Walls Closing In? Meghan Markle Faces Royal Cold Shoulder Amid New Fears: Reports
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Hindustan Times
42 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Piers Morgan accuses Beyonce of ‘appropriating' Marilyn Monroe in Levi's ad amid Sydney Sweeney row
After Sydney Sweeney's recent American Eagle campaign sparked debate, another ad is now making headlines - this time featuring Beyoncé. The music icon has found herself at the center of controversy over her new Levi's advertisement, which pays visual homage to Marilyn Monroe's signature 1950s glam. Beyoncé's Levi's ad campaign draws backlash from journalist Piers Morgan, calls it 'cultural appropriation'.(AP) British journalist Piers Morgan led the criticism, accusing the singer of cultural appropriation. 'Very disappointed to see Beyoncé culturally appropriate Marilyn Monroe in her new Levi's ad,' Morgan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Marilyn reimagined - or misappropriated? The Levi's campaign shows Beyoncé styled with platinum blonde curls, winged eyeliner, and red lipstick - clearly channeling Monroe's old Hollywood aesthetic, particularly her look from films like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. While some fans praised the visuals, others accused Beyoncé of stepping into a space that wasn't hers to claim - claiming that this was an attempt to 'look more white' or imitate a cultural icon from a different era and identity. Online backlash The ad drew intense reactions on social media, with comments flooding Levi's page. Some reactions were bluntly negative, like 'NO LEVI'S this looks soooo cheap' and 'Sydney Sweeney did it better. Beyoncé is culture appropriation but y'all won't admit it.' Another comment even took a direct jab at American Eagle, writing: 'HOTTEST IN THE GAME AMERICAN EAGLE COULD NEVERRR.' Morgan's tweet itself received a wave of mixed reactions, with many users pushing back against his accusation. Some dismissed his criticism as racially charged, with one commenter writing, 'Admit you hate Black people. No wonder you hate Meghan.' Others sarcastically remarked, 'Maybe you haven't heard. She identifies as 'white' now,' while one quipped, 'That's white culture, Beyoncé, and we want it back!' Also Read | Beyonce's 'Cowboy Carter' becomes highest-grossing country tour ever Defenders of Beyoncé argued that Marilyn Monroe is a widely celebrated pop icon - not a culture to be appropriated. 'Marilyn Monroe had blonde hair which means… Black people can't put on wigs? Is that really the argument?' asked one user. Another added, 'Emulating her aesthetic is no more 'cultural appropriation' than a British man dressing like James Dean. Beyoncé channeling Monroe is an homage - something white celebrities have done with Black icons for decades without critique. The selective outrage reeks of double standards.' Beyoncé remains chill As of now, neither Beyoncé nor Levi's have issued statements addressing the backlash. The singer has previously faced scrutiny for artistic decisions - most notably during the release of her 2022 album Renaissance - but has largely remained unapologetic in her creative direction. Whether the current campaign will be adjusted or pulled remains to be seen.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Kakori revolutionaries steal show at Ayodhya Film Festival
Lucknow: Kakori revolutionaries were remembered during the inauguration of the 19th Ayodhya Film Festival held at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) on the occasion of the Kakori Centenary Year celebrations on Wednesday. A book exhibition related to the Kakori Action Centenary Year and films from India and abroad were screened as part of the festival. A painting competition on the theme, 'Role of women in the freedom movement' and a quiz competition based on the 'Kakori Action Centenary Year' were organized for students from various schools. Addressing students and teachers, granddaughter of freedom fighter Sachindra Nath Bakshi , Mita Bakshi not only recalled the contributions of her grandfather, Sachindra Nath Bakshi, but also shared the spirit of the historic movement that awakened the entire nation for the freedom struggle. She narrated how her grandfather and several other young revolutionaries dedicated their lives to India's independence. "The Kakori incident on Aug 9, 1925, was a daring revolutionary act and became a major symbol of resistance against British rule, igniting the flame of freedom across the country. The sacrifice of revolutionaries like Sachindra Nath Bakshi remains a source of inspiration for today's youth and their legacy reminds us that no sacrifice is too great for the motherland," she said BBAU vice chancellor Prof Raj Kumar Mittal emphasized that India is a great nation, whose roots are deeply embedded in an ancient civilization, rich cultural heritage, and the principle of unity in diversity. He reminded the audience that countless brave sons have sacrificed their lives in the journey of India's freedom and development. Remembering their sacrifices and building the India of their dreams is a moral responsibility for all of us. Mumbai-based director Prof Mohan Das shared all about Ayodhya film festival. During the festival, films from various countries in multiple languages and styles will be screened, highlighting diverse aspects of society. He further added that the festival offers a great opportunity for young filmmakers to showcase their talent, connect with audiences, and present India's cultural identity in a powerful way.
Hindustan Times
9 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Movie Review: Kristin Scott Thomas directs Scarlett Johansson in comedic drama 'My Mother's Wedding'
Before Kristin Scott Thomas turned 12, she lost her father and stepfather. Both were Royal Navy pilots who died in crashes. The first happened when she was 5. The second at age 11. Thomas uses these facts, a kind of origin story, as the basis for her directorial debut, 'My Mother's Wedding,' a comedic drama about family, trauma and getting on with it that opens in theaters Friday. Movie Review: Kristin Scott Thomas directs Scarlett Johansson in comedic drama 'My Mother's Wedding' Knowing that the story comes from a real place is important for the experience. It gives 'My Mother's Wedding,' a perfectly average film that doesn't quite land the way it should, an emotional depth that it's otherwise lacking. This is a strange shortcoming considering the caliber of the cast, including Thomas as the bride to be, and Sienna Miller, Emily Beecham and Scarlett Johansson as her daughters. But it's a cruel reminder that a good hook, talented actors, one killer monologue and a picturesque setting aren't guarantees that a movie will work. In the film, the deaths may be in the distant past, but they continue to haunt Diana's adult daughters as she prepares to marry another. Diana's new man is not a dashing pilot, forever preserved in handsome youth. Geoffrey is very gray. He likes to talk about birds, ospreys in particular, has never had children and comes with a very silly last name that she plans to take. Her girls are not exactly impressed, though they've all got their own stuff to deal with. It should be said that Johansson is indeed playing a British woman in this film, and while I don't feel qualified to comment on the nuances of her accent, all I can say is that there is a consistently strange disconnect to hear it coming out of her mouth. Johansson is a great actor who I've believed in many wilder roles, from Marvel movies right on down to her Ellen Greene riff during 'Saturday Night Live's' 50th anniversary show. But, somehow, she's hard to buy as Katherine Frost: A British, lesbian Royal Navy officer in a longtime relationship with a woman named Jack . Miller's character is Victoria, a Hollywood actor known for franchise dreck and short-lived relationships. And Beecham is the youngest Georgina, a nurse who suspects that her husband is having an affair. To find out, the girls hire a private detective to surveil her house and show them the footage after the wedding. It's a very busy, fraught weekend for everyone. There's lots of fretting over why Katherine won't marry Jack, and why Victoria is dancing around a relationship with a wealthy, older French man when her childhood crush still pines for her. There's lingering anxiety about their mom marrying this man who seems so unlike the two heroes that came before and much discussion about the importance of last names, marriage and making sure kids feel like they belong to someone. Some things get resolved, but it's hard to shake the feeling that everyone might need a new therapist by the end. 'My Mother's Wedding' also has a silly lightness to it that's aiming for something along the lines of a Richard Curtis romantic comedy. But coherency of the vision is limited, as is the audience's investment, though there are some lovely and inspired touches like using Iranian artist Reza Riahi to hand paint several animated flashback vignettes based on her memories of her fathers. Thomas co-wrote the script with her husband, journalist John Micklethwait, which includes a particularly poignant monologue for her character telling her daughters, essentially, to grow up and move on — a mature and worthy statement that might come a bit too late. 'My Mother's Wedding' feels only partially realized. But Thomas did have the good sense to end with a song that might just conjure up some feelings for any 'Heartburn' fans out there: Carly Simon's 'Coming Around Again,' this time a duet with Alanis Morissette. 'My Mother's Wedding,' a Vertical release in theaters Friday, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for 'brief nudity, some sexual material and language.' Running time: 95 minutes. Two stars out of four. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
