Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's royal exit done without my help, Oprah Winfrey claims - Fox News

Oprah Winfrey is speaking out after reports surfaced claiming the media mogul was the one to advise Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to step down as "senior members" of the royal family.

BUCKINGHAM PALACE RESPONDS TO MEGHAN MARKLE, PRINCE HARRY'S EXIT: 'THESE ARE COMPLICATED ISSUES'

Oprah Winfrey denies the claim she encouraged Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to step down as "senior members" of the royal family, according to a new report. (Getty)

Winfrey told People that she played no role in backing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's bombshell decision.

"Meghan and Harry do not need my help figuring out what's best for them," Winfrey told the outlet. "I care about them both and support whatever decisions they make for their family."

Meghan and Harry's royal departure, dubbed "Megxit" by British tabloids blindsided by the news, took their own family members by surprise this week as Buckingham Palace rushed to release a statement downplaying the couple's hasty split.

PRINCE HARRY, MEGHAN MARKLE STEPPING BACK AS SENIOR MEMBERS OF ROYAL FAMILY

"Discussions with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage," a Palace spokesman told Fox News late Wednesday. "We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through."

The spokesman added that "nothing is being ruled out."

Winfrey was one of the world's biggest stars to attend the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's nuptials in May 2018.

While dozens of A-listers have backed the royal couple's monumental decision, Page Six reported Thursday that Winfrey was "one of the first people" Meghan and Harry consulted, in addition to getting advice from the Obamas and George and Amal Clooney.

MEGHAN MARKLE’S FATHER SAYS HE'S 'DISAPPOINTED' FOLLOWING HER, PRINCE HARRY’S EXIT NEWS

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly consulted with other A-listers, including George and Amal Clooney. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

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In a statement to Us Weekly this week, Markle's estranged father, Thomas Markle, shared he was "disappointed" to learn of the split.

Meanwhile, Markle's estranged sister Samantha Markle called Archie's parents' choice a "slap in the face."

Fox News' Jessica Napoli contributed to this report. 

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2020-01-10 13:09:38Z
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Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson exits over 'creative differences' - BBC News

Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson has left the sequel over "creative differences" with Marvel.

Derrickson made the original 2016 film starring Benedict Cumberbatch and had been due to deliver Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in 2021.

There's speculation that Derrickson and Marvel boss Kevin Feige disagreed about how scary the follow-up should be.

The director, whose credits include The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Sinister, had pledged "the first scary MCU film".

He made the comments at San Diego Comic Con in July, where Feige swiftly clarified that it would still be suitable for teenage viewers. "It's gonna be PG-13 and you're going to like it!" he added.

Feige has since said it would not be a horror film, and that any scary sequences would be like those made by Steven Spielberg in films like Indiana Jones and Gremlins.

Every Marvel film has been rated PG-13 in the US, meaning some material may be unsuitable for pre-teenagers.

Derrickson wrote on Thursday: "Marvel and I have mutually agreed to part ways on Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness due to creative differences. I am thankful for our collaboration and will remain on as EP [executive producer]."

In a statement to Variety, the studio said: "Marvel Studios and Scott Derrickson have amicably parted ways on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness due to creative differences. We remain grateful to Scott for his contributions to the MCU."

The first Doctor Strange film, which co-starred Tilda Swinton and Rachel McAdams, made $678m (£519m) at box offices worldwide.

Other directors who have dropped out

While a film's directors were once all powerful, replacing film-makers has become more common in recent years as the figures who control a franchise seek to ensure they have a director who shares their vision.

Directors have been fired and hired for Star Wars and James Bond movies as well as comic book adaptations.

• Patty Jenkins dropped out of directing Thor 2 because she couldn't fully get behind Marvel's script. As the first woman slated to direct a studio-backed big-budget superhero franchise film, she also knew that a flop could have big ramifications. "If I do it, and it's what I think it's gonna be, I can't help the fact that it will represent women directors everywhere, and then that's going to be bad for everybody," she told IndieWire. She went on to have a smash with DC's Wonder Woman.

• Shaun of the Dead's Edgar Wright left Marvel's Ant-Man after a dispute over the script, after he and collaborator Joe Cornish had worked on it - on and off - for eight years. "I wanted to make a Marvel movie but I don't think they really wanted to make an Edgar Wright movie," the director later explained to Variety.

• Directing duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller left Star Wars spin-off Solo mid-production in 2017, with the franchise's head honcho Kathleen Kennedy saying they had "different creative visions". Ron Howard stepped in and steered it to a lukewarm reception that led Lucasfilm to shelve other spin-offs.

• Also in 2017, Jurassic World's Colin Trevorrow dropped out of Star Wars: Episode IX because he was "heading in a direction that many of us didn't feel was really quite where we wanted it to go", as Kennedy later put it. JJ Abrams returned to take the tiller and The Rise of Skywalker was released in December.

• In 2018, Slumdog Millionaire and Trainspotting mastermind Danny Boyle dropped out of the next Bond film in a dispute over the script, with rumours suggesting he wanted to kill off Daniel Craig's 007. His place was filled by Cary Joji Fukunaga and the film got delayed by six months. Fans will get to see the results when No Time To Die is released in April.
• Dexter Fletcher left Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody over "creative differences" in 2014, only to be called back to retake the reins three years later when replacement Bryan Singer was fired in the middle of filming for "unreliable behaviour". It went on to be nominated for the Oscar for best picture, and win four more including best actor for Rami Malek.

Follow us on Facebook, or on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk.

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2020-01-10 12:29:03Z
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Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, returns to Canada after bombshell announcement - CNN

Prince Harry remains in the UK and Meghan is expected to come back to London on Tuesday, when the couple are set to attend an event with Janice Charette, High Commissioner of Canada to the UK, at Canada House.

Meghan and Harry wanted to meet with Charette "as well as staff to thank them for the warm Canadian hospitality and support they received during their recent stay in Canada," according to a statement from Buckingham Palace.

The couple recently returned from Canada, where they spent the Christmas holidays with the duchess' mother, Doria Ragland.

"The Duke and Duchess have a strong connection to Canada. It's a country The Duke of Sussex has visited many times over the years and it was also home to The Duchess for seven years before she became a member of The Royal Family," the royals said on their Instagram page, Sussex Royal, on Wednesday.

The latest developments follow the shock announcement that the pair plan to "transition into a new working model" and become "financially independent" after stepping back from their roles as senior members of the British royal family.

There was said to be a mood of deep disappointment in the palace following the announcement, and senior members of the family are hurt as a result of the news.

Meghan and Harry's desire to become "financially independent" has also sparked questions as to how they will be able to do this.

The pair published detailed documents outlining the structure and funding of their household, which revealed they receive 5% of their income from the Sovereign Grant -- a lump sum of UK taxpayers' money given to the Queen every year -- and 95% from the Duchy of Cornwall, the private estate controlled by Prince Charles, Harry's father.

Media reports have suggested that Meghan was independently worth around $5 million before she married Harry, who inherited millions from his mother Princess Diana.

However UK newspaper The Times reports that Charles may withdraw funding from the couple if they completely withdraw from their royal duties.

Observers say the couple are unlikely to struggle for money and could generate income from a UK trademark for their brand 'Sussex Royal," which the couple applied for in June, as well as sponsorship or speaking tours.

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2020-01-10 11:20:00Z
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Prince Harry and Meghan say they want financial independence - CNN

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2020-01-10 07:54:00Z
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Selena Gomez Surprises Fans With 'Rare' Music Video Hours After Album Release - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

After four long years, Selena Gomez has finally released her new album, Rare. Gomez has admitted that this record is her most personal and vulnerable album to date. She has also shared that she originally planned on releasing the album two years ago. However, huge life events kept occurring which took her in a completely different direction musically. But, as of January 10, 2020, Rare is out in the world. It was always going to be a great day for Selenators (Gomez’s loyal fans), but she had yet another surprise in store for them.

Selena Gomez | Photo by Emma McIntyre/AMA2019/Getty Images for dcp

Minutes before Rare released on the east coast, Gomez took to her Instagram stories to share some personal moments with her millions of fans. The artist revealed that she was at her listening party celebrating the album’s release with friends. Though there was plenty of food involved, the 27-year-old confessed that nerves had prevented her from eating all day. She also shared that she would be answering questions about the album and that fans could watch along if they were interested.

Selena Gomez releases Rare to the world

Following the release, Gomez posted a picture of herself with a physical copy of her album. “HERE IT IS!!! My album is officially out in the universe.. thank you for the souls that worked on this with me. Now it’s yours. Hope you like it. 🌈🌸💐 #Rare,” she captioned the photograph. Gomez then went live on Instagram and gave fans a brief sample of the thirteen songs which serve as a diary for the last several years of her life.

Fans show support for the new album on Instagram

Of course, many of Gomez’s fans have already listened to Rare and couldn’t wait to tell the “Look At Her Now” singer how much they loved the new album. “Are u kidding me???? I just listened to it and omggggg there’s no bad song. Many emotions. I’ve waited for so long and it’s finally here. I’m so proud of you. I love u,” one person wrote to the actress on Instagram. “You are amazing and I am looking forward to witnessing your greatness this year my friend,” another person chimed in. “Feels so good to hear your voice again 😏💖 your album is so pure and rare. I truly love it,” one long-time fan gushed. “It’s spectacular, we love it so much, thank you Selena, love uuuu,” another Selenator shared.

Gomez surprises fans with the music video for her new song, Rare

But, the new album wasn’t all that Gomez had in store for her loyal fans. As an added surprise (and perhaps a thank you for their continued patience) Gomez also announced that she would be releasing the music video for her self-titled track, “Rare” only nine hours after her album released on the west coast.

“Surprise! The video for ‘Rare’ premieres tomorrow at 9 am PT,” the Wizards of Waverly Place alum tweeted out. Of course, fans were absolutely thrilled about the surprise music video, and were leaving comments hours before it even released. Gomez might have taken her time with her new album, but clearly, it was worth the wait. We’re sure Selenators can’t wait to see what else this new era brings for the singer.

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2020-01-10 07:05:31Z
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The Harvey Weinstein Case, Part 1 - The New York Times

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The story of Harvey Weinstein is a story of patterns. Scores of women — more than 80 — have given eerily similar accounts of abuse and harassment by the powerful movie mogul.

This week, two years after those allegations were first reported in The New York Times, Mr. Weinstein’s trial opens in New York. In the first part of a two-part series, we investigate why the case went from 80 potential plaintiffs to two.

This episode contains descriptions of sexual violence.

On today’s episode:

• Megan Twohey, an investigative reporter for The Times and co-author of “She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement.”

Image

A 33-year-old woman has sued Harvey Weinstein over an incident in 2002, when she was 16.Credit...Scott Heins/Getty Images

Background reading:

• Mr. Weinstein’s reputation preceded him as he stepped into a Manhattan courthouse this week to face charges of rape and criminal sexual activity, making it difficult to find jurors who did not already have strong opinions about the case.

• The reporters who broke the first investigation into Mr. Weinstein explain why the trial rests on a narrow legal case with an already fraught back story and why the result is highly unpredictable.

• On the first day of Mr. Weinstein’s trial, two other criminal allegations against him were released in Los Angeles.

Tune in, and tell us what you think. Email us at thedaily@nytimes.com. Follow Michael Barbaro on Twitter: @mikiebarb. And if you’re interested in advertising with “The Daily,” write to us at thedaily-ads@nytimes.com.

Megan Twohey contributed reporting.

“The Daily” is made by Theo Balcomb, Andy Mills, Lisa Tobin, Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Annie Brown, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Larissa Anderson, Wendy Dorr, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Alexandra Leigh Young, Jonathan Wolfe, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, Adizah Eghan, Kelly Prime, Julia Longoria, Sindhu Gnanasambandan, Jazmín Aguilera, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Austin Mitchell, Sayre Quevedo, Monika Evstatieva, Neena Pathak and Dave Shaw. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Mikayla Bouchard, Stella Tan, Julia Simon and Lauren Jackson.

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2020-01-09 11:00:00Z
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'Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time:' Ken Jennings mimics 'all-in' gesture, James Holzhauer wins night 2 - KABC-TV

The second night of "Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time" tournament saw the contestants going 'all-in.'

James Holzhauer, a professional sports gambler, is known for making an 'all-in' hand gesture when he puts all his money on the line during Daily Doubles, as if he was pushing all his poker chips to the center of the table.

But rival Ken Jennings wanted to get in on the fun Wednesday night.

When he wagered everything on a Daily Double, host Alex Trebek quipped, "Do it."

Jennings mimicked Holzhauer's 'all-in' movement, while asking, "Has James copyrighted this?"

"One time use only. You're good," Holzhauer responded.

Fellow competitor Brad Rutter joined in the fun, giving Jennings a humorous warning.

"(James) now owns 10% of whatever you get," Rutter said.

While Jennings walked away the winner on night 1, it was 'Jeopardy James' who got the win on night 2.

"Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time" continues Thursday at 8 p.m. ET/PT | 7 p.m. CT on ABC.

Copyright © 2020 KABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.

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2020-01-09 10:40:33Z
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