Dina's Dirt at 6:40
Taylor Swift is not about to let someone discredit her songwriting. She clapped back at rocker Damon Albarn from Blur when he claimed in an interview that she doesn't write her own songs. She wrote on social media, "@DamonAlbarn I was such a big fan of yours until I saw this. I write ALL of my own songs. Your hot take is completely false and SO damaging. You don't have to like my songs but it's really f**ked up to try and discredit my writing. WOW." She added, "PS I wrote this tweet all by myself in case you were wondering." Damon apologized for his comments, writing, "I totally agree with you. I had a conversation about songwriting and sadly it was reduced to clickbait. I apologize unreservedly and unconditionally. The last thing I would want to do is discredit your songwriting. I hope you understand."
A federal jury sided with Cardi B yesterday in her case against YouTuber Tasha K. Following a two-week trial with testimony from both women, the jury returned a verdict that Latasha Kebe was liable for defamation, invasion of privacy through portrayal in a false light, and intentional infliction of emotional distress over her YouTube videos and other internet posts that claimed Cardi B had contracted herpes and other rumors. The verdict awarded Cardi B $1.25 million in damages, but proceedings are starting today to decide if Latasha owes punitive damages and whether she has to reimburse Cardi B's legal expenses, according to Variety.
The video for Cyndi Lauper's classic "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" is the latest video to surpass one billion views on YouTube. The video, which was released in 1983, was first added to YouTube in 2009. Cindy said, "Back when we made the video there was no YouTube, so when you think about it, it's really extraordinary… The reach that this song has. The longevity. That people still purposely seek this video out and press play. Wow. I'm really grateful. Thank you." It's now the fifth song from the eighties to reach the billion views mark. Others include Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine," A-ha's "Take on Me," Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" and Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up."
Kanye West recently had a talk with the paparazzi about how he wants a cut of their profits. Talking with photographers at Miami International Airport Saturday, Kanye said, "Right now y'all get to shoot us without having to pay. Imma change that." He went on to say he didn't mean it in a negative way but added, "I'm gonna make sure we get our rights. We're very important. We're real people, also."
Dina's Dirt at 7:40
Finneas is fessing up to one of his most embarrassing moments, and it involves Taylor Swift, according to NME. During an Instagram Q&A, a fan asked him to share his "most embarrassing moment," and he said his most mortifying experience happened at one of Taylor's birthday parties. He shared, "I said 'thanks for coming' to Taylor Swift at her own birthday party. Meant to say 'thanks for inviting me' or whatever, obviously."
"Justice League" director Joss Whedon responded to the multiple accusations of misconduct leveled against him. You might recall that "Wonder Woman" star Gal Gadot claimed that he threatened her career when they were doing "Justice League" in 2017 when he took it over from Zack Snyder. He says that she misunderstood him because English isn't her first language. She says that's not the case at all and that she speaks and understands English perfectly. He also dismissed Cyborg actor Ray Fisher's claim of his bad behavior, calling Ray a bad actor while he was at it, according to New York Magazine. Former "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" star Charisma Carpenter and Ray Fisher responded. Charisma tweeted her support of Ray after Joss called him a bad actor in both senses, and she also said of Gal, "I believe Gal Gadot not only understands career threats in English but also in Hebrew and Arabic.
Possibly French, Spanish, and Italian too." Ray wrote, "Joss Whedon had nearly two years to get his story straight. He's likely spent tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of dollars on PR, crisis management, and coaching. And his response to the allegations is: "They all misunderstood and/or are out to get me—also my mom is sexy???" He also posted pieces of the New York Magazine article with commentary.
Just days after "American Horror Story" star Emma Roberts and "Friday Night Lights" actor Garrett Hedlund split, he was reportedly arrested Saturday night in Franklin County, TN for public intoxication. Exactly one year ago, Garrett was arrested for DUI after running a red light and hitting another car, which he's still on probation for.
"Teen Mom OG" star Cheyenne Floyd and her fiancé, Zack Davis, just came back from a getaway to Mexico when Zach was taken into custody after customs agents realized he had outstanding arrest warrants. According to TMZ, Zach violated probation for cases involving theft and DUI, which triggered the warrants and ultimately led to his airport arrest. That's what happens when you have souvenirs to declare.
Dina's Dirt at 8:40
One of the people involved in Arnold Schwarzenegger's multi-car crash is actually a huge fan of his. Habiba Muminova told TMZ that Arnold is one of her favorite actors and though this wasn't the best way to meet him, she's been telling everyone all about it. According to Habiba, she was waiting at a red light to turn when Arnold's SUV collided with another car, right before she got hit by his SUV. Arnold's SUV was blocking her door, so she climbed out through the passenger side window, where first responders helped her. She says when she was first hit, she thought she broke her spine, which thankfully she didn't, but she's now experiencing pain in her spine and back, from the shoulder down her left side. Of course, she's looking into a lawyer. Though police believe the accident was Arnold's fault, he didn't get a ticket.
Adele says her Vegas residency was postponed because of a massive COVID outbreak within her crew, but multiple sources connected to Caesars Palace claim the real reason is because Adele isn't happy with certain elements. TMZ reports that Adele was unhappy with various set pieces, a choir, the sound system and other elements associated with the show.
"Game of Thrones" star Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister) can't believe Walt Disney Pictures is turning "Snow White" into a live-action film. He said, "Literally no offense to anyone, but I was a little taken aback ... when they were very proud to cast a Latina actress [Rachel Zegler] as Snow White. You're still telling the story of 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.' Take a step back and look at what you're doing there. It makes no sense to me." But that's not what bothers him the most. Peter, who has dwarfism, added, "You're progressive in one way and you're still making that f---ing backwards story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together. What the f--- are you doing man?" Disney has not revealed much as far as plot details though we do know "Wonder Woman" star Gal Gadot will play the Evil Queen. Production is expected to begin this year, according to Us Magazine.
It was an embarrassing moment for Benedict Cumberbatch on Sunday's "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune." When "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" star Tatyana Ali (Ashley Banks) solved the puzzle "Eggs Benedict Cumberbatch," show host Pat Sajak asked her to explain for those who may not know. But then Tatiana said a little unsurely, "Benedict Cumberbatch is an actor, right?" That's when Pat Sajak was forced to admit that his "little host trick" was to pretend like he knew by throwing it to Tatiana to explain, when really he had no clue, which surprised viewers. He's Dr. Strange AND Sherlock Holmes! Pat then issued an apology to Benedict Cumberbatch during the show and on social media, according to Yahoo. Now I'm just waiting for B's response when he says he's a "Jeopardy!" fan and says he's never heard of "Wheel of Fortune."
