Category: Entertainment
Disney Reinstates Jimmy Kimmel Following Suspension Over Controversial Comments
After a week-long suspension that sparked a nationwide debate over government interference and free speech, ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to air on Tuesday night. The decision follows days of backlash against Disney and allegations that the show’s suspension was politically motivated. Kimmel’s show had been abruptly pulled from the schedule after several local ABC affiliates preempted it in protest, following comments made by Kimmel that were widely interpreted as critical of the Trump administration. ABC then suspended the program altogether—a move that ignited fierce criticism from media watchdogs, Hollywood figures, and civil rights groups. In a statement on Monday afternoon, Disney explained its initial decision and the rationale for reinstating the late-night host.“Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country,” Disney said. “It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.” A source familiar with Kimmel’s plans told CNN that he will address the controversy in his Tuesday night monologue. Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs weekdays at 11:35 p.m. ET. Media analysts have been closely watching Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment co-chairman Dana Walden as they navigate political and commercial pressures. ABC’s station affiliates, as well as ongoing deals like ESPN’s pending pact with the NFL, require government approvals that some see as vulnerable to political influence. Complicating matters, Kimmel’s contract expires in May, and the late-night TV space has seen consistent declines in viewership and advertising revenue. Kimmel’s suspension stunned the entertainment industry, where the longtime host is seen as a respected and influential figure. The show employs between 200 and 250 people, and its sudden pause led to protests at Disney’s offices in New York and Burbank, California, as well as outside the Hollywood theater where the show is filmed. Public support for Kimmel swelled in the days following the suspension. Over 400 prominent artists, including Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Jennifer Aniston, signed an open letter organized by the ACLU demanding his reinstatement. Following ABC’s reversal, ACLU Executive Director Anthony D. Romero said the company “made the right call” by allowing Kimmel to return. “It should never have suspended him to begin with and resisted the government’s desire to control what people say,” Romero said. “Hopefully, other media outlets will also find their spines and resist the Trump administration’s efforts to cudgel them into obeisance.” Democratic lawmakers also praised the move.“Thank you to everyone but @BrendanCarrFCC,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X. “This is a win for free speech everywhere.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed the sentiment, writing, “This is big: Jimmy Kimmel is coming back! This is about fighting for free speech and against these abuses by Donald Trump and Brendan Carr.” Carr, a Republican FCC commissioner, has faced criticism for what many see as political pressure on media outlets. He did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment. However, his FCC colleague, Commissioner Anna M. Gomez—the commission’s lone Democrat—voiced strong support for Kimmel’s return. “I am glad to see Disney find its courage in the face of clear government intimidation,” Gomez said in a statement. “More importantly, I want to thank those Americans from across the ideological spectrum who spoke loudly and courageously against this blatant attempt to silence free speech.” “It will continue to be up to us as citizens to push back against this administration’s growing campaign of censorship and control,” she added. PEN America, one of several free expression organizations that condemned Disney’s initial decision, called Kimmel’s reinstatement “a vindication for free speech.”“This is about remedying his unjustifiable suspension, and reminding us that when people speak out to hold the powerful to account—it matters,” said Summer Lopez, interim co-CEO of PEN America. “We must all channel the same energy to fight the many assaults on free speech underway, including against those with less reach and resources.”
TAFTA’s Kingmaker and Book Cover Thrill Audiences at Terra Kulture
It was an evening of creativity, storytelling, and celebration at Terra Kulture in Victoria Island, Lagos, as the Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA), in partnership with MasterCard, staged two original one-act plays — Kingmaker and Book Cover. The event, part of the TAFTA Action Learning Project (TALP X), brought together emerging talents from TAFTA’s training program and showcased their original scripts, exploring themes of resilience, identity, and self-discovery. Before the curtain rose, the atmosphere was energized by saxophonist Timileyin Sax Monac, who opened the evening with a vibrant performance of Davido’s hit With You and another crowd-pleaser, setting the perfect tone. A Platform for Emerging Voices Both Kingmaker and Book Cover featured standout performances from TAFTA trainees, who brought their stories to life with passion and professionalism, earning enthusiastic applause from a full house. Bolanle Austen-Peters, Founder and CEO of TAFTA, expressed her pride in the performers: “I am so proud of what our trainees are doing. TALP is giving them the opportunity to practically showcase what they’ve learned. My vision is to expand TALP beyond Lagos so more young creatives can share their voices with the world.” TAFTA’s General Manager, Joseph Umoibom — also a producer at BAP Productions — highlighted the program’s broad reach: “Through MasterCard’s support, we’ve trained over 50,000 young creatives across Lagos, Ogun, and Kano. Many of these participants are staging their work for the first time on Nigeria’s biggest theatre platform.” He noted that TAFTA is not only training students in performance but also encouraging them to write, produce, and own their creative narratives. More Than Just a Stage TAFTA, founded by the award-winning director Bolanle Austen-Peters, is a creative institution offering free, world-class training in scriptwriting, lighting and sound design, animation, and creative entrepreneurship. Using both online and in-person methods, it equips young Nigerians with the tools and mentorship needed to thrive in the creative industry. Veteran actor and theatre consultant Dr. Afeez Oyetoro commended the initiative: “The creativity and professionalism displayed by these young talents is remarkable. TALP X is not just entertainment; it is education, social commentary, and a training ground for Nigeria’s next generation of theatre professionals.” Hands-On Learning in Action TALP (TAFTA Action Learning Project) is the final stage of TAFTA’s program, where students are grouped into production teams to collaboratively write and perform original plays. This real-world approach transforms learning into lived experience, preparing trainees for careers in theatre and beyond. By the end of the evening, the audience left inspired — a testament to the power of storytelling and the promise of Nigeria’s growing creative community.
Peter Obi Surprises Charly Boy with Ghana Must Go Bag Full of Fruits
By Kamal Yalwa | September 19, 2025 Veteran Nigerian entertainer and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has shared a lighthearted and touching account of an early morning visit from former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. In a post shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Charly Boy narrated how he received a surprise call from Obi at around 1:00 am, informing him of a planned courtesy visit by 5:00 am the same morning. Despite the unusual timing, the singer and socio-political commentator said he obliged — only to be met with an unexpected gift. “As I come downstairs to meet him, na so I see one big Ghana Must Go [bag] by the entrance of my sitting room,” Charly Boy wrote in his signature blend of English and Pidgin. “I look at the bag, I just dey wonder, wetin fit dey inside this bag?” According to Charly Boy, the two spent nearly two hours discussing Nigeria, politics, and family matters before Obi finally gestured to the bag, saying: “See small thing I bring for you.” Initially, Charly Boy didn’t open it. But after Obi left, curiosity got the better of him. What he found inside left him in stitches. “Inside the bag was three bottles of roasted groundnuts, many alligator pepper, kolanuts, pawpaw, oranges, agara, mangos, bananas, etc — wey Obi pack by himself.” He called Obi to thank him, only to receive a humble reply: “Senior, I no fit give you money, but I fit give you this one — na my hand pick.” Reacting to the gesture, Charly Boy wrote: “Which kind of native intelligence pass this one?” The moment has since resonated with many online, seen as a reflection of Obi’s often-praised simplicity and grassroots approach. Charly Boy, a vocal supporter of Obi and prominent figure in the “Obidient” movement, was one of the high-profile advocates of the Labour Party’s campaign during the 2023 presidential election.
Davido Confirmed as Only Nigerian Artiste Set to Perform at Coachella 2026
By Kamal Yalwa | September 17, 2025 Afrobeats global icon Davido has been officially announced as the only Nigerian artist slated to perform at the 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, marking a major milestone in his international career. The announcement places Davido on one of the most prestigious stages in global music, as Coachella remains one of the world’s most influential and widely attended music festivals. The 2026 edition of the festival will run across two weekends — April 10–12 and April 17–19 — in Indio, California, with a star-studded lineup that includes global chart-toppers Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Karol G, and Anyma as headliners. This marks Davido’s debut Coachella performance, adding yet another accolade to his growing list of international achievements and further cementing Afrobeats’ global dominance. Fans around the world are already expressing excitement across social media, hailing the artist’s inclusion as a proud moment for Nigeria and African music.
Five2 Media’s Extra Mile Wins Best Female Filmmaker – Nollywood Award at TINFF 2025
By Kamal Yalwa | September 15, 2025 Extra Mile, the compelling feature film by Five2 Media and Entertainment, has clinched the Best Film by a Female Filmmaker – Nollywood award at the 2025 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF). Produced by Joy Grant and Solate Ovundah-Akarolo, who also served as Executive Producer, Extra Mile was celebrated for its emotional depth, outstanding performances, and refreshing approach to storytelling within Nollywood cinema. “TINFF’s recognition is an encouragement for female voices in Nollywood to keep breaking boundaries and telling stories that matter,” said producer Joy Grant following the win. The film explores the complexities of friendship, betrayal, and resilience, brought to life through nuanced performances by Nollywood veterans Mercy Johnson, Jim Iyke, and Lilian Esoro. Critics and audiences alike praised its honesty and emotional resonance, describing it as both intimate and universally relatable. The award was received on behalf of Five2 Media by the company’s Canada-based Communications Lead, Oraye St. Franklyn, who expressed gratitude to the entire cast and crew. For Ovundah-Akarolo, the win is more than a personal milestone — it represents a broader shift in the industry. “This award signals a turning point,” she said. “Female filmmakers are no longer just part of the conversation — we’re leading it.” Held in Toronto, a global meeting point for African cinema and the diaspora, the TINFF 2025 Gala drew industry stars and international attendees, including Nigerian comedian Julius Agwu and filmmaker Ayo “AY” Makun. The recognition of Extra Mile also underscores Nollywood’s evolving presence on the global stage, as it continues to deliver stories that resonate beyond borders. With its universal themes and authentic voice, the film serves as a testament to Nollywood’s storytelling power — and the vital role women are playing in shaping its future. This win is not just a victory for one film or one filmmaker — it’s a marker of progress, and a signal that Nollywood’s next chapter is being written from a wider, richer, and more inclusive lens.
‘Adolescence’ and ‘The Studio’ Dominate 2025 Emmy Awards (Full Winners List)
By Kamal Yalwa | September 15, 2025 The 2025 Emmy Awards were dominated by the dark British limited series “Adolescence” and Seth Rogen’s biting Hollywood satire “The Studio,” both of which swept major categories during Sunday night’s ceremony. The emotionally charged teen murder drama “Adolescence” took home eight awards, including Best Limited Series, as well as accolades for writing, directing, lead actor, and supporting performances. The Netflix hit, which explores toxic masculinity and the impact of social media on youth, became a global phenomenon with over 140 million views in its first three months. Co-creator and star Stephen Graham, who plays the father of the teenage suspect, acknowledged the show’s unexpected global resonance. “We never expected our little program to have such a big impact,” he said. 15-year-old Owen Cooper, who plays the lead role, made history as the youngest male actor to win an Emmy. “Honestly, when I started these drama classes a couple of years back, I didn’t expect to be even in the United States, never mind here,” he said emotionally. ‘The Pitt’ Wins Best Drama in Surprise Upset In what many considered a surprise victory, “The Pitt” clinched Best Drama Series, edging out frontrunner “Severance.” The gripping medical drama, set entirely during a single chaotic hospital shift in Pittsburgh, gained traction through word-of-mouth after a quiet debut. Veteran actor Noah Wyle won Best Drama Actor for his role as the hospital’s weary ER chief. “Anybody going on shift tonight or coming off shift tonight — thank you for being in that job. This is for you,” Wyle said, dedicating the win to real-life healthcare workers. Katherine LaNasa also took home Best Supporting Actress in a drama for her role on The Pitt. ‘The Studio’ Breaks Records in Comedy Categories Seth Rogen’s “The Studio” dominated the comedy awards, earning Best Comedy Series and a total of 13 Emmys, including Best Actor, Writing, and Directing — setting a new record for comedy wins in a single year. The sharp satire, which both celebrates and critiques Hollywood culture, was lauded for its clever storytelling and self-awareness. Rogen plays a struggling movie executive navigating the industry’s absurdities. In the supporting categories, Jean Smart won her fourth Emmy for “Hacks”, while Hannah Einbinder earned her first Emmy as Best Supporting Actress. Einbinder’s speech briefly caused controversy when she criticized a U.S. government agency involved in immigration raids and ended with the words “Free Palestine” — a moment that was muted by CBS.
Tyler Perry Hit With $260 Million Sexual Assault Lawsuit by Former The Oval Actor Derek Dixon
By Kamal Yalwa: September 10, 2025 – ATLANTA, USA Renowned filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry is facing a $260 million sexual assault and harassment lawsuit filed by actor Derek Dixon, who alleges he was abused and manipulated while working on Perry’s BET drama The Oval. Dixon, best known for his role as Dale on the series, went public with the allegations in an emotional interview with ABC News on September 9. He claims Perry created a toxic and coercive professional environment that left him fearing for his job and personal safety. According to Dixon, the abuse included a disturbing incident at Perry’s Atlanta residence where the filmmaker allegedly pulled down his underwear and grabbed his buttocks. “I was under constant stress, scared I’d lose my job or be killed off the show if I didn’t comply,” Dixon said during the interview. The $260 million lawsuit, filed in June 2025, is based on claims of sexual assault, workplace retaliation, breach of contract, and emotional distress. Dixon explained the figure includes both compensation for lost wages and damages, as well as a deterrent meant to hold powerful industry figures accountable. “Part of that number is my lost job, my lost income, the loss of a show. The other part of that is a deterrent — how do you stop a billionaire who won’t stop themselves from doing this?” Dixon stated. He also accused Perry of reneging on a promise to produce a pilot script Dixon had written — a project he claims Perry still controls but never followed through on. Dixon said the decision to go public was not easy, but necessary. “I’m doing this to protect future generations of actors and creatives,” he said. “Never exploit someone’s aspirations to coerce them into a relationship. That’s unprofessional.” In response, Tyler Perry’s legal team has strongly denied the allegations. “This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be an elaborate scam,” said Perry’s attorney, Matthew Boyd. “But Tyler will not be coerced, and we are confident that these unfounded harassment claims will not succeed.” Dixon first filed a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in January 2024, several months before leaving The Oval. His claims and subsequent legal action have intensified scrutiny around power dynamics, workplace harassment, and accountability in the entertainment industry. The lawsuit is likely to draw wider attention as it unfolds, particularly given Perry’s towering influence in Hollywood and his reputation as a trailblazing, self-made creator. No court date has been set at this time.
Travis Kelce Giddy Over Engagement to Taylor Swift
NFL star Travis Kelce is opening up about his recent engagement to global pop icon Taylor Swift, describing the moment as “exciting” and “awesome.” The couple announced their engagement on August 26, 2025, in a joint Instagram post that quickly went viral, sparking widespread reactions across social media platforms. Kelce, tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, spoke about the engagement during the latest episode of his “New Heights” podcast, co-hosted with his brother and former Philadelphia Eagles center, Jason Kelce. “In case you missed the Instagram post heard ‘round the world, Travis and Taylor are engaged,” Jason said at the top of the show. “Yay!” Travis responded with gratitude, thanking fans and well-wishers. “I appreciate everybody that reached out and sent something and all the excitement that’s been going on,” he said. “It’s been really fun telling everybody who I’m going to be spending the rest of my life with.” The Super Bowl champion also shared details of their first public appearance as an engaged couple, which took place at a Cincinnati Bearcats game last week. “It was my first time introducing Taylor as my fiancée to a few of my teammates,” Kelce said. “So yeah, it was pretty cool.” When Jason asked if he still gets “giddy” saying it, Travis admitted, “Yeah I do. I still get giddy. Exciting times.” Kelce and Swift’s relationship has been a high-profile one since it went public in late 2023. The engagement marks a new chapter for the couple, whose romance has played out in front of millions of fans around the world. No date has yet been announced for the wedding.