GABRIELLE UNION - “AGT” COMPLAINT
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Gabrielle Union has said she was fired from “America’s Got Talent” — because she complained that she was the victim of racism. But now, NBC and the show’s producers say Union’s allegations are unfounded. NBC, FremantleMedia and Syco say an outside review finds that the actress’ allegations were unfounded. Union was on “AGT” for a season. But she and another rookie judge, Julianne Hough (HUF), weren’t asked back. Variety reports Union, who’s black, felt she was fired because she complained about hearing racist jokes and remarks. For example, she said producers repeatedly told her she was wearing her hair “too black” for the show’s audience.
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125257-v-349:20-(Oscar Wells Gabriel, AP entertainment correspondent)-"I'm Oscar Wells Gabriel"-NBC, producers say 'America's Got Talent' cleared by probe (28 May 2020)
¤¤CUT ´125257 (05/28/20)££ 349:20 "I'm Oscar Wells Gabriel"
125259-c-137:28-(Oscar Wells Gabriel, AP entertainment correspondent)-"cut her loose"-NBC, producers say 'America's Got Talent' cleared by probe (28 May 2020)
¤¤CUT ´125259 (05/28/20)££ 137:28 "cut her loose"
PLAYWRIGHT LARRY KRAMER DIES
NEW YORK (AP) — Lin-Manuel Miranda and Elton John are among those offering praise for the life of Larry Kramer. The playwright who used the theater to raise awareness of AIDS has died. He was 84. John calls Kramer “a giant of a man” and a “warrior” for gay rights. And Miranda calls him “an extraordinary writer” and “a hero.”
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125191-v-305:04-(Margie Szaroleta (zar-oh-LEH'-tah), AP entertainment correspondent)-"I'm Margie Szaroleta"-Larry Kramer, playwright and AIDS activist, dies at 84 (27 May 2020)
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SEAWORLD, DISNEY PRESENT RE-OPENING PLANS
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Mickey Mouse ears — and face masks? That’s what you’ll see at Walt Disney World soon, if Florida’s governor signs off on a plan to reopen the Orlando park. Disney says it will reopen two parts of the sprawling theme park on July 11 — and two others four days later. Guests and workers must wear face masks. The number of guests will be reduced — and urged to practice social distancing. SeaWorld plans to reopen June 11, with similar anti-coronavirus safeguards in place.
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125236-w-400:08-(Ed Donahue, AP correspondent with Sea World's Mark Swanson and Disney's Jim McPhee)-"I'm Ed Donahue"-Disney, SeaWorld announce plans for Florida parks to reopen (27 May 2020)
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125238-a-151:20-(Jim McPhee, senior vice president of operations, Walt Disney World)-"Wednesday, July 15th"-Disney, SeaWorld announce plans for Florida parks to reopen (27 May 2020)
¤¤CUT ´125238 (05/27/20)££ 151:20 "Wednesday, July 15th"
125240-a-0-(Mayor Jerry Demings, D-Orange County, Fla.)-"of due diligence"-Disney, SeaWorld announce plans for Florida parks to reopen (27 May 2020)
¤¤CUT ´125240 (05/27/20)££ 00:00 "of due diligence"
125239-a-170:16-(Marc Swanson, Interim CEO, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment)-"of doing that"-Disney, SeaWorld announce plans for Florida parks to reopen (27 May 2020)
¤¤CUT ´125239 (05/27/20)££ 170:16 "of doing that"
CBS WINS ANNUAL RATINGS BATTLE - AGAIN
UNDATED (AP) — When it comes to TV ratings, CBS is like the Harlem Globetrotters — and the rest of the networks are the Washington Generals. Nielsen reports CBS was — again — the most-watched broadcaster this past year. It’s the 12th straight year it won the “competition,” if you can call it that. CBS has won 17 of the past 18 years. The only time CBS lost was a year Fox topped the list, while the old “American Idol” was king.
by Oscar Wells Gabriel II
Follow Oscar Wells Gabriel II on Twitter at https://twitter.com/OWGabriel2