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"Why would a woman want to work for him?"

The legend that is Emma Thompson has written to the producers of her latest film Luck explaining why she refuses to work with John Lasseter, who Skydance Media have hired despite allegations of sexual misconduct.

The letter was shared with the Los Angeles Times on Tuesday, and makes plain Thompson’s extreme discomfort with Lasseter being tied to her new project.

Lasseter left Pixar last year following multiple allegations of inappropriate behaviour and misconduct, and his new employment raises ethical questions.

The veteran actress emphasises that Lasseter’s admitting to “inappropriate hugging” and “other missteps” was insufficient remorse to offer him such a prestigious second chance

According to her, he realised the error of his ways or because it was politic and beneficial for him to do so, not because he has grown as a person.

She asks should women not be the ones to decide whether they want to work with him;

“If a man has been touching women inappropriately for decades, why would a woman want to work for him if the only reason he’s not touching them inappropriately now is that it says in his contract that he must behave ‘professionally’?”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Thompson expresses her sadness that she has to quit the project, as she has huge admiration and respect for the film's director, but needs to stand up for the sake of her daughter's generation.

“I am well aware that centuries of entitlement to women’s bodies whether they like it or not is not going to change overnight. Or in a year,” she writes.

“But I am also aware that if people who have spoken out- like me- do not take this sort of a stand then things are very unlikely to change at anything like the pace required to protect my daughter’s generation.

She continues; “It feels very odd to me that you and your company would consider hiring someone with Mr. Lasseter’s pattern of misconduct given the present climate in which people with the kind of power that you have can reasonably be expected to step up to the plate."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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“If a man has made women at his companies feel undervalued and disrespected for decades, why should the women at his new company think that any respect he shows them is anything other than an act that he’s required to perform by his coach, his therapist, and his employment agreement?” the Nanny McPhee actress wrote.

“The message seems to be, ‘I am learning to feel respect for women so please be patient while I work on it. It’s not easy.’” Lasseter has a reputation for turning Pixar into a boys club.

She also pointed out the unfair situation of Skydance Media workers who feel discomfort about working with him.

“How much money are the employees at Skydance being paid to GIVE him that second chance?” Thompson wrote, noting that he presumably profited from his Pixar settlement.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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“If John Lasseter started his own company, then every employee would have been given the opportunity to choose whether or not to give him a second chance. But any Skydance employees who don’t want to give him a second chance have to stay and be uncomfortable or lose their jobs. Shouldn’t it be John Lasseter who has to lose HIS job if the employees don’t want to give him a second chance?”

“Given all the abuse that’s been heaped on women who have come forward to make accusations against powerful men, do we really think that no settlements means that there was no harassment or no hostile work environment?” Thompson wrote.

“Are we supposed to feel comforted that women who feel that their careers were derailed by working for Lasseter DIDN’T receive money?” she said, reminding us that his accusers never received any compensation if the claims were true.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Clearly, Thompson is deeply unhappy about having to quit a perfectly great film over the actions of a production company, a powerful man and his enablers.

However, she writes that she is unable to continue with the company: “I can only do what feels right during these difficult times of transition and collective consciousness raising.”

We always had mad respect for Emma, but now she's a genuine women's rights goddess to us. Slay, queen.

Feature image: Instagram/@glamourmag 

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Nicki Minaj has come out in support of Ariana Grande after her argument with Grammy producer led to her cancelling her performance and appearance at the awards.

Minaj has blasted producer Ken Ehrlich for "bullying her for seven years" just days after the Thank U, Next singer called him out for "lying" about her.

The Queen rapper's comments come after she pulled out of a BET Experience performance when the network made fun of her for losing out to Cardi B at the awards.

She wrote on Twitter; "I pissed off the same man Ariana just called out for lying. Grammy producer Ken. I was bullied into staying quiet for seven years out of fear, but I’ll tell my fans the real on the next episode of #QueenRadio, they deserve the truth."

The Good Form rapper has not won a Grammy in her 16-year music career, which is a big surprise considering how successful she's been as a female rapper in a typically male business.

Sex and relationship blogger, Oloni, questioned her lack of accolades, saying; "Nicki Minaj has been at the top of her game for way too long to not have had a Grammy. I don’t know what white man from the boards she pissed off."

Minaj responded by thanking her fans: "Whether I read it or not, I felt it. From the bottom of my heart. I love you so much. So so so so much. Stay tuned."

Ariana also put Ehrlich on blast last week after there was a disagreement over her song choice. On Thursday the star spoke out about the situation, calling out Ehrlich for "lying" about her to the Associated Press.

He said; “As it turned out when we finally got the point where we thought maybe it would work, she felt it was too late for her to pull something together for sure. And it’s too bad. She’s a great artist. And I’d love to get her in the show this year.”

Ari wasn't too pleased:

She called bullsh*t on his statements, responding on Twitter;

"I offered three different songs. It’s about collaboration. It’s about feeling supported. It’s about art and honesty. Not politics. Mot doing favours or playing games. It’'s just a game."

"I’m sorry but that’s not what music is to me," she concluded, basically saying Thank U, Next. "Passed a Grammy’s bus with my face on it typing those." SASS KWEEN.

She later posted; "Hope that helps everyone understand my decision. ‘I am still grateful for the acknowledgement this year." She went on to win Best Pop Vocal Album for Sweetener.

Nicki is 100 percent team Ariana, that's for sure.

Feature image: Entertainment Tonight

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Most of us remember the days of Serena van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf, strutting across our screens. We were OBSESSED with Gossip Girl, it took over our lives.

From the romance between Blair and Chuck Bass, to the big reveal of who the secret character behind the mayhem was; it had us hooked.

Now, a reboot of The CW series may be coming to our screens, an executive producer has revealed. Stop the world, we're getting off. This is major goss…

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Yup, that's right. We're going right back to the Upper East Side, and discussions have reportedly taken place about bringing the original drama back.

The series starred Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Ed Westwick and Penn Badgley, and aired from 2007 until 2012. Let's not forget that none other than Kristen Bell narrated it too.

The show followed the glamorous (not to mention absurd) lives of a group of upper-class teenagers living in the prestigious areas of Manhattan.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The trends it inspired are still around today, it had an unprecedented amount of influence on the youth who tuned in to watch it.

Gossip Girl was a massive hit for the American TV network The CW, and president Mark Pedowitz has confirmed it could get a reboot.

According to Deadline, he said: “There’s been discussions. But I don’t know if we’re there yet.”

Pedowitz also added that the return would depend on Warner Bros., who own The CW, and showrunners Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz.

We've seen all 121 episodes about a million times, but my GOD we want more. 

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Lady Gaga SLAMMED Dr Luke's lawyer during her deposition in September 2017, where she tearfully defended singer Kesha's allegation that Dr Luke sexually assaulted her.

The deposition was recently unsealed and released by The Blastwith the lawsuit centring around Kesha's claims against the music producer and her attempt to escape her recording contract with Kemosabe Entertainment.

The A Star Is Born singer's lawyer warned Dr. Luke's lawyer that Gaga was experiencing PTSD as a result of her own traumatic memories of sexual assault.

"I just want everyone to understand that, as she has publicly stated in other contexts, as a sex abuse survivor…there are trigger events, and this deposition has proved to be a trigger event for Ms. Germanotta."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Her lawyer stated; "She has experienced in the past few hours some PTSD reactions which is causing some trauma and emotional reactivity. So she is crying now, the record will reflect."

Dr Luke and Kesha's ongoing legal battle has been much-publicised, especially following the emergence of the Me Too era.

In the deposition, Gaga was requested to speak about how her and the Rainbow singer met, and what herself and Kesha spoke about after Gaga witnessed her in her underwear in Luke's studio.

Gaga explained;

"What we discussed was, what I recall was her immense sadness and depression and fear. She was visibly very different than when I had seen her before, and–but I can't say specifically what we spoke about. I just recall it was emotional and I wanted to be there for her."

Image; E! News

Dr Luke's lawyer questioned Lady Gaga on her "personal knowledge or information as to any interaction" between the producer and Kesha, and if the incident has damaged his reputation.

Gaga elaborated fiercely on why she believed Kesha, who claims Dr. Luke abused her consistently.

In her own words, Gaga said:

"That was an image that–of something that happened to me, and I felt and knew in my heart that she was telling the truth, and I believe her….Yes, I do have knowledge. She told me he assaulted her…Well, you know–when men assault women, they don't invite people over to watch."

"And when this happens in this industry, it is kept extremely secret, and it is compounded by contracts and manipulative power scenarios that actually include this very situation that we are all in right now," she said.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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When Gaga was quizzed about the possibility of being falsely accused of rape, Gaga hit back at the lawyer;

"You–how about all of the women that are accused of being liars and how she was slut shamed in front of the world, how about that?…I have factual knowledge of the spiral that I watched that girl go down."

"I have factual knowledge of trauma. I am informed and intelligent about this issue. That girl has experienced serious trauma and she is in the middle of the right now. And you are all a party to it."

Gaga became frustrated at the lawyer after he asked her if she was present when the alleged assault happened. She responded;

"Why on earth would this girl tell the entire world this happened? Why on earth? Do you know what it’s like for survivors? Do you know what it's like to tell people? Don't you roll your eyes at me. You should be ashamed of yourself."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Dr. Luke has since hit back at Gaga after she sat through the heartfelt deposition defending Kesha.

An attorney for Dr Luke said in a lengthy statement to The Blast: "Being passionate about a topic that concerns us all is admirable. However, Lady Gaga has no knowledge of what happened on the night at issue because she was not there."

It continued: "Kesha got kicked out of a party after drinking too much and vomiting. As an act of kindness, Dr Luke offered to allow her to sleep in his hotel suite, a few blocks away. Kesha slept on the bed in the hotel suite, while Dr Luke separately slept on the couch," the statement continued.

"Dr Luke testified under oath that he did not have any contact with Kesha. Kesha herself admitted under oath that she has absolutely no memory of Dr Luke even being in the hotel room."

"Kesha has no memory of Dr Luke engaging in inappropriate contact with her because it did not happen," it finished.

Lady Gaga has been outspoken of her repulsion of Dr. Luke and abusers in the industry, but has yet name her own abuser. 

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Actress Margot Robbie is set to earn HUGE praise for her role in Mary, Queen of Scots, and now the Australian is set to star in a totally different movie.

She's officially signed on to produce and star in a live-action BARBIE movie, E! News reported today.

Warner Bros. and Mattel have struck up a partnership to bring the franchise to the cinemas in it's first ever live-action take on the famous doll.

Chairman of Warner Bros, Toby Emmerich, commented on Margot's new role in the project;

"Margot is the ideal producer and actress to bring Barbie to life on screen in a fresh and relevant way for today's audiences." Robbie intends on co-producing the movie under LuckyChap Entertainment.

The 28-year-old actress released a statement expressing her delight at playing the role of Barbie;

"Playing with Barbie promotes confidence, curiosity and communication throughout a child's journey to self-discovery. Over the brand's almost 60 years, Barbie has empowered kids to imagine themselves in aspirational roles from a princess to president."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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She continued; "I'm so honoured to take on this role and produce a film that I believe will have a tremendously positive impact on children and audiences worldwide. I can't imagine better partners than Warner Bros. and Mattel to bring this film to the big screen."

Tom Ackerley, Margot's husband, as well as her business partner are also co-producers. Mattel took back the rights after the option passed on Sony's deal, and Robbie signed a first-look negotiation with Warner Bros in 2016.

Chairman and CEO of Mattel, said in a statement; "Barbie is one of the most iconic franchises in the world and we are excited to partner with Warner Bros Pictures and Margot Robbie to bring her to life on the big screen. We look forward to building on this collaboration with Warner Bros Pictures as we tell the stories of our beloved brands."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Amy Schumer was previously roped in to portray the titular doll she dropped out in 2017, saying in a statement, "Sadly, I'm no longer able to commit to Barbie due to scheduling conflicts. The film has so much promise, and Sony and Mattel have been great partners. I'm bummed, but look forward to seeing Barbie on the big screen." 

A director or release date has yet to be assigned. 

We can't wait to see what Margot does with this role, she really can be anything she wants. Barbie inspo 101.

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Call the Midwife actress Jenny Agutter has sparked MAJOR controversy for her interview with the Radio Times, where she made some highly polarising comments about the #MeToo movement.

She said she can't "fully understand" why actresses who are allegedly victims of the #MeToo movement would meet with male industry figures alone.

The British actress said;

“In the States, there were occasions when you might be asked to go to a private screening or someone’s place and you just didn’t do it – unless you found the person very attractive, in which case you did do it.”

The BBC actress continued; “But if they’re not really attractive, there’s nothing to be gained from it, because it’s obvious what you’re indicating by going.”

“It’s terrible that anyone would use their power in that way. That’s wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong – no question about it," she added, which was a bit of a paradox if you ask us.

The fact that you can't meet with a male figure alone is problematic enough, whether you want to sleep with them or not.

The power planes are also massively different if you have the ability to become the woman's boss, such as a production or directorial role.

“What is sad is to be in a situation where you have to negotiate it: you shouldn’t have to do that. I was very lucky never to have to.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Agutter moved to Hollywood decades ago to pursue her career, and explained that her relationship with a producer at the time allowed her to be "a little bit protected,"

“No one was going to hit on me, with him there! It was a bit like having the Mafia around you,” she said, adding that if she had ended up in such a complex position, she would be “back out of the door rather fast”. 

She finished: “Because there isn’t any part that’s worth that – and I think there’s an arrogance in me a little bit as well, which is, ‘If you’re not casting me because I’m right for the part, then why are we in this situation?’”

Her comments seemed to divide the public, with some parties agreeing with her and others claiming that you shouldn't need protection from a man to navigate a job industry. 

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2018 has been a whirlwind year for Ariana Grande, from her career skyrocketing with her massively successful album, Sweetener, breaking streaming and chart records to blowing our minds with her Thank U, Next music video.

However, just as her career has catapulted, her love life has given her increasing trouble. After her former love Mac Miller passed away earlier in the year, Ariana broke off her engagement with SNL comedian Pete Davidson.

She has now decided to channel those turbulent emotions into her Christmas decorations… 

Her brother Frankie Grande posted a picture to Twitter of Grande's upside-down Christmas tree, evoking her trademark upside-down captions.

The tree is legitimately defying gravity up on the ceiling, and when asked out in NYC today why her tree resembles this shape, she replied;

"Sometimes life just be upside down." The lady ain't wrong. Her life is hectic as hell.

 Between a much-publicised break-up, a called-off engagement, a planned world tour, a massively successful album, an ex-boyfriend dying of a drug overdose and a feud between Drake and Kanye which she accidentally joins, Ariana has had an absolutely wild year.

Feliz NaviDAMN she makes a good metaphor.

Merry Christmas Ari, we love the tree. You go Glen Coco.

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Zac Efron wants a High School Musical movie return!

And he wants his Bad Neighbours co-star Seth Rogan to produce it.

The 26-year-old actor starred as Troy Bolton in the movie musical franchise, and he insists he is still proud of the role that brought him to global fame.

”I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for High School Musical. I love every fan. And to this day, I sign more High School Musical stuff than anything else. Would I do another? Absolutely,” he said.

”Getting High School Musical was a dream come true. I wasn’t always good at singing and dancing. I was horrible at it until I started training every day. But I loved doing it. I love any challenge,” Zac added.

If Zac does return to the role, he wants Seth Rogen to be the movie’s producer.

He said recently, ”I wish Seth could produce every film I’m in, he kind of just takes the lead he is always setting the pace and the tone for everybody.”

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