January 20, 2021 • No Comments • Entertainment News

Photo by BG004/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images(LOS ANGELES) — In an attempt to terminate his chances of getting the respiratory virus, Arnold Schwarzenegger received the COVID-19 vaccine today.

The former Governor of California tweeted a video of himself getting the jab through the passenger side window of a black SUV, at Dodger Stadium in L.A., the parking lot of which has been converted to a vaccine distribution center. 

“Put that needle down!” a masked, Kindergarten Cop-quoting Schwarzenegger joked to the nurse who injected him.

“I just got my vaccine,” he then says after thanking the health care worker.

“I recommend it to anyone and everyone,” he said, before quoting himself from Terminator 2: “Come with me if you want to live.”

“Today was a good day. I have never been happier to wait in a line,” Arnold tweeted.

At 73, Arnold is in the high risk group for the virus; the vaccine is currently only available to Los Angelinos who are 65 and older.

By Stephen Iervolino
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

January 20, 2021 • No Comments • Entertainment News

Masterson in court today – Lucy Nicholson – Pool/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — Danny Masterson, former star of That ’70s Show and The Ranch, pleaded not guilty to multiple rape charges today, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Masterson was arrested and charged in June with three counts of “rape by force or fear.” The three incidents allegedly took place between 2001 and 2003, Los Angeles authorities maintain.

After he pleaded, the actor was released on $3.3 million bail, and will be seen in court again on March 24, according to The Hollywood Reporter.  

As previously reported, the That ‘70s Show actor is accused of raping a 23-year-old woman between January and December 2001. He is also accused of raping a 28-year-old woman in April 2003 and a 23-year-old woman sometime between October and December of that year.

If convicted, Masterson faces a possible maximum sentence of 45 years to life in state prison.

Following the charges last June, Masterson’s attorney Tom Mesereau released a statement, saying, “Mr. Masterson is innocent, and we’re confident that he will be exonerated when all the evidence finally comes to light and witnesses have the opportunity to testify.”

The statement continued, “Obviously, Mr. Masterson and his wife [actress Bijou Phillips] are in complete shock considering that these nearly 20-year old allegations are suddenly resulting in charges being filed, but they and their family are comforted knowing that ultimately the truth will come out. The people who know Mr. Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false.”

Masterson was fired from the Netflix comedy The Ranch after the allegations were made against him in 2017.

By Stephen Iervolino
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

January 20, 2021 • No Comments • Entertainment News

Liam Daniel/Netflix (NEW YORK) — Just as its hit The Queen’s Gambit spiked sales for chess boards, Netflix’s latest success, Bridgerton, is boosting searches for “embroidery,” “corsets,” and other period items.

The steamy show, set in the 1800s, is even spiking fans’ searches for the flower wisteria — seen onscreen in and around the show’s sumptuous titular estate — by some 300%.

According to the Mirror, the website Hobbycraft reports a spike of more than 1,000% in embroidery kits, evidence that already bored, locked-down fans are taking up a new hobby to emulate the show’s delicate period frock.

It’s becoming such a common search topic it’s being dubbed “The Bridgerton Effect.”

According to the paper, searches for corsets like those seen on star Phoebe Dynevor and the show’s other leading ladies, have jumped 39%; searches for lace tops rose by 37%, and even period-appropriate headbands jumped 25%.

Fans are also leading searches for antique chairs, tea sets, and other Bridgerton-esque bric-a-brac.

The show from TV hit-maker Shonda Rhimes launched in December, and quickly became one of the most-watched original series to debut on the streaming service.

Based on Julia Quinn’s beloved book series, the Shondaland-produced show is set in London in the 1800s, and centers on Dynevor’s character, Daphne Bridgerton, and her arranged marriage to the Duke of Hastings, played by heartthrob Regé-Jean Page. 

By Stephen Iervolino
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

January 20, 2021 • No Comments • Entertainment News

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic(LOS ANGELES) — Lucie Arnaz has a message for fans who weren’t exactly thrilled about the idea of Nicole Kidman portraying her mother, Lucille Ball, in the upcoming biopic Being the Ricardos: “It’s a done deal.”

In a recent video shared to Facebook, Arnaz addressed the debate surrounding the choice to cast Kidman in the role of the late actress, when others felt that Debra Messing or Carole Cook would be better suited. 

“It’s a done deal, but the contracts aren’t actually signed, which is why I haven’t said anything publicly about it. But I felt I should just at least try to calm the waters here,” she revealed. 

Arnaz, who is also set to executive produce the film, added, “Here’s the deal. You should understand we are not doing a remake of I Love Lucy. No one has to impersonate Lucy Ricardo nor do the Vitameatavegamin routine or the chocolate factory routine or any of the silly things… It’s the story of Lucille Ball, my actual mother, not Lucy Ricardo, and her husband, Dezi Arnaz, my dad, not Ricky Ricardo.”

“So I hope I can set the record straight here, and just say stop arguing about who should play it, she doesn’t look like her, her nose isn’t the same, she isn’t as funny,” she continued. “Just trust us, it’s going to be a nice film, and P.S. the voting is over. I love all of you.”

In addition to Kidman, E! News reports the movie, which is being written and directed by The Trial of the Chicago 7‘s Aaron Sorkin, is also in negotiations with Javier Bardem to star as Ball’s husband, Dezi Arnaz. 

By Danielle Long
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.