Latest news with #KC
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Cancel victim former MP slams Jewish comic's 'unlawful' fringe ban over Israel views
A Jewish comedian who claimed he was axed by an Edinburgh Fringe venue over his views on Gaza has won the support of a leading KC. Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry backed Philip Simon, who had planned to perform his stand-up show Shall I Compare Thee in a Funny Way at the capital's Banshee Labyrinth. But the comic announced in an online post that the venue has informed him it cancelled his show as his views on the crisis in Gaza 'are in significant conflict' with its 'stance against the current Israeli government's policy and actions'. It comes just days after another venue, Whistlebinkies, axed his Jew-O-Rama compilation show and another performance by fellow Jewish comedian Rachel Creeger due to concerns over 'staff safety'. Writing on social media website X, KC Joanna Cherry, a former SNP MP, said: 'It's not ok for Fringe venues to cancel bookings for Jewish comedians because their staff allegedly feel 'unsafe'. 'Racial and belief discrimination is unlawful.' In 2023, the outspoken former MP's event at The Stand Comedy Club in Edinburgh was initially cancelled after staff claimed they were not comfortable with her stance on transgender issues. She said she had been dropped for 'being a lesbian with gender-critical views'. The club, owned by former SNP MP Tommy Sheppard, backed down and reinstated her show after Ms Cherry began legal action over its 'unlawful and discriminatory' decision. The Stand said it 'accept that the previous decision that the event could not go ahead was unfair and constituted unlawful discrimination against Ms Cherry'. Yesterday Ms Cherry posted a link to the legal opinion which she said 'helped me fight my own cancellation two years ago'. Ms Cherry and the Banshee Labyrinth were contacted for comment. Earlier this week, Mr Simon said: 'Anyone who knows me will know I have never expressed support for anything other than freeing the hostages and finding a way for peace. 'It is sad to think that these views could conflict with anyone who wants to see a lasting peace in Gaza and Israel. 'As a Jewish person living in Britain it is possible, and increasingly common, to have a love for Israel without supporting the actions of the government.' He added he was 'still processing the concept that in 2025 I can be cancelled just for being Jewish'. The stand-up comic says he will still be at the festival for his one remaining children's show and is continuing to seek alternative venues for both his cancelled gigs. And he urged any comics considering snubbing the venues 'not to do anything to jeopardise your own shows'. He said: 'If you are going to do not boycott these venues, they are hosting some incredible acts who I wouldn't want to suffer negatively because of this.' In a message to Mr Simon, the Banshee Labyrinth is reported to have said it felt it was 'inappropriate for us to provide a platform for performers whose views and actions align with the rhetoric and symbology of groups associated with humanitarian violations.' The venue told The Telegraph newspaper that it made its decision after scouring Mr Simon's social media pages. The alleged concerns identified by the Banshee Labyrinth are reported to include Mr Simon sharing pictures from a vigil commemorating 100 days since the attack on Israel. The Edinburgh Festival Fridge Society said it 'stands for freedom of expression' but that it does not 'manage or programme venues at the festival'. A spokesman added: 'We understand that the show cancellations have been a choice made by the venue.' The Banshee Labyrinth said it 'routinely screens bands and performers for affiliations to, and statements that advocate for, discriminatory groups, and our band bookings are caveated by a statement that any acts displaying rhetoric or symbology associated with discriminatory groups will be pulled with immediate effect'. This 'applies to all performers, all year'. It said: 'We have hosted Philip in previous years, and only thought we should have a look at his pages to see what was going on because of what happened with the neighbouring venue. 'If we hadn't found anything of concern, he would obviously still be performing with us.' A spokesman for the venue said: 'Due to the recent controversy [Philip's show being pulled from our neighbouring pub], our management had a duty of care to our customers and staff members to review the political statements and opinions expressed by the performer.
The National
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Edinburgh Fringe venue responds after cancelling pro-Israel comedian
Banshee Labyrinth, on the capital's Niddry Street, responded to allegations made by the pro-Israel comic Philip Simon after the cancellation of a run of his shows this August. Simon said in a statement on social media that his solo show – Shall I Compere Thee in a Funny Way – had been dropped by the venue, who cited 'views concerning the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine [which] are in significant conflict with our venue's stance against the current Israeli government's policy and actions'. READ MORE: Donald Trump casts doubt on Israeli claims of 'no starvation in Gaza' The comic said he had 'never expressed support for anything other than freeing the hostages and finding a path for peace', and claimed he had been 'cancelled just for being Jewish'. Simon's announcement won support from other comedians, including Scottish circuit regular Mark Nelson, who called it a 'shocking decision', and KC Adam Wagner, who said the situation 'sounds potentially unlawful'. Responding, Banshee Labyrinth told industry magazine Chortle that they 'obviously have not declined [Simon's] show because of his religious or cultural identity', adding: 'Philip has performed with us before.' The venue said that routine checks for support of 'rhetoric or symbology associated with discriminatory groups' had raised concerns, both around Simon's social media output and comments he has made on podcasts. Social media posts on Simon's profile on Twitter/X were cited as reasons for the cancellation. Hey there UK performers' union @EquityUK, how is this even close to your remit? Why aren't you using our subs to campaign for domestic issues that actually directly affect your members. Take an international stand when it affects actors if you want but this campaign isn't that! — Philip Simon - Stand Up Comedian (@PhilipsComedy) January 15, 2025 Chortle reported that these posts included one positive response to an AI-generated image of a lion waving an Israeli flag urging 'pro-Israel' accounts to engage, and another post describing the release of 1800 Palestinians as part of a ceasefire deal as a 'sickening ratio'. Other posts which remain live on Simon's social media show him questioning why the trade union Equity UK – which he quit in November 2024 claiming it had put an 'antisemitic international position ahead of their domestic membership' – would support a march to 'end the genocide' and 'stop arming Israel'. The Banshee Labyrinth is part of PBH's Free Fringe, which sees acts perform for tips rather than sell tickets. Chortle reported that, informing the organisers of the cancellation, the venue had said: 'Due to the recent controversy, our management had a duty of care to our customers and staff members to review the political statements and opinions expressed by the performer. READ MORE: Israel 'using Hamas as pretext to commit genocide', leading Israel rights group says 'We found that the views concerning the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine expressed by the performer are in significant conflict with our venue's stance against the current Israeli government's policy and actions. 'We feel it is inappropriate for us to provide a platform for performers whose views and actions align with the rhetoric and symbology of groups associated with humanitarian violations.' The reference to 'recent controversy' was to the cancellation of another run of Simon's Fringe shows, at Whistlebinkies, also on Niddry Street. Another Jewish comedian, Rachel Creeger, also had her show at Whistlebinkies cancelled after staff raised concerns of feeling 'unsafe', Jewish News first reported. PBH Free Fringe chief executive Luke Meredith said: 'The decision not to host the two shows was taken by the venue alone. So far as we understand, this was a staff decision based on last year's experience when they experienced a significant rise in both 'Free Palestine' and Zionist graffiti, together with police notices that they said made them feel unsafe.' File photo of Jewish comedian Rachel CreegerSimon had been due to host 'Jew-O-Rama' at the venue – a variety show of Jewish performers which was set for its ninth year. Creeger was to perform a show called 'Ultimate Jewish Mother'. After the cancellation, Simon said: 'Our show is about fun and comedy, not geopolitics. It is disheartening to find out so late in the day that we have lost our venue. 'I've already ordered the fliers and posters, and filled over 80 slots with comedians who will now all lose work. 'Not only has this cost money and taken a huge amount of time, but more than that, it is hurtful that instead of reassuring the young bar staff who raised concerns, the solution was to remove the Jews from the bill. 'This is emblematic of the problem facing Jewish artists and performers in the UK today.' READ MORE: Keir Starmer cuts off Donald Trump after 'trade deal should favour Scotland' remark Writing in Jewish News, Creeger addressed the Whistlebinkies cancellations by saying: 'They could have reached out to us directly – our working relationship goes back to 2018 – but they didn't and still haven't. 'They could have used the CST [Community Security Trust] contact provided and asked for some training around the subject, but they chose not to. 'Instead, our lovely shows, that are not about politics or the war, were left homeless with 2 weeks to go and everything bought and paid for.' She added: 'But both Philip and I are not victims, we are experienced performers. We will dust ourselves off, and whether or not another venue turns up, this will become part of our story and in time, comedy material.'
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Jason Sudeikis films Ted Lasso with Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple in Kansas City
On Monday, production kicked off on the highly anticipated next installment of Ted Lasso, which is being filmed in none other than Kansas City - star Jason Sudeikis 's real-life hometown. In images, obtained by several of the show's fan-favorite cast members, including Juno Temple, Hannah Waddingham, and Jeremy Swift, were all seen reprising their iconic roles on location at a sunny soccer field. The stateside pivot marks the first time Ted Lasso has filmed in the U.S. after three Emmy-winning seasons set across the pond. Additional scenes are still expected to shoot in London, where the fictional AFC Richmond made their unlikely rise. While plot details are being kept tightly under wraps, Sudeikis was seen in his character's signature mustache and sweater combo. Temple rocked a tied-up yellow shirt with a soccer ball on it, black studded miniskirt and 'KC' baseball cap. Waddingham also opted for a casual ensemble, which consisted of a navy 'Kansas City' tee and pants. The cast's sighting comes after Apple TV's head of development, Matt Cherniss, told Deadline he has 'high hopes for season four of Ted Lasso.' He said in July: 'I have high hopes for season four of Ted Lasso, we're just getting down that road. I don't know what more can be said about Ted Lasso that hasn't already been said, and we're so excited that it's coming back. 'I don't think I want to say anything about the direction that the show is going, only that I think if you love Ted Lasso you're gonna love the next season.' Four months earlier, Sudeikis confirmed there will be a season four of Ted Lasso while appearing on Travis and Jason Kelce's New Heights. The actor teased: 'Ted's coaching a women's team, so there, that's it.' Lasso, the American football-turned soccer coach played by Sudeikis, had coached fictional Premier League side AFC Richmond in the first three seasons of the show. In response to Sudeikis' revelation for season 4, Travis asked if that meant Lasso would be returning to his native US. Sudeikis playfully replied: 'That's too many questions,' before noting he didn't actually know the answer himself. Sudeikis added that coming up with a new season was both 'exciting' and 'daunting.' He said: 'Because we told the story we wanted to tell, but there's more there and it is a neat group of people to work with.' The former SNL star, 49, noted that 'the universe kept just saying things' after Hollywood emerged from the actors' and writers' strike in 2023. '... Whether [it was kind folks at airports, or on the internet, or friends of my folks or just other people in the industry... and I was just like, 'Ok, I hear you.'' The series' co-creator, Bill Lawrence, gave life to a possible fourth season of the show in August, when he suggested the decision ultimately came down to Sudeikis. He told Collider: 'As fans, we'd all kill if it was going again, but everybody would say the same thing, which is: whatever Jason feels like doing and whatever his decision is, we're all down with it.' The show's return comes after earning 20 Primetime Emmy Awards in its first season, and winning seven including Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Sudeikis. Players: Once again, the fortunes of a soccer team appear to be central to the show's plotline Since premiering in 2020, the series has received 61 Primetime Emmy Awards nods. It's also received a Producers Guild of America Award, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two Writers Guild of America Awards, as well as nominations for five Directors Guild of America Awards. It has received two Golden Globe Awards, seven Critics' Choice Television Awards, and three TCA Awards. At this time, no release date for Season 4 of Ted Lasso has been revealed.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Venus Williams and Rich Hill are making 45 the new 20
Move over LeBron James. You're no longer the old head on the sports block. No sir. That title is going back to two athletes who probably owned it before their recent breaks that could've been mistaken for retirements had they not returned Tuesday like they never left. If James gets a sudden inspiration to go another five years, we now know who to blame. It's Venus Williams and Rich Hill. Williams, one of the all-time great tennis players, participated in the DC Open for her first professional match in over a year, and the 45-year-old wasn't just there to play, she was there to compete. Williams defeated world No. 35 Peyton Stearns for her first win since August 2023. VENUS' BEAU: Meet Williams' fiancé Andrea Preti On the same day Williams turned back the clock, Hill made his return to the majors after 11 months away, taking the mound for his 14th different team (the Kansas City Royals), which tied an MLB record. But unlike his four relief appearances last season, Hill actually opened the game Tuesday, marking his first start in two years. And he was also good! Hill only allowed three runs and one earned run over five innings and 90 pitches. KC didn't get the win, but it was the most innings he's pitched since... August 2023. Look, 45 isn't really old in the grand scheme of life, but in sports, it's ancient. Hill made his MLB debut in 2005... 20 years ago! And by that point Williams was already a four-time Grand Slam champion going on No. 5 that same summer. They've been at this a really long time. It's worth appreciating that these athletes are still competing at all, let alone competing at a high level. Things like this make it easier to understand why someone like LeBron, who hasn't suffered nearly the same decline as other athletes in their 40s, might want to hang around a little longer. Longevity like this is rare. Mike Locksley goes deep on NIL troubles The difficulties of coaching college athletes in the NIL era have been apparent from the start, but I haven't heard many coaches detail those struggles quite like Maryland coach Mike Locksley did Tuesday at Big Ten media days. Locksley went so far as to say he lost his locker room over having to decide which players to pay. Locksley to ESPN: "And this is Coach Locks, the locker room king, telling you this landscape, I had to choose between paying young players who were coming in or reward the older players that have been through the fire, three bowl wins, and I tried to do both with limited resources. And that's what you get: a locker room with the haves and have-nots." That's really interesting stuff. DON'T TAP THE GLASS With Tyler, the Creator's surprise release of DON'T TAP THE GLASS on Monday, FTW's Cory Woodroof ranked all nine albums in the rapper's discography. And while I won't tell you where the latest offering falls in the list, here's a snippet of what Cory had to say about it: "However, Don't Tap the Glass only comes from an artist at the absolute peak of their power. Okonma wrote that he wanted the album to help people loosen up a bit in a culture where we hold ourselves back from having fun at risk of being judged. Don't Tap the Glass isn't meant to be dissected as much as it's meant to be danced to, and the production is as free and innovative as Okonma has been in his career so far without sacrificing his sonic hallmarks." As promising as that sounds, DON'T TAP THE GLASS had some stiff competition to reach the top. Quick Hits: RIP Ozzy Osbourne ... Saints retirements ... and more Thanks for reading. We'll be back tomorrow. This was For The Win's daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Did a friend recommend or forward this to you? If so, subscribe here.
GMA Network
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
KC Concepcion embraces her 'wellness era'
Article Inside Page KC Concepcion is having fun embracing her "wellness era" and prioritizing her self-care. Actress and entrepreneur KC Concepcion is embracing her "wellness era" by taking better care of herself. KC is not only focusing on the physical aspects of self-care but also mental health and emotional well-being. She shared a series of photos on her Instagram account, detailing her efforts to maintain her health. KC continues to enjoy Pilates and is starting to get into pickleball thanks to her bestfriend. To help with recovery after working out, she does ice baths and sauna therapy with the help of retired football player and former Azkals team captain Aly Borromeo, her ex-beau who she is rumored to have gotten back together with. KC is also eating "clean" which means she is avoiding highly-processed food and is making an effort to consume whole fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. "Life lately looks like: "Pilates training + fascia release love w/ the one & only VZ @vivianzapanta "Homecooked clean meals that actually taste good "Recovery tools to keep my body in check "Ice bath + sauna therapy taught by @alybor11 "Pickleball nights just cuz bestie's obsessed @gingerserranilla "Pomeranian-powered 'welcome home' w/ Churro y Chica! "Love being in my wellness era, so let's goooo!" she wrote on the caption of her post. Last April, KC celebrated her 40th birthday in a luxury resort in Palawan with a few of her closest friends. Her mother Megastar Sharon Cuneta even surprised her by flying to the island unannounced to spend some time with her. CHECK OUT KC CONCEPCION'S 40TH BIRHTDAY CELEBRATION HERE: In 2024, KC restarted her fitness journey by getting back into Pilates and dancing.
