Latest news with #2AngryMen
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
Taylor Swift no longer facing subpoena in Justin Baldoni's legal feud with Blake Lively
The spotlight on Taylor Swift's alleged role in the Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively feud has dimmed for now. Sources with direct knowledge told ABC News that Swift is no longer facing a subpoena from Baldoni, weeks after she was called as a witness over Baldoni and Lively's alleged conflict on the set of the film "It Ends With Us." The subpoena is no longer needed because the necessary information has been obtained, according to sources with direct knowledge. "GMA" has reached out to reps for Swift and Baldoni. Swift was subpoenaed by Baldoni's lawyer, Bryan Freedman earlier this month. In February, Freedman told Harvey Levin and Mark Geragos of TMZ's "2 Angry Men" podcast that he's not ruling out deposing Swift, who has been a longtime friend of Lively. "Anyone that reasonably has information that can provide evidence in this case is gonna be deposed," Freedman said. In response, a spokesperson for Swift told "Good Morning America" in a statement at the time that "Taylor Swift never set foot on the set of this movie, she was not involved in any casting or creative decisions, she did not score the film, she never saw an edit or made any notes on the film, she did not even see 'It Ends With Us' until weeks after its public release, and was traveling around the globe during 2023 and 2024 headlining the biggest tour in history." The spokesperson added, "The connection Taylor had to this film was permitting the use of one song, 'My Tears Ricochet.'" "Given that her involvement was licensing a song for the film, which 19 other artists also did, this document subpoena is designed to use Taylor Swift's name to draw public interest by creating tabloid clickbait instead of focusing on the facts of the case," the spokesperson added. Lively and Baldoni have been embroiled in a heated legal feud since December 2024, when Lively first filed a complaint against Baldoni with the California Civil Rights Department, accusing him of sexual harassment on the set of the film, which he also directed. Baldoni denied the allegations via a statement from Freedman, who called Lively's actions "shameful" for making "serious and categorically false accusations" against Baldoni. He added that it was "another desperate attempt to 'fix' her negative reputation which was garnered from her own remarks and actions during the campaign for the film." Lively, represented by attorney Michael Gottlieb, and Baldoni, represented by attorney Bryan Freedman, then launched dueling lawsuits against each other. Baldoni's lawsuit against Lively detailed a text message he allegedly received from Lively in which Baldoni claims she referred to Swift and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, as her "dragons." According to his complaint, it argues that Lively leveraged her relationship with high profile individuals like Swift and Reynolds to exert her influence over the film. Lively's husband, Ryan Reynolds, is also being sued by Baldoni. Lively's lawyers called Baldoni's lawsuit "another chapter in the abuser playbook" and accused Baldoni of "trying to shift the narrative to Ms. Lively by falsely claiming that she seized creative control and alienated the cast from Mr. Baldoni." The actors are due to appear in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on March 9, 2026, with Judge Lewis Liman overseeing the case. Ahead of their court date, Lively filed an amended version of her lawsuit against Baldoni in February. In March, Reynolds filed a motion to dismiss Baldoni's complaint against him. Lively followed and filed a motion to dismiss Baldoni's countersuit against her.
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Menendez brothers' lives now from weddings to prison reunion after brutal attack
Erik and Lyle Menendez, recently made eligible for parole, were 18 and 21 when they shot their parents to death at point-blank range and much has changed after 30 years behind bars It's been over three decades since Erik and Lyle Menendez murdered their parents, José and Mary Louise 'Kitty' Menendez, with multiple gunshot wounds at their lavish Beverly Hills mansion. At the time, the brothers were aged just 18 and 21. Their heinous crime, committed in 1989, eventually culminated in 1996 convictions for first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The brothers received life sentences without parole, despite their lawyers' arguments that they had been subjected to years of sexual abuse by their father. Fast-forward to the present, and the brothers' narratives were recently brought to life in the Netflix series Monsters. This week, in a significant turn of events, a Los Angeles judge revised their sentences to 50 years to life, rendering them eligible for parole. However, the public's perception of the Menendez brothers remains frozen in time, thanks in part to archival court photographs and the recent on-screen portrayals of their younger selves by actors Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch. Yet, after spending over 30 years behind bars, Erik and Lyle, now both in their 50s, have undergone vastly different experiences. We take a closer look at their current lives, starting with a reunion behind bars. The conclusion of the Monsters series depicted the brothers being transported to separate prisons, contrary to their request to be housed together. In an interview earlier this year, Erik, 54, recalled the "bullying and trauma" he endured during his early days in prison. Providing insights on the 2 Angry Men podcast, he said: "I was separated from Lyle, and I remember the day that I was told Lyle just got assaulted and got his jaw broken. "I'm thinking he's over there, I'm going through this over here, and at least we could protect each other, maybe, if we were together, but we were not even allowed to be together." Despite years of separation, in a twist of fate, Lyle, now 57, was transferred from California's Mule Creek State Prison to the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego in 2018, where his brother Erik resided. An ABC News report captured the emotional reunion after more than two decades apart: "They just hugged each other for a few minutes without saying any words to each other. Then the prison officials let them spend an hour together in a room." Prison lives As a result of their consistent good behaviour, the brothers have been housed in a "non-designated programming facility" within Donovan. This specialised section provides inmates with additional liberties, encouraging rehabilitation and education, with academic subjects as well as yoga and art classes on offer. Erik has channelled his time in incarceration towards aiding fellow prisoners, particularly those battling terminal illnesses. In 2018, his aunt told ABC News: "[Erik] was really making sure that the prisoners knew that there is a God that loves us. That was marvellous to me because he never got that at home." The Menendez brothers, famous for their grim past, have channelled their artistic side by painting a mural on the walls of their unit and supporting individuals who suffered from childhood sexual abuse. Marriages Shooting their parents at close quarters at 18 and 21 and their subsequent conviction for murder hasn't stopped the brothers from finding love behind bars. In 1999, Erik Menendez married Tammi Saccoman within the confines of Folsom State Prison. Tammi initiated contact during Erik's first trial, leading to a relationship culminating in marriage, and she also penned a book titled They Said We'd Never Make It: My Life With Erik Menendez. Lyle has similarly navigated marital waters twice while in prison, initially with ex-model Anna Eriksson, which eventually led to divorce. In 2003, he wed Rebecca Sneed within the perimeter of Mule Creek State Prison. Discussing his conjugal life, Lyle revealed to ABC News: "I've found I can have a healthy marriage that is complicated and built around conversation and finding creative ways to communicate, sharing, without all the props that are normally there in marriage in terms of going out to dinner and having as much intimate time together and so on." Contrastingly, a source informed People last year that Lyle and Rebecca discreetly concluded their 21-year marriage. The parting has reportedly been established "for a while", and Lyle was said to be in a romance with a young student from Manchester. Despite the separation, it is believed Rebecca continues to advocate for his release. Freedom Following the reduction of their sentences at Van Nuys Courthouse in Los Angeles, the brothers exchanged smiles and waves with their relatives. Throughout the hearing, they accepted responsibility for their criminal actions and expressed remorse for the falsehoods presented during the initial investigation. Outside the courtroom, defence attorney Mark Geragos stated that it was a "great day" and that they were "one huge step closer to bringing the boys home". The brothers' cousin, Anamaria Baralt, addressed the judge, advocating for a "second chance at life" for Erik and Lyle. She shared: "It's been a nightmare. I am desperate for this process to be over." A further hearing is scheduled to take place within the next month, and a final decision regarding their potential release will be made by the state parole board in due course.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Menendez Brothers Sentencing Changed to 50 Years to Life, Parole Board's Next
Erik and Lyle Menendez can celebrate a new court victory -- the judge gave them a new sentence, which allows for parole ... so now, they can get out of prison after facing the state parole board. The brothers attended Tuesday's resentencing hearing by video, and they were emotional as the judge changed their sentence to 50 years to life ... instead of the life without possibility of parole sentence they originally got. Menendez family members -- many of whom testified they wanted Erik and Lyle to be released from prison -- also erupted in joy, hugging each other in court as they celebrated their new sentences. During the hearing, the Menendez brothers admitted their crime, and even confessed they'd gone back outside to reload their shotguns ... before returning to kill their mother. As you know, the brothers' attorney, Mark Geragos -- who cohosts our "2 Angry Men" podcast -- has been pushing for the brothers to receive a reduced sentence for months, citing their rehabilitation efforts while behind bars for more than 3 decades. Now, Tuesday's decision really doesn't move Erik and Lyle any closer to release than they already were ... due to the fact Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the state parole board, back in February, to begin reviewing their case. While former Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón supported Erik and Lyle's motion for resentencing, his successor -- D.A. Nathan Hochman -- has unequivocally stood against resentencing ... repeatedly calling on the brothers to take responsibility, acknowledge their lies, and apologize for killing their parents. The D.A.'s office received a ton of flak from Menendez family members for showing graphic crime scene photos last month during a hearing. Hochman apologized, with a few caveats, on "TMZ Live" ... but maintained it was done in the interest of sharing the full scope of the crime with the judge. Geragos fired back later ... claiming the D.A.'s office neglected to discuss the rehabilitation efforts of Erik and Lyle in any way -- and, they used the crime scene photos for their sheer shock value. The next stop for Erik and Lyle will be a June 13 date with the parole board, and if they're granted parole, and Gov. Newsom signs off on it ... they'll be released. Even if the board refuses to grant parole, Newsom could grant them clemency.
Express Tribune
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Wendy Williams posts Mother's Day message without mentioning son Kevin Hunter Jr
Wendy Williams' official Instagram account posted a Mother's Day message on May 10 — but noticeably omitted any mention of her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., amid their ongoing strained relationship. The video, shared on her verified account, extended well wishes to mothers and thanked fans for their ongoing support. The caption read, 'HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY TO ALL MOMS. We'd also like to take this time to say THANK YOU to each and every one of you who have gotten behind exposing this horrific situation.' The message acknowledged public engagement through prayers, comments, and petitions regarding Williams' legal battles, and promised 'updates coming soon.' It is unclear whether Williams wrote the message herself or if it was managed by her social media team. The omission drew attention given Williams' troubled relationship with her son. She has accused Kevin Jr. of financially exploiting her and contributing to her court-ordered guardianship. Williams discussed the situation in an interview on the 2 Angry Men podcast with Harvey Levin and attorney Mark Geragos. She said she forgives Kevin Jr. despite the pain he caused. In the Saving Wendy documentary, she elaborated further, claiming her son 'hasn't been a good person' to her. The pair were last seen together in February during her father's 94th birthday celebration. Since then, no further updates on their relationship have been made public. Meanwhile, Williams continues challenging her guardianship, which she has likened to imprisonment.
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
Taylor Swift spokesperson responds to subpoena in Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni legal feud
A spokesperson for Taylor Swift is responding after the pop star was subpoenaed as a witness in Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's legal feud over their alleged conflict on the set of the film " It Ends With Us." The "Bad Blood" singer was subpoenaed by Baldoni's lawyer, Bryan Freedman, but a spokesperson for the singer says she was only involved in licensing her song, "My Tears Ricochet," for the film and was never on set. According to Deadline, Swift was subpoenaed earlier this week. A spokesperson for the "Cruel Summer" singer told "Good Morning America" in a statement on Friday that, "Taylor Swift never set foot on the set of this movie, she was not involved in any casting or creative decisions, she did not score the film, she never saw an edit or made any notes on the film, she did not even see It Ends With Us until weeks after its public release, and was traveling around the globe during 2023 and 2024 headlining the biggest tour in history." The spokesperson added, "The connection Taylor had to this film was permitting the use of one song, 'My Tears Ricochet.'" "Given that her involvement was licensing a song for the film, which 19 other artists also did, this document subpoena is designed to use Taylor Swift's name to draw public interest by creating tabloid clickbait instead of focusing on the facts of the case," the spokesperson added. "Mr Baldoni, Mr Sarowitz, and team continue to turn a case of sexual harassment and retaliation into entertainment for the tabloids, going as far as suggesting that they sell tickets to a concert venue - Madison Square Garden - to witness Ms. Lively's deposition, to subpoenaing Taylor Swift, a woman who has given a voice to millions the world over," a spokesperson for Lively said Friday evening. "This is a very serious legal matter, not Barnum & Bailey's Circus. The defendants continue to publicly intimidate, bully, shame and attack women's rights and reputations. Including in the past month seeking to strike down for all, a powerful California victims' rights law, calling it 'unconstitutional'. The disturbing actions by a billionaire, men who made their careers as 'female allies' and their team continue to show their true colors," the statement continued. In February, Freedman told Harvey Levin and Mark Geragos of TMZ's "2 Angry Men" podcast that he's not ruling out deposing Swift, who has been a longtime friend of Lively. "Anyone that reasonably has information that can provide evidence in this case is gonna be deposed," Freedman said. Lively and Baldoni have been embroiled in a heated legal feud since December 2024, when Lively first filed a complaint against Baldoni with the California Civil Rights Department, accusing him of sexual harassment on the set of the film, which he also directed. Baldoni denied the allegations via a statement from Freedman, who called Lively's actions "shameful" for making "serious and categorically false accusations" against Baldoni. He added that it was "another desperate attempt to 'fix' her negative reputation which was garnered from her own remarks and actions during the campaign for the film." Lively, represented by attorney Michael Gottlieb, and Baldoni, represented by attorney Bryan Freedman, then launched dueling lawsuits against each other. In Baldoni's lawsuit against Lively, it detailed a text message he allegedly received from Lively in which Baldoni claims she referred to Swift and her husband Ryan Reynolds as her "dragons." According to his complaint, it argues that Lively leveraged her relationship with high profile individuals like Swift and Reynolds to exert her influence over the film. Lively's husband, Ryan Reynolds, is also being sued by Baldoni. Lively's lawyers called Baldoni's lawsuit "another chapter in the abuser playbook" and accused Baldoni of "trying to shift the narrative to Ms. Lively by falsely claiming that she seized creative control and alienated the cast from Mr. Baldoni." The actors are due to appear in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on March 9, 2026, with Judge Lewis Liman overseeing the case. Ahead of their court date, Lively filed an amended version of her lawsuit against Baldoni in February. In March, Reynolds filed a motion to dismiss Baldoni's complaint against him. Lively followed and filed a motion to dismiss Baldoni's countersuit against her.
