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'The Wendy Williams Show' will make its in-studio return for season 12 this fall

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Lars Niki/Getty Images for New York Women in Film & Television(NEW YORK) — This fall, Wendy Williams returns to daytime television from her purple chair in her New York studio.

On Tuesday, Wendy announced that The Wendy Williams Show will resume in-studio production for the show’s 12th season, which begins September 21.

“I can’t wait to get back to all of you and to my amazing staff and crew,” Wendy wrote on Instagram. “I’m so excited to bring you silly, funny, glamour, and hopefully brighten your day during these crazy times that we’re all living in…even if for just an hour. I miss you and can’t wait to get back in my purple chair and show you what we did to the set. I love you for watching!”

The Wendy Williams Show shut down in March with other film and TV productions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wendy’s show, like many, has foregone live audiences and begun filming from remote locations or at home. In May, Variety reported Wendy was taking an indefinite hiatus from the show due to complications related to her Graves’ disease. 

The show’s return is cautiously being planned around New York’s Phase 4 reopening plans for film and television production, marking the first announcement for any daytime talk show to resume in-studio. 

As for late-night television, Jimmy Fallon and The Tonight Show last week resumed production at its New York studio for the first time in four months, beginning July 13 with remote guests New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and actress Charlize Theron. With no audience, Fallon attempted to put on a “normal” show, with his backup band The Roots and crew members wearing face shields and masks.

By Rachel George
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Report: 'Ellen' staffers "loving" the "open secret" of on-set nastiness claims are out

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ABC/Todd Wawrychuk(LOS ANGELES) — Last week, one current and 10 former and current staffers of The Ellen DeGeneres Show came forward to Buzzfeed to claim the show’s sunny personality hides some major on-set clouds. 

The staffers claimed they tolerated racist comments and other elements of a toxic work environment from senior producers and other higher-ranking staffers while working on the show. 

Now, Us magazine claims current staff members are “loving” that the dirty laundry is being aired. “They’ve been calling and texting each other about the story,” claims a source connected with the show. “They’re loving that the truth — which has been an open secret for years in the industry — is finally receiving more interest.”

In response to the Buzzfeed piece, Ellen executive producers Ed Glavin, Mary Connelly and Andy Lassner issued a joint statement to BuzzFeed, which read in part, “Over the course of nearly two decades, 3,000 episodes, and employing over 1,000 staff members, we have strived to create an open, safe, and inclusive work environment. We are truly heartbroken and sorry to learn that even one person in our production family has had a negative experience. It’s not who we are and not who we strive to be, and not the mission Ellen has set for us.”

It continued, “For the record, the day to day responsibility of the Ellen show is completely on us. We…realize, as many in the world are learning, that we need to do better, are committed to do better, and we will do better.”

By Stephen Iervolino
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Luke Bryan planted a corn field during quarantine — and advises fans not to do the same

• No Comments • Country Music News

ABC/Stewart CookLuke Bryan has some words of wisdom for his fans: don’t plant sweet corn during a global pandemic. 

The country superstar took to Instagram to reveal that he’s used his time in quarantine to plant a corn field on his Tennessee property, an activity that appears to be as stressful as it is rewarding. 

“Little tip for you guys — never get bored during a pandemic and plant four acres of sweet corn,” the Georgia native advises with a disgruntled look on his face as he struggles to carry a Home Depot bucket filled with ears of corn under the beating sun, accompanied by the caption, “sweet corn out the a**.”

Though Luke may not be thrilled with his new pastime, he’s piqued the interest of his fans and country music friends, with Dustin Lynch commenting “on my way,” while Proud To Be Right Here Tour opener Caylee Hammack inquires, “Can I come out and pick my own for dinner? This is a dream!” 

Luke recently spent his 44th birthday weekend doing something a little more relaxing with a fishing trip with his family in Wyoming. The American Idol judge is also celebrating the success of his latest number-one single, “One Margarita.”

By Cillea Houghton
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Salas shooter linked to California murder of men's rights attorney: FBI

• No Comments • National News

ABC NewsBY: JON HAWORTH, AARON KATERSKY, MARK CRUDELE, and IVAN PEREIRA

(NEW YORK) —  Roy Den Hollander, whom the FBI has called the “primary subject” in the shooting at Judge Esther Salas’ New Jersey home, was also the leading suspect in the murder of a like-minded attorney in California earlier this month, the FBI said.

Hollander, an attorney who took on cases against feminist causes, was found dead by police Monday from an apparent suicide, according to investigators.

Hollander allegedly posed as a FedEx employee when he approached Salas’ home Sunday evening and shot Salas’ husband, Mark Anderl, and her son, Daniel Anderl, 20, before escaping in a car, according to sources. Daniel Anderl was killed and Mark Anderl is recovering at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Law enforcement sources say the suspect who killed men’s rights attorney Marc Angelucci on July 11 in San Bernardino County dressed in a similar disguise. The FBI’s Newark office said in a statement on Wednesday it is working with its San Bernardino counterpart and has evidence linking the Angelucci’s murder to Hollander.

While the FBI didn’t provide more details, law enforcement sources told ABC News the gun used in the California incident was the same one used in the New Jersey shootings.

Hollander had previously received media attention for lawsuits challenging perceived infringements of “men’s rights” on networks like Fox News, Comedy Central and MSNBC. Investigators are looking into whether Hollander was jealous of Angelucci for winning a recent case, according to law enforcement sources.

In the meantime, investigators in New York and New Jersey are taking precautions to protect people who may have been Hollander’s alleged targets.

During conference call with reporters, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he ordered state police to provide protection for New York State Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, who may have been targeted by Hollander.

A municipal employee discovered Hollander’s body in a car in the town of Rockland, New York, according to the New York State Police. He died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.

Inside Hollander’s vehicle was a photo of Judge DiFiore along with her address, according to Cuomo. Sources told ABC News that a dozen other names were found in Hollander’s car.

Shortly after the shooting Sunday night, security was ramped up for all federal judges in New Jersey, a law enforcement official told ABC News. Officials feared the incident at Judge Salas’ home could be the beginning of a coordinated attack.

“Our hearts, thoughts, prayers, are overwhelming with Judge Salas and her husband and hope that he makes a speedy recovery,” New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said on Wednesday. “This notion we made a lot of progress on gun safety … there are too many examples that continue to tell us that we are not home yet, we have a ways to go.”

Hollander, 72, had been diagnosed with cancer and officials are investigating whether the attacks were grudge killings committed by someone who knew they were dying, according to sources.

Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Authorities probe 3rd Fort Hood-linked death in a month

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ABC News/KXXVBY: ELLA TORRES

(KILLEEN, Texas) — An investigation is underway into the death of a 26-year-old Fort Hood soldier found unresponsive in a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir, government and local officials said.

Pvt. Mejhor Morta was found July 17 after a fisherman called 911 to report seeing what he believed to be a body at the base of the dam, according to a statement from the Bell County Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating.

Although the investigation is ongoing, preliminary autopsy results show that the cause of death is consistent with drowning, officials said.

“The Black Knight family is truly heartbroken by the tragic loss of Private Mejhor Morta. I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones,” Lt. Col. Neil Armstrong said in a statement. “My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. Private Morta was a great Trooper and this loss is felt by every member within our formation.”

Morta, whose home of record was listed in Pensacola, Florida, entered the Army in September 2019 as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle mechanic. Since May 2020, he had been assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

Morta’s death marks the third for the base in a month.

On June 19, skeletal remains were found near Fort Hood based on an anonymous tip and later identified as Pvt. Gregory Wedel-Morales, who had been last seen Aug. 19.

On July 1, human remains were discovered near Fort Hood and subsequently identified as Vanessa Guillen, a 20-year-old missing soldier. A suspect in the case, 20-year-old army specialist Aaron Robinson, died by suicide as officials moved in on him. Another suspect, Cecily Aguilar, 22, Robinson’s girlfriend and accused of helping him dispose of Guillen’s body, was charged with one count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence. Aguilar is being held in jail without bond. She pleaded not guilty.

Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.