Latest news with #cancelculture
Fox News
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Hollywood's 'first cancel culture victim' Kevin Sorbo sees industry dramatically shifting under Trump
Kevin Sorbo considers himself to be the first victim of cancel culture since he was booted from Hollywood over a decade ago due to his conservative values. The 66-year-old actor skyrocketed to international fame when he starred as the Greek demigod Hercules in the hit show "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" for six seasons from 1995 to 1999. During an interview with Fox News Digital, Sorbo discussed how the political climate is shifting in Hollywood, and he believes that the industry is open to more conservative and Christian values today because they are tired of losing out on millions of dollars. "Well, I'm the first cancel culture victim before I knew it was a term. Hollywood booted me up a dozen years ago for things I was posting on the internet. And I looked at my age and I said, 'Oh, you guys are upset that I'm posting the truth? Is that a problem with you guys?' Because they hate the truth, and they hate anybody who's a Christian in Hollywood, anybody who is a conservative. So I'm like a double leper to them. I'm, like, kryptonite or something," Sorbo said. The "What If…" star explained that he and his wife decided to create their own studio, Sorbo Studios, and he has been shooting at least four movies a year since saying goodbye to the industry. "So, I'm OK with it. I mean, I hate it, but I think there's a shift. I think with Trump in office again right now, there's definitely a shift. People will hate him in front, but those people that hate him, they're gonna see their lives get better. Trust me. And Hollywood is shifting a little bit because I'm starting to get calls from the studios saying, 'Hey, there's a big thing with this stuff. So maybe send us a couple of scripts.' "I think with Trump in office again right now, there's definitely a shift. People will hate him in front, but those people that hate him, they're gonna see their lives get better. Trust me." "So, I'm reaching out to Netflix and Amazon with a couple of scripts that I have that aren't in your face about faith, but the messages are there," Kevin continued. "There's a positive message instead of negative ones, so I think we've reached a tipping point." Sorbo weighed in on why Hollywood is now deciding to make a shift. "I think people are tired of it, and Hollywood's tired of losing money, like they're going to lose another $300 million on this woke Disney movie with 'Snow White.' So, I think the American people are fed up, and I think they showed it in the last election as well. They said enough is enough of this stuff. So I just think it's just the pendulum swinging back and forth, right? And I think we're going back to the right side now, and I'm a believer in going right and then left," Sorbo said. WATCH: Hollywood's 'first cancel culture victim' Kevin Sorbo sees industry dramatically shifting under Trump presidency Sorbo's "What If…" was released in 2010 and will be re-released for its 15th anniversary on Aug. 5 and 7. The film starred Sorbo, Kristy Swanson, John Ratzenberger, and Debby Ryan. The story follows Ben Walker (Sorbo), a businessman who abandoned his faith. One day, Ben wakes up living the life he was destined for — married to his college sweetheart (Swanson) and serving as a small-town pastor. The "Hercules" star told Fox News Digital that the movie's storyline is still relevant today because it's everything "Hollywood movies don't have anymore." WATCH: Kevin Sorbo shares why 'What If...' message is still relevant today "That's what Hollywood used to put out there, movies that had hope and love and laughter and redemption and faith. And, you know, Hollywood used to do a lot of these kinds of movies. And I think they're waking up a little bit now because they're losing a lot of money on this woke insanity. So let's see what happens with it. I've always loved this movie," Sorbo said. Theaters will be showing new bonus content only available in theaters, including an exclusive filmed cast reunion and roundtable hosted by director Dallas Jenkins. Tickets for the 15th anniversary of "What If…" can be purchased on Fathom Entertainment's website.
Fox News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Rock band frontman blasts music festival for canceling show for 'political reasons'
Low Cut Connie, a Philadelphia-based rock band, is claiming its scheduled performance at a music festival this week was canceled because of politics. Frontman Adam Weiner posted a message to fans on social media on Monday saying the band had been pulled from the lineup for the "Rocking the River" festival in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on Friday. "For the first time ever, my show has been canceled for 'political' reasons," Weiner wrote to the band's Facebook page. "The promoters in Luzerne County, PA feel that this weekend's Low Cut Connie show in Wilkes-Barre will be too controversial and polarizing ---Low Cut Connie shows are quite the opposite!!" The annual summer concert series is advertised as a free event open to all ages. An AC/DC cover band has replaced Low Cut Connie for the July 25 lineup. In a video message, the musician called the county's decision "so disappointing and upsetting." "Why did they cancel the show?" he asked. "They won't tell us, but they have indicated they are canceling my show for political reasons. Now, let me give you a little bit of context. If you've been to a Low Cut Connie Show, you know that onstage, I speak about diversity." Weiner said he believes diversity is one of America's strengths, and he wouldn't "apologize" for using the terms. "People don't like the word, but I will continue to use it because everyone is welcome at a Low Cut Connie show. 'Diversity' and 'inclusion' should not be dirty words," he said. Weiner also suggested the band's protest song called "Livin' in the USA" could've factored into the decision. The song, released in May, addresses the "terror, the unease, the fear that so many people are experiencing right now in the United States." "Because of these ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] raids that are absolutely inhumane and anti-American," Weiner said. He called the show promoter's decision to cancel the performance "cowardly." "We could have had a beautiful show this Friday," he said, before comparing his experience to that of late-night host Stephen Colbert's, whose late-night comedy show was canceled last week. Colbert is an outspoken progressive. "Artists like myself are losing work because of our principles, just like Stephen Colbert," he said. A Luzerne County spokesperson told Fox News Digital, "Our goal is to have a place where we can enjoy music, food, promote our community, have fun, be safe and free of politics and propaganda." Low Cut Connie also pulled out of a scheduled Kennedy Center show in March in protest of President Donald Trump's takeover of the venue.
Reuters
2 days ago
- Politics
- Reuters
Russia accuses Italy of discrimination after it cancels pro-Putin conductor Gergiev concert
MOSCOW, July 23 (Reuters) - Russia's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday accused Italy of discrimination and said it had caved into anti-Russian lobbying after a planned classical music concert by high-profile Russian conductor Valery Gergiev was cancelled. Gergiev, who heads Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre and St Petersburg's Mariinsky Theatre, had been expected to lead an Italian orchestra and soloists from the Mariinsky at a concert near Naples on July 27. But some Italian politicians and Ukrainian and Russian anti-Kremlin activists, including the wife of late Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, objected to the concert because of Gergiev's open support for President Vladimir Putin and what they said was his refusal to condemn Russia's war in Ukraine. The Reggia di Caserta, the grand 18th-century palace which had been due to host the concert, said in a short statement on Monday that the event had been called off. It gave no reason. Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for Russia's Foreign Ministry, said in a statement on Wednesday that the museum complex was under the jurisdiction of the central Italian authorities and that she was sorry Italian audiences would be deprived of the opportunity "to experience great Russian music performed by a renowned Russian conductor". "We strongly condemn such discriminatory attempts at 'cancel culture', carried out by the Italian authorities," she said, accusing Rome of giving in to pressure from Ukrainian nationalists.
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Comedians rally behind Stephen Colbert as Jon Stewart slams Paramount over Late Show axe
LOS ANGELES, July 23 — Late-night rivals and other celebrities rallied to support CBS 'Late Show' host Stephen Colbert after the network cancelled his show, and comedian Jon Stewart lashed out at Paramount Global for the decision to end the long-running TV programme. On 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' yesterday, several comedians and talk-show hosts appeared in a sketch that also featured an animated Trump hugging the Paramount logo. The bit spoofed the viral moment in which a tech CEO was caught on camera embracing his company's chief people officer during a Coldplay concert. 'The Tonight Show' host Jimmy Fallon and NBC colleague and 'Late Night' host Seth Meyers were spotted sharing beers together in the audience. HBO's 'Last Week Tonight' host John Oliver was seated with Stewart, both former colleagues of Colbert's on 'The Daily Show.' Colbert joked about his show's demise in his opening remarks, quipping that 'cancel culture has gone too far.' He suggested the show's venue, The Ed Sullivan Theater in Manhattan, might be converted to 'self-storage' after the show ends. CBS executives said last week they would end 'The Late Show' in May 2026 in what they called 'purely a financial decision.' US lawmakers and others have called the timing suspicious, noting that Paramount is seeking government approval for an US$8 billion merger. Colbert is a frequent critic of President Trump and had called that payment a bribe. Stewart addressed the cancellation on yesterday's episode of 'The Daily Show,' which runs on Paramount-owned Comedy Central. 'If you're trying to figure out why Stephen's show is ending, I don't think the answer can be found in some smoking gun email or phone call from Trump to CBS executives or in CBS QuickBooks spreadsheets on the financial health of late night,' Stewart said. 'I think the answer is in the fear and pre-compliance that is gripping all of America's institutions at this very moment, institutions that have chosen not to fight the vengeful and vindictive actions of our … commander in chief.' Paramount representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump, in a post on Truth Social last Friday, applauded the cancellation, writing, 'I absolutely love that Colbert got fired.' Colbert responded yesterday night with what he called a 'satirical witticism' that included a vulgarity. — Reuters
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Go f--k yourself!': What Stephen Colbert and other late-night hosts had to say after Late Show cancellation
There was a show of late-night solidarity on Monday night as The Late Show host Stephen Colbert's comrades rallied behind him after CBS said it was cancelling his program in 2026. Thursday's announcement was met with shock as well as harsh criticism with many suggesting it was another concession to U.S. President Donald Trump by the network and its parent company, Paramount Global. claims that its current affairs program 60 Minutes selectively edited an interview with his 2024 election rival Kamala Harris. Colbert has been highly critical of Trump for years and panned Paramount for agreeing to a $16-million US settlement with the president earlier this month over his lawsuit against CBS alleging its current affairs program 60 Minutes selectively edited an interview with his 2024 election rival Kamala Harris. The settlement came as a surprise to many legal experts, who saw the suit as having little chance of success in court. Trump said the settlement was paid to him Tuesday, though the money is to be allocated to his future presidential library. Both CBS and Colbert announced the news of the Late Show's cancellation on Thursday, but Colbert took the opportunity in Monday night's opening monologue to question the motivation for the decision. He joked that "cancel culture had gone too far" but said he could now share his "unvarnished" opinions of Trump. "I don't care for him," Colbert joked about the president, who was a Late Show guest during his first election campaign in 2015, which was also Colbert's inaugural year on the program. The host addressed his own "blistering" critique of the settlement, which he had made on air days before the cancellation was announced. Though he didn't explicitly tie the two events together, he questioned how it could possibly be a "financial decision" when his program was the top rated in the late-night category. (Although outlets such as the Wall Street Journal have pointed out that despite its high ratings, the show is no longer profitable.) Colbert acknowledged the network's potential constraints — especially following the multimillion-dollar payout — but also mentioned how Trump, in a post on Truth Social, celebrated the show's cancellation. "I absolutely love that Colbert got fired," Trump wrote. "His talent was even less than his ratings. I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert! Greg Gutfeld is better than all of them combined, including the moron on NBC who ruined the once-great Tonight Show." Colbert's response to Trump on Monday night: "Go f--k yourself." WATCH | Colbert addresses CBS 'killing off' his show in opening monologue: Stewart savages CBS, Trump Aside from Colbert, The Daily Show's Jon Stewart had the harshest comments for CBS. He admitted late-night TV was struggling: "We're all basically operating a Blockbuster kiosk inside of a Tower Records," he joked. But he said CBS "lost the benefit of the doubt" after the settlement, which others at the network and across the industry have criticized and tied to Paramount Global's pending merger with movie and TV studio Skydance, which needs the approval of the Federal Communications Commission. "Was this purely financial or maybe the path of least resistance to your $8-billion [US] merger?" said Stewart, adding that Paramount Global also owns the network he works for, Comedy Central. WATCH | Stewart slams CBS in Daily Show monologue (Contains profanity): "But understand this. Truly, the shows that you now seek to cancel, censor and control — a not-insignificant portion of that $8-billion value came from those f--king shows," he said before leading a chorus of "go f--k yourself" aimed at companies, advertisers and law firms that "bend the knee" to Trump. WATCH | Questions swirl around cancellation of Late Show: A little love from Letterman? Colbert first dipped his toes into the late-night waters alongside Stewart on The Daily Show from 1999 to 2005, before launching his own Comedy Central show, The Colbert Report, which ran for 10 years. He eventually landed his current gig after the original Late Show host, David Letterman, retired. Though Letterman has not made any official statement, he appeared to take a stance on Monday. A 20-minute video appeared on his YouTube channel, with a montage of clips featuring him mocking CBS on Late Show with David Letterman over the years. Letterman launched the venerable talk show in 1993, moving to CBS from NBC, where he had hosted Late Night with David Letterman, airing after The Tonight Show for 11 years. WATCH | Letterman mocks CBS over the years: Over at NBC, Jimmy Fallon joked Monday night that he was still the host of The Tonight Show, "at least for tonight." Fallon applauded Colbert's run as Late Show host, but took a lighter tone, joking that boycotts could cause CBS to lose millions of viewers, as well as "tens of hundreds watching on Paramount Plus." Host Jimmy Kimmel is currently on summer break from his show on ABC, although he reacted to the situation on Instagram last week, saying, "F--k you and all your Sheldons CBS," referencing the character Sheldon Cooper on the CBS sitcoms The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon. Colbert got no love, however, from one top-rated late-night (late-evening, really) host: Fox News Channel's Greg Gutfeld, whom Trump praised in his post celebrating the Colbert cancellation, and who hosts the show Gutfeld! Gutfeld dismissed claims that Colbert was being censored, saying CBS is "free to fire someone who's stinking up a market like they took a dump in the produce section." He also touted that his show draws higher ratings than Colbert's (though this could also be because his show airs about an hour and a half before the major late-night programs). It should come as little surprise that Gutfeld, a right-wing comedian and commentator, took swipes at Colbert, as Fox News Channel is generally favourable to Trump. But as Stewart noted in his rant, Trump is also suing Rupert Murdoch, whose News Corp owns both Fox News and the Wall Street Journal, over the latter publication's story about a letter the president purportedly wrote in 2003 to the now-deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. WATCH | How will late-night TV change with Colbert's show cancellation?:
