Z
52780451509806

Gabrielle Union Posts Sweet Picture with Dwyane Wade and Writes About Support After 'America's Got Talent' Firing - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

The aftermath of season 14 of America’s Got Talent is leading to a lot of talk about NBC. That’s because Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough won’t be back for another season.

There is a report that Union was fired after speaking out against racism. Many have thrown their support behind her. Look at the sweet picture she posted with husband, Dwyane Wade and what she wrote about support after her firing.

Gabrielle Union was reportedly fired from ‘America’s Got Talent’ for speaking out against racism

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade on ‘America’s Got Talent’ | Trae Patton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images

Union and Hough won’t be returning to judge another season of the variety show. Details were later released as to possible reasons why they weren’t asked back.

Variety reported that Jay Leno told a joke about a portrait of Simon Cowell surrounded by dogs. He reportedly said the dogs looked like they would be “on the menu at a Korean restaurant.” Union reportedly pressed for producers to report the incident to human resources but it wasn’t brought to the department.

There was another claim that Union and Hough’s appearances were often criticized while filming. Sources claimed Union’s hair was considered “too Black” for the show’s audience. Hough later responded to this report by saying she had a “wonderful time” doing the show and revealed she has two specials that will later air on NBC.

Dwyane Wade later tweeted his support for her

Dwyane Wade appeared on the season with his wife. He shared his support for her after the reports were released.

He tweeted on Nov. 27, “‘Men lie, Women lie, numbers don’t’ Over this past year I’ve been approached by many people saying that my wife @itsgabrielleu is the main reason they’ve started watching #AGT or that they love her insight and sincerity on the show.”

The NBA player then tweeted, “So when i [sic] got the news that my wife was being fired—my first question was obviously why!? Iam [sic] still waiting on a good answer to that question. But if anyone knows @itsgabrielleu or have heard of her you know she’s an advocate for our community and culture.”

Wade then added, “As proud as i [sic] were [sic] of her being selected as a judge on #AGT— Iam [sic] even more proud of her standing up for what she stands for and that’s US.”

He ended the thread with, “So [drinks emoji] to you @itsgabrielleu on not losing sight of the lessons we’ve talked about teaching our daughter and for kicking a** while you were on that platform. Number 1 judge on one of the biggest shows in the world.”

She posted a picture with Wade and wrote about support

The actress posted a picture of Wade kissing her forehead on Instagram on Nov. 29. She captioned it with, “Lord, you KNOW I’m tryin… whew and breathe. Support is everything.  @dwyanewade.”

Some celebrities showed their support in the comments. Teyana Taylor commented with, “Love u legend.” Olivia Munn commented with multiple heart emojis. Tina Lawsone wrote, “Sending you love and support.”

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMinQFodHRwczovL3d3dy5jaGVhdHNoZWV0LmNvbS9lbnRlcnRhaW5tZW50L2dhYnJpZWxsZS11bmlvbi1wb3N0cy1zd2VldC1waWN0dXJlLXdpdGgtZHd5YW5lLXdhZGUtYW5kLXdyaXRlcy1hYm91dC1zdXBwb3J0LWFmdGVyLWFtZXJpY2FzLWdvdC10YWxlbnQtZmlyaW5nLmh0bWwv0gEA?oc=5

2019-11-30 02:49:48Z
52780449501601

Celebrities fire back after Gabrielle Union's controversial exit from 'America's Got Talent' - CNN

Union and fellow judge Julianne Hough will not return for the second season of "America's Got Talent: The Champions," which premieres January 6.

Variety published a report this week alleging Union had been fired after urging the show's producers to notify human resources about an incident involving a racist joke. It also said producers told her multiple times that her hairstyles on the show were "too black."

CNN has not independently confirmed these allegations and has reached out to reps for Union and "America's Got Talent" for comment.

Here's what other celebrities are saying about her exit:

Ellen Pompeo

The "Grey's Anatomy" star blasted the network in a series of tweets.

"Workplace cultures will continue to be toxic until there is unity and solidarity among all women. If you go for self in these moments you undermine the work we are out here trying to do. Obviously this network feels like they can operate like this and it's okay," she said. "... I support @itsgabrielleu commitment to speaking up to injustice. It takes courage."

Debra Messing

The "Will & Grace" star echoed Pompeo's sentiment.

"Thank you for this @EllenPompeo. This is disgusting behavior from a network that has been my professional home for decades," Messing tweeted. "Yes, women become 'difficult,' when their insistence on a respectful and professional working environment, is ignored. Addressing a hostile work environment is inconvenient when there is a huge money making machine that is involved."

Jameela Jamil

The actress, who stars on NBC's "The Good Place," said the show should bring Union back with a raise.

"I am lucky to work with really good people at @nbc and am sad and angry to know this has been going on in that same network. I stand with @itsgabrielleu," she said.

Ariana Grande

The singer's message was short and ended with a love heart emoji aimed at Union.

"Thank you for this @EllenPompeo. be better @nbc we're with you @itsgabrielleu," she said.

Julian Castro

The 2020 presidential hopeful also chimed in.

"Corporate America tells employees and consumers they take racism and sexism seriously. But often the person reporting the problem is hurt by management," Castro tweeted. "Kudos to @itsgabrielleu for having the courage to speak out. Still waiting for answers from @nbc."

Dwyane Wade

Union's husband said he still has questions about her exit from the show.

"... When i got the news that my wife was being fired — my first question was obviously why!? I am still waiting on a good answer to that question. But if anyone knows @itsgabrielleu or have heard of her you know she's an advocate for our community and culture. As proud as i were of her being selected as a judge on #AGT— I am even more proud of her standing up for what she stands for and that's US."

Other celebrities, including actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, also expressed their support.

Union thanked fans on social media -- but did not provide any details on her exit from the show.

"So many tears, so much gratitude," she wrote Thursday. "THANK YOU! Just when you feel lost, adrift, alone ... you got me up off the ground. Humbled and thankful, forever."

In a statement to People, a spokesperson for NBC and Fremantle said the network and the producers take any issues on set seriously.

"America's Got Talent has a long history of inclusivity and diversity in both our talent and the acts championed by the show. The judging and host line-up has been regularly refreshed over the years and that is one of the reasons for AGT's enduring popularity," it said.

CNN's Lisa France contributed to this report

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiYWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNubi5jb20vMjAxOS8xMS8yOS9lbnRlcnRhaW5tZW50L2dhYnJpZWxsZS11bmlvbi1hZ3QtZXhpdC1jZWxlYnJpdGllcy10cm5kL2luZGV4Lmh0bWzSAWVodHRwczovL2FtcC5jbm4uY29tL2Nubi8yMDE5LzExLzI5L2VudGVydGFpbm1lbnQvZ2FicmllbGxlLXVuaW9uLWFndC1leGl0LWNlbGVicml0aWVzLXRybmQvaW5kZXguaHRtbA?oc=5

2019-11-29 13:37:00Z
52780449501601

Celebrities fire back after Gabrielle Union's controversial exit from 'America's Got Talent' - CNN

Union and fellow judge Julianne Hough will not return for the second season of "America's Got Talent: The Champions," which premieres January 6.

Variety published a report this week alleging Union had been fired after urging the show's producers to notify human resources about an incident involving a racist joke. It also said producers told her multiple times that her hairstyles on the show were "too black."

CNN has not independently confirmed these allegations and has reached out to reps for Union and "America's Got Talent" for comment.

Here's what other celebrities are saying about her exit:

Ellen Pompeo

The "Grey's Anatomy" star blasted the network in a series of tweets.

"Workplace cultures will continue to be toxic until there is unity and solidarity among all women. If you go for self in these moments you undermine the work we are out here trying to do. Obviously this network feels like they can operate like this and it's okay," she said. "... I support @itsgabrielleu commitment to speaking up to injustice. It takes courage."

Debra Messing

The "Will & Grace" star echoed Pompeo's sentiment.

"Thank you for this @EllenPompeo. This is disgusting behavior from a network that has been my professional home for decades," Messing tweeted. "Yes, women become 'difficult,' when their insistence on a respectful and professional working environment, is ignored. Addressing a hostile work environment is inconvenient when there is a huge money making machine that is involved."

Jameela Jamil

The actress, who stars on NBC's "The Good Place," said the show should bring Union back with a raise.

"I am lucky to work with really good people at @nbc and am sad and angry to know this has been going on in that same network. I stand with @itsgabrielleu," she said.

Ariana Grande

The singer's message was short and ended with a love heart emoji aimed at Union.

"Thank you for this @EllenPompeo. be better @nbc we're with you @itsgabrielleu," she said.

Julian Castro

The 2020 presidential hopeful also chimed in.

"Corporate America tells employees and consumers they take racism and sexism seriously. But often the person reporting the problem is hurt by management," Castro tweeted. "Kudos to @itsgabrielleu for having the courage to speak out. Still waiting for answers from @nbc."

Dwyane Wade

Union's husband said he still has questions about her exit from the show.

"... When i got the news that my wife was being fired — my first question was obviously why!? I am still waiting on a good answer to that question. But if anyone knows @itsgabrielleu or have heard of her you know she's an advocate for our community and culture. As proud as i were of her being selected as a judge on #AGT— I am even more proud of her standing up for what she stands for and that's US."

Other celebrities, including actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, also expressed their support.

Union thanked fans on social media -- but did not provide any details on her exit from the show.

"So many tears, so much gratitude," she wrote Thursday. "THANK YOU! Just when you feel lost, adrift, alone ... you got me up off the ground. Humbled and thankful, forever."

In a statement to People, a spokesperson for NBC and Fremantle said the network and the producers take any issues on set seriously.

"America's Got Talent has a long history of inclusivity and diversity in both our talent and the acts championed by the show. The judging and host line-up has been regularly refreshed over the years and that is one of the reasons for AGT's enduring popularity," it said.

CNN's Lisa France contributed to this report

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiYWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNubi5jb20vMjAxOS8xMS8yOS9lbnRlcnRhaW5tZW50L2dhYnJpZWxsZS11bmlvbi1hZ3QtZXhpdC1jZWxlYnJpdGllcy10cm5kL2luZGV4Lmh0bWzSAWVodHRwczovL2FtcC5jbm4uY29tL2Nubi8yMDE5LzExLzI5L2VudGVydGFpbm1lbnQvZ2FicmllbGxlLXVuaW9uLWFndC1leGl0LWNlbGVicml0aWVzLXRybmQvaW5kZXguaHRtbA?oc=5

2019-11-29 11:37:00Z
52780449501601

Two K-Pop Stars Sentenced to Prison for Rape - The New York Times

SEOUL, South Korea — Two K-pop stars were sentenced to prison on Friday for raping women who were too drunk to consent to sex, and one of the men was also convicted of making videos of the assaults and sharing them with friends online.

The Seoul Central District Court sentenced the singer-songwriter Jung Joon-young, who recorded and shared the videos, to six years in prison. His friend Choi Jong-hoon, a former boy band member, was sentenced to five years.

“The accused perpetrated sexual crimes against multiple women, degrading women and treating them as mere tools of sexual pleasure,” Judge Kang Seong-soo said in his verdict​ on Friday​. “It’s hard to fathom the pain the victims must have​ suffered.”

During their trial, Mr. Jung and Mr. Choi​, both 30,​ said that the sex acts, which took place in 2016, had been consensual. But the court ruled that the women had been drunk and unable to resist. The court has not said how many victims there were.

Both men broke into tears as they were escorted back to jail after the sentencing, the news agency Yonhap reported. They have a week to appeal.

The police began investigating the matter early this year, after it was reported that Mr. Jung, along with other members of an online chat group, had bragged about drugging and raping women​ and had shared ​surreptitiously recorded videos of assaults.

The police have not said who originally came forward with the information, citing regulations meant to protect whistle-blowers. But South Korean news outlets have reported that it was a worker at a shop where Mr. Jung sent his smartphone in hopes of retrieving lost data.

K-pop, a major South Korean cultural export, has recently been plagued by scandals. Lee Seung-hyun, a former member of the K-pop group Big Bang who is better known by the stage name Seungri, is being tried on charges of providing prostitutes for foreign businessmen​ in a nightclub.

Two female K-pop stars, Sulli and Goo Hara, have killed themselves in the past two months. Both had been victims of cyberbullying.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiPGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm55dGltZXMuY29tLzIwMTkvMTEvMjkvd29ybGQvYXNpYS9rcG9wLXJhcGUuaHRtbNIBQGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm55dGltZXMuY29tLzIwMTkvMTEvMjkvd29ybGQvYXNpYS9rcG9wLXJhcGUuYW1wLmh0bWw?oc=5

2019-11-29 11:45:00Z
52780451829854