Latest news with #Folklore
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Justin Baldoni can obtain Taylor Swift's private text messages with Blake Lively, judge rules
Taylor Swift has once again found herself reluctantly entangled in Hollywood drama. According to a TMZ report, a judge has ruled that Justin Baldoni's production company, Wayfarer Studios, can pursue certain communications between the Cruel Summer hitmaker and her close friend, Blake Lively, amid a heated legal battle over the film It Ends With Us. The report states that Lively, who stars in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel of the same name, had urged the court to block Baldoni's team from accessing her private messages with Swift. Lively argued that Baldoni, who also directed the film, was using her high-profile friendship with the Blank Space singer to stir public attention. She further alleged that he and Wayfarer Studios were attempting to deflect from more serious allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation. The judge, however, ruled that there could be messages between Swift and Lively relevant to the ongoing dispute. Reportedly, the court assured that any obtained communications would be protected under a confidentiality order to address privacy concerns. Swift's name was first dragged into the matter when Baldoni's legal team subpoenaed her for information. Although the demand was later withdrawn, Lively's representatives insisted the damage had already been done. In a strong statement to TMZ, Blake Lively's representatives criticized Baldoni's 'relentless efforts to exploit Swift's popularity' and asserted that there is no connection between Taylor Swift and the claims made by Lively. They also clarified that the court never ordered Lively to produce new documents, contrary to public belief, and that the A Simple Favour actor had already produced more documents than Wayfarer Studios. Justin Baldoni's team has yet to issue a statement on the court's ruling. According to a BBC report, Justin Baldoni had subpoenaed Taylor Swift in May to provide information regarding claims that the pop star allegedly pressured him to accept script revisions proposed by Blake Lively for the film. Baldoni reportedly stated that he was invited to Lively's New York home in 2023 to discuss the matter in the presence of her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and Swift. In response, Swift's representatives clarified that she had no role in any casting or creative decisions and had never seen an edit or provided notes on the film. ALSO READ: Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni feud: Judge rules in favour of It Ends with Us director, her distress case faces setback Yes, Taylor Swift and Blake Lively have been close friends for years. There is no public statement confirming an apology. However, Lively's legal team maintains that Swift is being wrongly used in the case and continues to defend her privacy. While not directly about Lively, Taylor used the names of Blake and Ryan Reynolds' children – James, Inez and Betty – in her song Betty from the Folklore album. Yes, Taylor is close to both Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. The trio often spend time together, and Reynolds has expressed admiration for Swift in interviews.
USA Today
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Human remains found near Taylor Swift's Rhode Island home have been identified
Human remains found near Taylor Swift's Rhode Island home have been identified Show Caption Hide Caption Taylor Swift's heartwarming visit to a children's hospital Singer Taylor Swift visited the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and met with young patients battling illness. Authorities have identified the human remains found near Taylor Swift's Rhode Island home. After several outlets reported on the remains last month, the South Kingstown Police Department revealed in a June 13 statement that the remains belonged to 31-year-old Eric Wein of Massachusetts. "After working closely with the Mansfield Police Department and the Rhode Island Office of the State Medical Examiners, the South Kingstown Police Department has formally concluded its investigation," the statement read. "No foul play is suspected." "We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Wein's family and loved ones during this difficult time," the statement concluded. Wein's remains washed ashore on May 14 in Westerly, Rhode Island, which includes the wealthy enclave of Watch Hill, where Swift owns her sprawling residence. Real estate pushback to 'Taylor Swift tax' begins. Will the charge hit everyday cottages? The home, called "Holiday House," inspired the fan favorite hit song, including "The Last Great American Dynasty" from her 2020 album "Folklore." The home even inspired beloved New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry's newest book, "Great Big Beautiful Life." Henry's book, released April 22, follows Alice and Hayden, two journalists vying for the chance to write a blockbuster celebrity memoir. The "Beach Read" author revealed in an interview earlier this year that she drew the story from several real-life tales, including Swift's 2020 song, which is about her Westerly mansion's previous owner, Rebekah Harkness. "I love that song, and love the story behind it," she told E! News in April. "Every once in a while, I find myself back on the Wikipedia page, just reading through. I just find those kinds of larger-than-life families really, really intriguing." "Holiday House" also inspired possible Rhode Island legislation that would enact a "Taylor Swift tax," officially called the "non-owner-occupied tax," which applies to all residential properties assessed at more than $1 million that do not serve as a primary dwelling. To qualify as a primary residence, an owner has to live there more than half the year, or 183 days. By this criteria, Swift would owe Rhode Island around $136,000 in new taxes on her Watch Hill mansion if a new charge to high-end vacation homes proposed in the House version of the state budget passes. Contributing: Patrick Anderson, Providence Journal; Melina Khan, USA TODAY NETWORK - New England
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Abandoned Victorian train station in one of the UK's best places to live is now a popular attraction
UNLESS you're a London local, most Brits won't know there's a four mile public walkway that used to be a bustling train route in the middle of the city. The Parkland Walk is the longest linear nature reserve in London, with half of it stretching across a disused train line. 4 4 Originally, the track was created in the 1860s as part of the railway line between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace. In its heyday, the line carried 60,000 passengers, but when numbers dwindled in 1954 Crouch End station closed its doors after 86 years. Just three years later and the line closed completely to commuters. The track remained open until 1964 for freight traffic. Years later in 1972, the track was taken up and the original plans were for it to be turned into a road. These were later withdrawn and in the early 80s, the Parkland Walk was created. Along the walk are bridges, tunnels and of course platforms that are now used by millions including walkers, joggers, dog-walkers and cyclists. Also along the walk is the abandoned Crouch End station which despite remaining closed, still stands. Walkers have described it as being a "ghost station" as it stands frozen in time with both platforms still in place - but with there are no trains, tracks or ticket office. Very near the old Crouch End station is piece of public art that looks like it's crawling out of the wall. Hidden Victorian train station you can only visit once a month 4 It's a Spriggan, which is a figure from Cornish folklore, and was installed in 1993. Near the other end at Highgate station, there is a disused platform that is now used as a bat reserve - and it's illegal to disturb them. Someone who used the Parkland Walk described it as a "peaceful haven away from the hustle and bustle of Crouch End/Parkland Walk has become my favourite place to go running." Another said it is a "great retreat" to walk and enjoy nature. You don't have to do the whole walk as there are lots of entry and exit points along the way - including some at Crouch End which in 2023, was declared the best place to live in London by The Times. The judges said that it's grand Victorian houses have been snapped up by celebrities and the "lively North London suburb" has a market town feel. People can explore the walk by joining entrances at Oxford Road near Finsbury Park station, Blythwood Road and Ella Road in Crouch Hill and Holmesdale Road in Highgate. Here are five abandoned train stations that are now beautiful hotels with bedroom carriages and grand lobbies. And this creepy UK train line called 'Necropolis' used to only carried dead passengers – ferrying hundreds of corpses a day.
Newsweek
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Woman Suing Taylor Swift Asks Her Attorneys to Help Her in the Case
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Kimberly Marasco, the Florida artist suing Taylor Swift for copyright infringement, asked Swift's legal team if they would accept service of the lawsuit on Swift's behalf. Marasco made the request in a motion filed Friday after facing persistent difficulties in locating Swift and being notified that the Florida secretary of state's office was backed up with service requests. Newsweek reached out to Marasco and a representative for Swift for comment. Why It Matters Marasco's inability to serve Swift could result in the lawsuit being dismissed or having Swift dropped from it. In a previous lawsuit, Judge Aileen Cannon agreed to drop Swift as a defendant because Marasco was unable to properly serve her. If Swift is dropped from the suit, Cannon may allow the lawsuit to proceed with the other defendants, which is what she decided in a previous suit. Taylor Swift performs during the Dublin stop of the Eras Tour on June 28, 24. Taylor Swift performs during the Dublin stop of the Eras Tour on June 28, 24. Press Association via AP Images What To Know Marasco reported months of unsuccessful attempts using process servers and sheriffs in multiple states to locate and serve Swift with legal documents. Efforts included visits to properties associated with Swift in California, Tennessee, New York and Rhode Island. Security personnel at a California residence denied access to process servers, while a Tennessee sheriff confirmed property ownership but stated Swift did not reside there. In Rhode Island, authorities told a process server they would face arrest for trespassing if they attempted service again. When conventional means failed, Marasco attempted to serve Swift via the Florida secretary of state. This form of substituted service is permitted for defendants who conduct business in the state of Florida, provided that the procedural requirements are met. However, Marasco indicated to the court that the secretary of state's office was experiencing a substantial backlog, further delaying her efforts. Marasco said in an email submitted into court records that she had sent a request for waiver of service via email and certified mail to one of Swift's attorneys, James Douglas Baldridge, on March 28. Marasco asked Swift's attorneys to confirm whether he received the communications in the May 27 email. Katherine Wright Morrone, an attorney for Swift, responded by saying they were not authorized to accept the subpoena on the singer's behalf and informed Marasco that they would oppose her motion. Marasco's suit alleges Swift, collaborators Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner, Universal Music Group, and Republic Records infringed on her poetry in lyrics and visuals from multiple albums, including Lover, Folklore, Midnights, and The Tortured Poets Department. Marasco is seeking $25 million in damages. Swift's attorneys have repeatedly denied the allegations in the current and previous lawsuit, arguing for dismissal and noting that Marasco's claims are unsupported and, in many instances, time-barred under federal copyright law. What People Are Saying Kimberly Marasco, in a motion filed Friday: "Plaintiff diligently attempted to serve Defendant Taylor Swift, a high-profile individual with extensive security measure, but personal service has proven impracticable." James Douglas Baldridge and Katie Wright Morrone, in a memorandum filed May 20: "In what is now Plaintiff's second frivolous lawsuit against Artist, Plaintiff has again failed to perfect service. Instead, Plaintiff asks the court for a range of relief without meeting any of the required burdens to show it is warranted." What Happens Next Cannon has yet to rule on Marasco's latest motion. Cannon set June 15 as the deadline for Marasco to serve Swift. The court has ordered all defendants not to respond until everyone has been properly served. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Taylor Swift Buys Back Her Catalog: How We Got Here
Taylor Swift's years-long saga to win back the rights to her first six albums will go down as one of the most significant storylines in the history of the modern music business, as the dispute brought the complex, often dry world of copyright and master ownership further into the national consciousness. At the same time, the conflict grew her own superstardom to stratospheric heights as the Taylor's Version re-releases became massive hits in their own right. Swift isn't the first artist to re-record her music, though the practice will forever be synonymous with her as she took on the ambitious task of recreating her old albums all over again, while also managing to record and release four new albums (Folklore, Evermore, Midnights and The Tortured Poets Department) and net the highest-grossing concert tour of all time. More from The Hollywood Reporter Taylor Swift Buys Back Rights To Her First Six Albums Years After Scooter Braun Drama Mike Sumler, Kool & the Gang Hype Man, Dies at 71 Who's Who in the Sean "Diddy" Combs Trial: Key Witnesses, Industry Enablers and Victims So Far As Swift announced Friday, she's officially bought bought back ownership of the records, bringing this chapter to a close. With Swift re-united with her original works at last, let's take a look back on how we got here today. June 2019 — Scooter Braun's Ithaca Holdings Buys Big Machine The saga began on June 30, 2019, when the news dropped that Scooter Braun, then-manager to stars like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, had bought Scott Borchetta's Big Machine Label Group for $300 million through his company Ithaca Holdings. With the deal, Ithaca got the rights to music from acts like Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Reba McEntire, and of course of Swift, who was Big Machine's biggest act until she left the label for Universal Music Group's Republic Records in 2018. Swift quickly voiced her displeasure with the sale, taking to her Tumblr that day to say she learned of the deal 'as it was announced to the world,' calling it 'my worst case scenario,' while citing 'incessant, manipulative bullying' from Braun for years. 'Any time Scott Borchetta has heard the words 'Scooter Braun' escape my lips, it was when I was either crying or trying not to,' Swift wrote at the time. 'He knew what he was doing; they both did. Controlling a woman who didn't want to be associated with them.' Borchetta responded with a long missive of his own that day, denying Swift's claim that she hadn't heard about the sale before the announcement while also adding he'd 'never experienced' seeing Swift's negative reactions about Braun. August 2019 — Swift Confirms Plans to Re-Record Her Big Machine Era Music Within two months of the sale, Swift confirmed that she planned on re-recording her music so she could gain control of the masters on at least a version of her first six albums. In an interview with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America in front of scores of Swifities, Swift said 'It's something I'm really excited about doing, because my contract says that starting November 2020, I can record albums one through five all over again.' November 2019 — Swift Said Braun and Borchetta Wouldn't Allow Her to Play Old Songs at AMAs Swift took to Twitter on November 14, claiming that as part of the American Music Awards honoring her as artist of the decade, she wanted to perform a medley of her hits, but that Braun and Borchetta were blocking the use of those songs 'because they claim that would be re-recording my music before I'm allowed to next year.' Braun posted that he and his family received death threats, further stating that 'as the world now knows you can and should perform any song you would like at the AMAs. I have never and would never say otherwise. You do not need anyone's permission to do so legally but I am stating it here clearly and publicly so there is no more debate or confusion.' Swift played the medley at the AMAs. 2020: Ithaca Sells Swift's Catalog to Shamrock Capital On Nov. 16, 2020, Shamrock, a private equity firm founded by Roy Disney, purchased Swift's catalog from Braun and Ithaca for about $300 million, netting Braun as much as he paid for the entirety of Big Machine the year prior. Swift came forward about the sale that day, writing that 'this was the second time my music had been sold without my knowledge.' Swift claimed that her team had attempted to enter into negotiations with Scooter Braun, writing: 'Scooter's team wanted me to sign an ironclad NDA stating I would never say another word about Scooter Braun unless it was positive, before we could even look at the financial records of BMLG (which is always the first step in a purchase of this nature). So, I would have to sign a document that would silence me forever before I could even have a chance to bid on my own work.' As Shamrock sold the catalog to Swift nearly five years later, Swift thanked the company Friday for 'being the first people to ever offer this to me.' That assertion has come under scrutiny by people with knowledge of the initial Shamrock acquisition, with a source close to Braun telling The Hollywood Reporter, 'There's documented proof, by way of verified emails, confirming Taylor Swift was offered the opportunity to buy back her masters prior to Shamrock Capital's acquisition. This has been reported on at length over the last several years.' A 2023 report from Music Business Worldwide also revealed conversations between Braun and Swift's camps for a deal before going to Shamrock, though that clearly never happened. 2021 — 2023: The 'Taylor's Version' Era Takes Over On Feb. 11, 2021, Swift confirmed that Fearless, her first No. 1 album, would be the first album she'd re-record from the Big Machine era, launching her famed 'Taylor's Version' series. 'I've spoken a lot about why i'm remaking my first six albums, but the way I've chosen to do this will hopefully help illuminate where i'm coming from,' Swift wrote at the time. 'Artists should own their own work for so many reasons, but the most screamingly obvious one is that the artist is the only one who really knows that body of work.' Fearless (Taylor's Version) officially released in April of 2021. She released Red (Taylor's Version) that same year, then released Speak Now (Taylor's Version) and 1989 (Taylor's Version) in 2023. The re-recordings became immensely successful as well; 1989 (Taylor's Version) managed to sell 1.3 million units in the first week alone, besting 1989's debut from a decade prior, even as record sales have fallen since then amid the streaming era. According to Luminate, in the U.S. alone, Fearless (Taylor's Version) has sold 3 million units, Red (Taylor's Version) sold 5.2 million, Speak Now (Taylor's Version) has sold 2.7 million and 1989 (Taylor's Version) has sold 4.9 million. May 30, 2025: Liberation Day Swift rocked the industry once again Friday as she announced she'd closed the deal with Shamrock, bringing 'my entire life's work' back into Swift's possession. Swift didn't disclose financial details of the sale. Billboard reports the deal was worth about $360 million, while a Page Six report from earlier this suggested it could be worth twice that. 'I've been bursting into tears of joy at random intervals ever since I found out that this is really happening,' Swift said. 'I really get to say these words: All of the music I've ever made… now belongs… to me.' Following the reveal, Braun told THR he was 'happy for her.' As for the two remaining Taylor's Version albums, Swift revealed in her letter that she hadn't recorded more than a quarter of Reputation (Taylor's Version), but that the remake of her debut album was done. 'Those 2 albums can still have their moments to re-emerge when the time is right, if that would be something you guys would be excited about,' Swift wrote. 'But if it happens, it won't be from a place of sadness and longing for what I wish I could have. It will just be a celebration now.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Most Notable Deaths of 2025 Hollywood's Highest-Profile Harris Endorsements: Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen and More
