Nicole Kidman on Meryl Streep joining 'Big Little Lies' cast: 'We're so fortunate that she believed in us' - Fox News

NEW YORK – The demand for the second season of HBO's hit drama series, "Big Little Lies," came as a shock to one of the show's stars Nicole Kidman.

The Emmy-winner didn't expect fans to be so dedicated to the character's complicated storylines and wanting to learn more about them.

At the New York City premiere for Season 2, Kidman confessed she didn't intend on doing more episodes when she first signed on to the project, co-executive produced by and starring friend Reese Witherspoon. "The fans wanted it so we went, 'Okay!' and what a fantastic thing," she told reporters on the red carpet.

REESE WITHERSPOON ON WORKING WITH MERYL STREEP ON 'BIG LITTLE LIES': SHE'S 'FABULOUS'

"Thank you to the fans and the audiences," she added.

Kidman is still in awe that three-time Oscar winner, Meryl Streep, signed on to be part of the cast. "We're so fortunate that she believed in us," Kidman expressed. "She signed on without having read anything. That is a massive thing for a woman with that amount of power and also the fall she could take if we didn't deliver for her."

"It shows the trust. It also shows how she's unbelievably daring and curious and bold. And I love her!"

NICOLE KIDMAN, KEITH URBAN POSE FOR PLAYFUL SELFIE DURING DATE NIGHT

Kidman's husband, musician Keith Urban, was right by her side as she walked down the blue carpet. He complimented his wife's show and said it's "a good insight behind the scenes look" at women's friendships and relationships.

"It's an amazing series," he added. "It's extraordinary... a wild ride."

Earlier in the evening, the Oscar-winner told Entertainment Tonight regarding Urban, “I have the most extraordinary partner in life."

NICOLE KIDMAN TALKS HER 'SIMPLE' HOME LIFE AND SETTING 'BOUNDARIES' FOR HER DAUGHTERS WITH KEITH URBAN

"I will always say that about him. I’m one of the very fortunate women in the world to have had a wonderful father, and I have a wonderful husband, and I’m just very — I love to be able to say that, because to talk about the good men that have influenced me and affected me," she added.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/nicole-kidman-meryl-streep-big-little-lies-season-2

2019-05-31 13:24:14Z
52780305317290

Nicole Kidman on Meryl Streep joining 'Big Little Lies' cast: 'We're so fortunate that she believed in us' - Fox News

NEW YORK – The demand for the second season of HBO's hit drama series, "Big Little Lies," came as a shock to one of the show's stars Nicole Kidman.

The Emmy-winner didn't expect fans to be so dedicated to the character's complicated storylines and wanting to learn more about them.

At the New York City premiere for Season 2, Kidman confessed she didn't intend on doing more episodes when she first signed on to the project, co-executive produced by and starring friend Reese Witherspoon. "The fans wanted it so we went, 'Okay!' and what a fantastic thing," she told reporters on the red carpet.

REESE WITHERSPOON ON WORKING WITH MERYL STREEP ON 'BIG LITTLE LIES': SHE'S 'FABULOUS'

"Thank you to the fans and the audiences," she added.

Kidman is still in awe that three-time Oscar winner, Meryl Streep, signed on to be part of the cast. "We're so fortunate that she believed in us," Kidman expressed. "She signed on without having read anything. That is a massive thing for a woman with that amount of power and also the fall she could take if we didn't deliver for her."

"It shows the trust. It also shows how she's unbelievably daring and curious and bold. And I love her!"

NICOLE KIDMAN, KEITH URBAN POSE FOR PLAYFUL SELFIE DURING DATE NIGHT

Kidman's husband, musician Keith Urban, was right by her side as she walked down the blue carpet. He complimented his wife's show and said it's "a good insight behind the scenes look" at women's friendships and relationships.

"It's an amazing series," he added. "It's extraordinary... a wild ride."

Earlier in the evening, the Oscar-winner told Entertainment Tonight regarding Urban, “I have the most extraordinary partner in life."

NICOLE KIDMAN TALKS HER 'SIMPLE' HOME LIFE AND SETTING 'BOUNDARIES' FOR HER DAUGHTERS WITH KEITH URBAN

"I will always say that about him. I’m one of the very fortunate women in the world to have had a wonderful father, and I have a wonderful husband, and I’m just very — I love to be able to say that, because to talk about the good men that have influenced me and affected me," she added.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/nicole-kidman-meryl-streep-big-little-lies-season-2

2019-05-31 11:53:58Z
52780305317290

Smollett case was closed weeks before being dismissed: report | TheHill - The Hill

The investigation into actor Jussie Smollett's claim that he was attacked by two men in Chicago who supposedly shouted racist and pro-Trump messages at him was closed weeks before police announced that no charges would be filed, according to documents.

CNN reported Friday that police were told by officials in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office just a week after the actor reported the attack that they could no longer investigate Smollett's claims.

ADVERTISEMENT

An assistant state attorney reportedly told police officials that Smollett would resolve the case by paying "Chicago $10K in restitution and doing community service."

Smollett's attorney Mark Geragos declined to comment on the news when contacted by CNN on Thursday.

Charges against the "Empire" actor were dropped in late March after an initial investigation into a reported hate crime against Smollett evolved into an investigation into whether the actor had lied to police about the incident and paid two brothers who worked with the show to stage the assault.

Smollett's case generated massive public nationwide attention due to the nature of his claims, which detailed a shocking attack apparently at the hands of President TrumpDonald John TrumpMexican president on Trump immigration tariffs: 'America First is a fallacy' Bennet warns against 'race to judgment' on Trump impeachment Grassley slams Trump tariffs on Mexico: 'A misuse of presidential tariff authority' MORE's supporters. The president has called Smollett's accusations "racist" in tweets criticizing the actor for his supposedly false accusations.

".@JussieSmollett - what about MAGA and the tens of millions of people you insulted with your racist and dangerous comments!? #MAGA" Trump tweeted in March days after the charges were dropped.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office said at the time that Smollett's decision to do community service and forfeit his bond to the city was a "just" outcome even as Smollett continued to maintain his side of the events publicly.

"After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of the case, including Mr. Smollet’s volunteer service in the community and agreement to forfeit his bond to the City of Chicago, we believe this outcome is a just disposition and appropriate resolution to this case," the office said in March. 

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/446291-smollett-case-was-closed-weeks-before-being-dismissed-report

2019-05-31 12:24:11Z
52780306274748

Jussie Smollett prosecutors closed investigation weeks before dismissing case, unsealed documents reveal - CNN

Assistant State Attorney Risa Lanier told detectives she felt the case would be settled by Smollett paying "Chicago $10K in restitution and doing community service."

It was a month later in March when prosecutors announced they were dismissing the 16 charges against Smollett, saying the "Empire" actor forfeited his bail money and had done community service.

Smollett had told police that two attackers yelled racist and homophobic slurs at him, tied a rope around his neck and poured an unknown substance on him.

But after an extensive investigation, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said Smollett paid two brothers $3,500 to stage the attack and take "advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career."

The case was national news for weeks and the dismissal of charges prompted critics to say the office of Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx was treating Smollett differently because he is a celebrity.

CNN reached out to Smollett's legal team Thursday, but attorney Mark Geragos declined to comment.

His attorney told detectives about two witnesses

In the new documents, Smollett's attorney Tina Glandian pointed to two witnesses who said they saw at least one white man near where Smollett said he was attacked.

One was a woman walking her dog at 12:30 a.m. and said she saw a white man who appeared to have a rope underneath his jacket. The man looked away when the woman looked at him, she told detectives.

Another was a security guard at a hotel who saw a white man wearing a ski mask at 2 a.m., around the time of the alleged incident. The guard said another man ran by, pointing to the other man in the mask.

"This is the first time we are seeing any of this," Glandian wrote in an email.

As the investigation into his claims of a hate crime attack had progressed, Smollett was asked by police whether two brothers could be the perpetrators.

No, he said, according to police documents, because there were "black as sin."

Smollett said he had no issues with the brothers

Smollett told police at the beginning that he was attacked in the early hours of January 29 by two white men.

When questioned February 14 about the brothers, who at the time were in police custody, Smollett, who is gay, said he didn't have any issues with them.

"They are straight so we don't have any problems with women or men," he said. "They did not owe me any money, I don't owe them any money. We have a good relationship."

The case file also has details about the "unknown chemical substance" police said the "Empire" actor claimed was poured on him during the attack.

The two brothers confessed to their involvement in the alleged plot, with one saying he filled a hot sauce bottle with bleach and poured it on Smollett.

That container was found at the scene of the alleged attack, police said.

Police have previously alleged that text messages show Smollett bought drugs from one brothers. In the documents, they said those drugs included marijuana, ecstasy, and cocaine.

CNN's Bill Kirkos, Rosalina Nieves and Andrea Diaz contributed to this report.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/31/entertainment/jussie-smollett-case-file-documents/index.html

2019-05-31 10:22:00Z
52780306274748

Jussie Smollett prosecutors closed investigation weeks before dismissing case, unsealed documents reveal - CNN

Assistant State Attorney Risa Lanier told detectives she felt the case would be settled by Smollett paying "Chicago $10K in restitution and doing community service."

It was a month later in March when prosecutors announced they were dismissing the 16 charges against Smollett, saying the "Empire" actor forfeited his bail money and had done community service.

Smollett had told police that two attackers yelled racist and homophobic slurs at him, tied a rope around his neck and poured an unknown substance on him.

But after an extensive investigation, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said Smollett paid two brothers $3,500 to stage the attack and take "advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career."

The case was national news for weeks and the dismissal of charges prompted critics to say the office of Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx was treating Smollett differently because he is a celebrity.

CNN reached out to Smollett's legal team Thursday, but attorney Mark Geragos declined to comment.

His attorney told detectives about two witnesses

In the new documents, Smollett 's attorney Tina Glandian pointed to two witnesses who said they saw at least one white man near where Smollett said he was attacked.

One was a woman walking her dog at 12:30 a.m. and said she saw a white man who appeared to have a rope underneath his jacket. The man looked away when the woman looked at him, she told detectives.

Another was a security guard at a hotel who saw a white man wearing a ski mask at 2 a.m., around the time of the alleged incident. The guard said another man ran by, pointing to the other man in the mask.

"This is the first time we are seeing any of this," Glandian wrote in an email.

As the investigation into his claims of a hate crime attack had progressed, Smollett was asked by police whether two brothers could be the perpetrators.

No, he said, according to police documents, because there were "black as sin."

Smollett said he had no issues with the brothers

Smollett told police at the beginning that he was attacked in the early hours of January 29 by two white men.

When questioned February 14 about the brothers, who at the time were in police custody, Smollett, who is gay, said he didn't have any issues with them.

"They are straight so we don't have any problems with women or men," he said. "They did not owe me any money, I don't owe them any money. We have a good relationship."

The case file also has details about the "unknown chemical substance" police said the "Empire" actor claimed was poured on him during the attack.

The two brothers confessed to their involvement in the alleged plot, with one saying he filled a hot sauce bottle with bleach and poured it on Smollett.

That container was found at the scene of the alleged attack, police said.

Police have previously alleged that text messages show Smollett bought drugs from one brothers. In the documents, they said those drugs included marijuana, ecstasy, and cocaine.

CNN's Bill Kirkos, Rosalina Nieves and Andrea Diaz contributed to this report.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/31/entertainment/jussie-smollett-case-file-documents/index.html

2019-05-31 08:02:00Z
52780306274748

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge: We Found The Most Expensive Item In Disneyland's New Area - GameSpot

With Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge about to open to the public at Disneyland, fans planning to visit the planet of Batuu are also likely planning to part ways with a lot of their money. Galaxy’s Edge is loaded with new and exclusive merchandise that you won’t be able to find anywhere else (much of which you can take a peek at in our image gallery from visiting the park), ranging in price from a few dollars to a few hundred--and beyond, as we're about to explain.

For those with plenty of cash to burn, there are some very high-end items for you to browse. During a media preview event, GameSpot found the most expensive piece of merchandise for sale in the new land. For the low, low price of only $25,000, you can have your own custom R-series droid.

Whether you want a perfect replica of R2-D2 or some splashes of color, the design of the droid is up to you, if you’re willing to pay enough. You can customize the droid's paint job and parts--to an extent that wasn't clear yet during our sneak peek. You can even choose whether your droid will appear scuffed up and used, or shiny like it just arrived from the factory. The droid is functional, including sounds and lights, and controllable via remote. If you decide to pony up, it will be about 90 days from the time of order to your custom droid arriving at your front door, according to Disney.

Of course, there are also options for those that don’t want to spend quite that much.

You can also build your own smaller droids for $100, or purchase one that’s been pre-built, with the price depending on the droid in question. Speaking to GameSpot, Disneyland Resort Merchandise Strategy Manager Summer Bloomfield said that prices on droids start at $10.

Honestly, though, everyone should get the $25,000 option and then R2 units can rule the galaxy. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Disneyland on May 31, with Walt Disney World’s arriving on August 29.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.gamespot.com/articles/galaxys-edge-we-found-the-most-expensive-merch-ite/1100-6467243/

2019-05-30 16:04:00Z
52780304929808

Serena Williams visits Meghan Markle, baby Archie: report - Fox News

Serena Williams has already jetted to London to meet Meghan Markle’s new baby Archie, it is understood.

The tennis champion, 37, is thought to have visited Windsor last week before heading to the French Open tournament, according to the Daily Mail.

Mom-of-one Serena was joined by husband Alexis Ohanian, 36, and their one-year-old daughter Olympia as they "visited Frogmore Cottage".

Fans were sent into overdrive after the seven-time champion posted a photo on her Instagram account of her posing in what appeared to be a regal stateroom in Windsor.

However, celebrity hairdresser Lorraine Dublin confused matters further by posting a near-identical photo of Serena, but tagged her in Paris.

One fan wrote: “Looks like you are somewhere in London maybe? Meeting baby Archie with Jessica?”

And another added: “Is this at Cousin Meg house?”

But some pointed out the room looks identical to Hôtel de la Vaupaliere in Paris.

One wrote: “I really don’t understand why you appear to be misleading people into believing these pictures were taken in a British Royal palace? Why not mention Hôtel de La Vaupalière?”

Buckingham Palace has been contacted for comment.

Serena is an old friend of Meghan’s, and the former actress even wrote of their first meeting on her now-defunct lifestyle blog The Tig.

Meghan, 37, described they were “taking pictures, laughing through the flag football game we were both playing and chatting not about tennis or acting but about good old fashioned girly stuff."

The Duchess also described how the pair "hit it off immediately" and from then on have continued to support each other through their chosen charity work and business ventures.

Ahead of Meghan Markle's appearance at Wimbledon in 2017, Serena said: "We have always supported each other, just been there for each other through a lot."

Serena even helped to plan Meghan’s swanky $377,000 baby shower in New York, and organized their stay at the luxury penthouse suite of the Mark Hotel.

Serena and her Reddit founder husband Alexis Ohanian were among the chosen guests at Meghan’s wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018, and the athlete spoke of the special day during her interview.

She said: “To have such a monumental moment in England, nonetheless of all the places, I felt like we were literally watching history.

"I feel like in a few years we are going to look back at that moment and it's going to be so historic.

It's going to be something that people never forget."

But above all, Serena added: "I just wanted to see my friend be happy. And I think that's what happened."

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was born on May 6 and it is rumored that Meghan’s best friend Jessica Mulroney flew over with her family to visit the new royal.

Meghan Markle is ‘too good’ for the Royal Family and has ‘never put a foot wrong,’ claims PR guru.

We previously told how the Duchess "asked Lizzy Cundy to help find a famous British man" and "ghosted" her when Harry came along.

This article originally appeared in The Sun.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/serena-williams-duchess-meghan-markle-baby-archie-visit

2019-05-30 14:50:14Z
52780304451888