Category: News

Is Donald Trump going to be arrested today? The scandal-plagued former president seems pretty sure of it (what a fine way to spend Taco Bowl Tuesday), and he’s calling on his MAGA converts to keep him out of jail.

Insider acquired an email sent by Team Trump to his millions of supporters (and millions more who keep forgetting to click the unsubscribe button). “They’re trying to intimidate YOU and cancel out YOUR vote!” it reads. “Which is why the Trump for President 2024 campaign is compiling millions and millions of petition signatures from Americans like you CONDEMNING these threats of a possible arrest.” It also called on “74 million patriots” to sign the petition — and fork over some dough, too.

Upon clicking the petition link in the message, recipients are taken to a page asking for donations to “help DEFEND our America First movement during these dark times.” The message says supporters can donate any amount, but suggests sums like $500, $1,000, and $3,300.

This isn’t the first time that Trump has exploited his followers to raise money. Last year, following the death of his ex-wife Ivana Trump, he released a statement about her that included a “DONATE TO SAVE AMERICA” button.

Trump also has been “using rumors of his indictment to raise funds on his social media platform, Truth Social,” according to Insider. “He said supporters shouldn’t send him anything if they are ‘doing poorly,’ but told them to ‘send your contribution’ if they are” making KFC buffet money.

Stay tuned! It’s going to be an interesting week.

(Via Insider)

Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky recently celebrated their twin sons’ birthdays, and the couple commemorated the moment with what is pretty clearly a sweet, innocent prank. In a photo shared to Instagram by the Thor star, Pataky can be seen playfully smashing one of her son’s faces into a chocolate cake as the whole family looks on and/or adds a helping hand.

“Happy 9th birthday to my two little men!” Hemsworth wrote in the caption. “Only one way to eat cake in this house and that’s to have mum slam your head into it face first!! ‘Hey mum I don’t like chocolate cake I prefer vanilla’ ‘oh really son, what about now?’”

The photo is about as wholesome of a family photo as it gets, but of course, the internet had to be the internet. Hemsworth and Pataky actually started getting backlash in the comments from fans who clearly hate joy and laughter.

Via Page Six:

“Why people smash their kid’s face in the cake is above my understanding but whatever,” one critic wrote in the comment section.

“Why do people think this is funny?” another wrote, before a third added, “It’s so violent.”

“In my country [this is] done, but it’s very poorly [looked upon] because several accidents have already happened,” a fourth chimed in.

Fortunately, other fans began pushing back and defending the playful moment.

“Violent? It’s a bit of play,” one fan wrote. Another added, “Just a bit of basic humor….. they look like they are having a good time together.”

Meanwhile, another comment (via People) was here for Hemsworth slipping into full on Dad mode.

“That is a proud dad stance right there,” a fan wrote about the Marvel star looking approvingly at the birthday chaos unfolding.

(Via Page Six, People)

The Boys viewers tend to be an enthused bunch. This can work for and against the show, and its stars, and its audience at large. And of course, the negative stuff tends to make more headlines, like when angry trolls review-bombed the second season because of the show’s new weekly rollout. Or when the far-right contingent apparently went into a full meltdown when they realized that Homelander is a villain. Or when misogynists go haywire on the show’s female stars, including Erin Moriarty.

Now, Karl Urban heard about something ugly. Urban didn’t go into specifics, mind you, but he did warn a certain troll that he would get specific if a situation continued.

“it’s come to my attention that a toxic fan is engaged in persistent cyber bullying,” the man who embodies Billy Butcher wrote on Twitter. “I see you . STOP ! If you don’t , the whole WORLD will soon see you and know you for the cruel & wicked racist that you are . Your dumb German ass will get NUKED from orbit .”

You heard what the man said, and you’ve seen his work. No one should mess with Karl Urban.

And if you needed a little sunshine as an antidote, here’s a sentiment from Antony Starr, who is (allegedly!) not at all like Homelander. “Everyone is struggling with something,” Starr tweeted. “Everyone. You’re not alone. And if you haven’t heard it today,- you’re amazing.”

In addition to his upcoming fifth studio album, —, as well as an upcoming Disney+ documentary called The Sum Of It All, Ed Sheeran has tons of surprises on the way. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Sheeran revealed he has a song on the soundtrack for the new season of Ted Lasso.

“Do you want to hear it?” he asked the Rolling Stone reporter. “Because it’s f*cking good.”

He previewed the song for the reporter, who recalled some of the lyrics in the extensive profile.

“We’ll rise from the ashes and write in stars with our names,” he reportedly sings on the upcoming song. “The joy was worth the pain / Love’s the beautiful game.”

Sheeran first revealed he was approached to write and record a song for Ted Lasso back in October of 2021, during an interview on The Jonathan Ross Show.

While we don’t yet have a title for the upcoming Ted Lasso song, Sheeran’s new single, “Eyes Closed” arrives this Friday, March 24. His fifth studio album, —, will arrive later in the spring.

&mdash is out 5/5 via Atlantic. Find more information here.

Ed Sheeran is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Rudy Giuliani does things big. Whether it’s taking a dump on Air Force One or (allegedly) drunkenly encouraging Donald Trump to simply claim he won a presidency he lost, the former New York City Mayor’s leaky-headed logic is not always for the faint of heart, or sound of mind. And his (over)reaction to the news that Trump may very well be indicted today for his hush money payment to Stormy Daniels had Rudy in a predictably over-the-top tizzy.

As Newsweek reports, Giuliani appeared on Newsmax on Sunday night, where he was asked about the possibility of Trump being indicted. In Rudy’s mind, it would basically be the equivalent of a giant asteroid crashing into the planet.

“It’s usually the downfall of a great republic when the prosecution system is turned into a political device,” Rudy said. “You can look at ancient history, and you can see this is the kind of thing that ends a civilization.”

Or, it could be a case of an individual who has repeatedly engaged in questionable behavior finally being held accountable for his wrongdoings. Whichever the case, an indictment would be unprecedented.

“If charges are brought, it would make Trump the first former president to be indicted, and it could damage his hopes of retaking the presidency in the 2024 race,” writes Aleks Phillips for Newsweek. “He remains the only big name to have declared his candidacy in the Republican primaries so far.”

Meanwhile, and perhaps even more importantly, video of “Little Teapot” Giuliani being paid to recite nursery rhymes on Cameo found its way onto social media this week. Which seems like a crime unto itself.

(Via Newsweek)

These two weeks are proving to be a massive one for pop lovers. Between one of the stars on this list kicking off her highly-anticipated tour for two nights in the renamed Glendale (and dropping new music) to several other artists dropping new records in such a short span, it’s guaranteed to be a great time — no matter who you love.

Check out Uproxx’s roundup of the best new pop music from this week.

Taylor Swift — “All Of The Girls You Loved Before”

Taylor Swift dropped the studio version of her Lover era outtake, “All Of The Girls You Loved Before,” as well as three re-recorded songs to celebrate her Eras Tour starting. A flip side to her deluxe Midnights track, “Hits Different,” this one finds Swift being thankful for the past relationships that brought someone into her life instead of getting sick at the thought of them in love with other girls. Duality!

Lana Del Rey — “The Grants”

The second single ahead of Lana Del Rey’s new album, which arrives later this week, “The Grants” opens the record and finds the star reflecting on her love for her family. It opens on a unique, live-sounding production, as the intro is backed by several layered harmonies. By the time she introduces the powerful piano instrumental, it proves like a right choice for this to kick off the album as the first track.

Sabrina Carpenter — “Things I Wish You Said”

Sabrina Carpenter released the deluxe edition of her 2022 album, Emails I Can’t Send, which included four new songs. The new closer, “Things I Wish You Said,” is an emotional reflection as she notes things that should have happened — and very well could have salvaged a relationship.

Jimin — “Set Me Free Pt. 2”

Jimin of BTS is continuing his solo endeavor on a high note and on the heels of a collaboration with Taeyang. His single, “Set Me Free Pt. 2,” is an inspirational call to action for what the performer wants for his life.

“‘Set me free’ means setting myself free, so I thought it was important that I be the one to set myself free — not someone else. In the end, I’m the one who has to set myself free,” he told Consequence.

Fred Again.., Skrillex, Four Tet — “Baby Again”

Fred Again.. brought back Skrillex and Four Tet for another round with “Baby Again..” after their sold-out Madison Square Garden show. The song finds Lil Baby doing vocals, over a looped electronic beat, for a little over five minutes.

Aluna — “Killing Me”

Aluna’s new song, “Killing Me,” finds her working with the producer, TSHA, to craft a collab that both truly love.

“Having been a huge admirer of TSHA’s production I was so thrilled to get the opportunity to work together,” Aluna said via Stereogum. “But what came out surprised us both — it’s a catchy bop, but it’s still wonky and fresh with that distinctive originality that TSHA has us all in a chokehold. It took a while with us throwing the song back-and-forth and even in the trash at one point, but our joint obsession pulled us through and finally it’s ready to join the world!”

Keltiey — “Dumiri”

Keltiey’s “Dumiri” blends pop, electronic, and R&B as she vents out her emotions. After just a string of singles since debuting last year, Keltiey has cemented herself as a force to watch, with love from Flo Milli and others.

“I learned to speak up for myself and write what I am feeling,” she noted. “So, when listeners hear my music, I want them to feel encouraged to keep going.”

NMIXX — “Young, Dumb, Stupid”

NMIXX, a popular girl group, dropped their first mini album yesterday — and had treated fans to the early single, “Young, Dumb, Stupid.” In a fitting nature to the title, it is an upbeat and carefree anthem. “But who cares? But who cares? / Wе’re fearless, do whatever we want,” they sing in the chorus.

Natalie Jane — “Seeing You With Other Girls”

“I want my music to be something for people to put on in the car when they’re feeling upset and need some kind of outlet to scream along to,” Natalie Jane shared about her new song. “I want every song to be a therapy session.”

Feid — “Remix Exclusivo”

After the Latin star had a massive last year with his Feliz Cumpleaños Ferxxo album, Feid has returned with “Remix Exclusivo.” On a similar two-part note to his previous work, this one finds Feid reflecting on a failed relationship.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Bruce Springsteen, Gladys Knight, and José Feliciano are among those being honored with the National Medal Of Arts by President Biden in a special ceremony today (March 21) at 4:30 p.m. ET.

“The National Medal Of Arts recipients have helped to define and enrich our nation’s cultural legacy through their life long passionate commitment,” the National Endowment For The Arts chair Maria Rosario Jackson said. “We are a better nation because of their contributions. Their work helps us see the world in different ways. It inspires us to reach our full potential and recognize our common humanity. I join the President in congratulating and thanking them.”

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Mindy Kaling, Vera Wang, and more will also be in attendance as this year’s recipients, along with other special guests. It will be livestreamed via the White House’s official website here. The 2021 National Humanities medals are being handed out this time, too.

Previously, Springsteen received the Presidential Medal Of Freedom in 2016 from then-president Barack Obama. The award is considered one of the highest honors in the country, which is “presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”

More information on the 2023 National Medal Of Arts recipients is available here.

Britney Spears has been making a lot of unexpected headlines this year. Most recently, rumors have been circulating about the singer’s house. A few weeks ago, it was reported that she’d sold her Calabasas mansion only nine months after purchasing the home and sold it at a loss.

The “Toxic” performer clarified the situation on Instagram yesterday, March 20, with a signature lengthy caption. She defended her choice to leave the mansion, writing in part, “my house is pretty big and the last home I bought was pretty. Most would say it was by far a more beautiful home … but I stayed for 5 or 6 months and came right back to my normal bedroom … I like what I like and that’s okay … nobody can tell me what is the best for me … they can give me their advice if I request it … but l’m in love with the life I have built for myself !!! I should be, it’s f*cking beautiful.”

Find Spears’ full post below.

“I get it, most people in Los Angeles with money have those lavish over the top homes with a pool that’s connected to the kitchen and into the damn river … if you have a child and you don’t throw a party for them with the whole cast and characters from Disney World you have not done your job !!! The high coded systems to just turn the light on … the COMPLEX, the sophisticated devil is in the details right ??? I get it !!! But I’m honestly offended when I go to those big hotels or homes and the TVs come out from a picture above the fireplace. I think that is the dumbest most unattractive thing I’ve ever seen and it’s silly because most people’s homes l’ve been to like that are so proud !!! I mean who am I to judge when I can’t even find the damn remote to my TV !!! I do know one thing, I know the essence of living in one’s home is by giving it good intention and it will create the mood or ambiance … I’ve been into some of what is considered the best homes and they were not my cup of tea … not impressed one bit … my house is pretty big and the last home I bought was pretty. Most would say it was by far a more beautiful home … but I stayed for 5 or 6 months and came right back to my normal bedroom … I like what I like and that’s okay … nobody can tell me what is the best for me … they can give me their advice if I request it … but l’m in love with the life I have built for myself !!! I should be, it’s f*cking beautiful … and it’s pretty crazy after all the hard work I’ve done in getting rid of my father’s abuse and controlling me, literally messing with my head after 13 years believe it or not people !!! And mainly the media are absolutely hateful to me !!! I do believe there are a few good people in the world and I would love to meet them for coffee and good laugh … but in the mean time … my pretty little white ass will be sending prayers … LOVE … HUGS HUGS HUGS … PROTECTION … SHIELDS AND SHIELDS OF SAFTEY … white clouds … sweet itsy bitsy cutey kisses to every single one of you … We need kindness and I will make sure I SPREAD THAT TODAY !!!”

The passing of Lance Reddick was on everyone’s mind during Monday night’s Hollywood premiere of John Wick: Chapter 4. Following the news of Reddick’s death, Keanu Reeves and director Chad Stahelski announced that the fourth film would be dedicated to their late friend and co-worker. At the premiere, the cast all wore blue ribbons to honor Reddick’s memory, and Reeves grew emotional while fielding questions on the red carpet.

“Lance was a beautiful person, [a] special artist, a man of grace and dignity, and such a passion for his craft,” Reeves told Deadline. “And to have the chance to work with him over 10 years and four films is something that is very special to me and it f***ing sucks he’s not here.”

Reeves shared a similar sentiment with The Hollywood Reporter as the actor was determined to make the night all about Lance.

“Every time you were in his presence, he was such a special person, special artist, and he had a grace and dignity, and a passion for life and his craft,” Reeves said. “Just to be in his light and to be in his presence and get a chance to work with him, every day was special.”

The love between Reddick and Reeves was definitely mutual. Back in December 2021, Reddick shared a sweet Keanu anecdote from filming the fourth Wick film, and it literally left him in tears. Via Vulture:

My first day of filming happened to be Keanu’s birthday. But he wasn’t in the scene. He came to the set anyway at nine o’clock at night with his girlfriend who I had never met. And she is … can I say a bad word?

Go for it.

His girlfriend is cool as f*ck. And she told me that she asked Keanu what he wanted to do for his birthday and he said, “I want to go see Lance.” He’d never done this before but he wrote me a note thanking me for what I brought to the character in these movies. And he wanted to give the note to me. I’ll never forget it. I’m going to cry now.

Wow, we really should’ve included tissues with this post.

John Wick: Chapter 4 opens in theaters on March 26.

(Via Deadline, THR)

On his Promise Land ranch in Atlanta, Rick Ross has a lot going on, including some buffaloes that live on the property. Recently, neighbors have complained that two of them, Timbuktu and Thor, have escaped Ross’ ranch and caused damage to their property.

Now, Ross has responded, and he’s not exactly apologetic. Rather, his lax response seems to indicate he thinks his neighbors should just take a deep breath, calm down, and embraces the buffaloes.

In a video shared on his Instagram Story (as Complex notes), Ross said:

“Everybody that’s wanting a statement and a response for my bulls, my cows, a couple of buffaloes that got away in the community, this is my response. I always return stray animals. Make sure you always keep a collar on your animal. And mine don’t have a collar ’cause you know it’s mines.

So when you see my buffalo, give it a carrot. Give it a apple. They so kind, they so peaceful. Thank everybody for watching. Thank everybody for making sure all of my animals got back into the Promise Land. […] All my neighbors, Fayetteville, y’all the best. Boss.”

Rick Ross is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.