Bon Scott 80th artwork (courtesy of Chipster P.R.)
Original AC/DC frontman Bon Scott would have turned 80 this year, and the Bon Scott estate, along with its exclusive licensing/merchandising partner Perryscope Productions, has announced lots of plans to celebrate the milestone.
The official Scott YouTube channel will offer new video content as part of a deal with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, plus there will be video of new interviews from Scott’s friends and peers, including Sammy Hagar, Anthtrax’s Scott Ian and Rick Springfield.
There will also be a whole host of Bon Scott tribute events, including the 20th anniversary Bonfest: The International Bon Scott Rock Festival May 1-2 in Kirriemuir, Scotland, along with the third annual Bon’s Birthday Bash in New York on July 6. In addition, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is planning a one-night-only screening of the AC/DC concert film Let There Be Rock: The Movie.
Plus, the estate has plans for a whole host of merchandising this year. They include limited-edition collectibles like 1-ounce gold and 10-ounce silver bars from the Perth Mint with Scott’s name and likeness; posters, T-shirts and more featuring exclusive artwork by graphic artist Reg Mombassa; and Knucklebonz’s third Bon Scott edition collectible, based on AC/DC’s 1978 Powerage tour.
There will also be apparel options, with a variety of limited-edition T-shirts, including a Bon 80 shirt and a “heritage” Tartan shirt from Dixxon Flannel Co, based on the officially registered Bon Scott tartans.
Phoebe Dynevor attends the St. Regis World Snow Polo Championships 2025 at Rio Grande Park on Dec. 18, 2025, in Aspen, Colorado. (Greg Doherty/Getty Images for St. Regis)
Phoebe Dynevor is joining the Emily Henry rom-com universe.
The Bridgerton actress will star in the film adaptation of the bestselling novel Beach Read, ABC Audio has learned.
Beach Read follows the character January Andrews, a romance novelist who struggles with writer’s block due to her grief after the death of her father and her discovery of the secrets he kept.
January spends the summer at her father’s Michigan beach house as she prepares to sell it. While there, she reconnects with Gus Everett, a fellow author and her formal college rival. The pair spark an unexpected romance after they agree to partake in a writing challenge to get them out of their respective writing ruts.
There is currently no word on any other casting for the film.
Yulin Kuang, who co-wrote the Netflix film adaptation of Henry’s novel People We Meet on Vacation, will direct Beach Read for 20th Century Studios from her own script.
This is the latest adaptation of one of Henry’s works, following the January release of People We Meet on Vacation. Three of her other novels — Book Lovers, Funny Story and Happy Place, are also currently being adapted for the screen.
Disney is the parent company of ABC News and 20th Century Studios.
Prince Andrew, Duke of York attends the traditional Easter Sunday Mattins Service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on April 20, 2025 in Windsor, England. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
(LONDON) — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — formerly known as Prince Andrew and the younger brother of King Charles III — was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has since been released under investigation and has not been charged.
In a statement, Thames Valley Police said it had “arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.”
“We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance,” the statement said.
Police confirmed that searches being conducted in Norfolk have now concluded, while searches in Berkshire remain underway.
Photos from Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate in eastern England showed what appeared to be police officers arriving in several unmarked vehicles. Thursday marks Andrew’s 66th birthday.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Charles said, “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.”
“What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation,” Charles added.
“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales issued a statement supporting the king.
President Donald Trump called the news of former Prince Andrew’s arrest on Thursday over ties to Jeffrey Epstein a “shame.”
“I think it’s a shame. I think it’s very sad and I think it’s so bad for the royal family. It’s very, very sad,” Trump said.
Andrew’s arrest on Thursday follows the emergence of documents detailing communication between Andrew and the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew has previously denied wrongdoing with respect to Epstein.
If convicted, misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
There have been no senior royals arrested in recent history. In November 2002, Princess Anne pleaded guilty to having a dog dangerously out of control and was fined £500.
The palace confirmed to ABC News that it was not informed ahead of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest.
Thames Valley Police told ABC News last week that it was assessing reports of Andrew’s alleged misconduct in office as trade envoy.
“We can confirm receipt of this report and are assessing the information in line with our established procedures,” a Thames Valley Police spokesperson said in a statement on Feb. 9.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Prince Andrew, Duke of York attends the traditional Easter Sunday Mattins Service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on April 20, 2025, in Windsor, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
(LONDON) — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor appeared to share sensitive information stemming from his role as the UK trade envoy with Jeffrey Epstein and appeared to discuss potential business dealings with the late sex offender while working for the British government, emails released by the U.S. Department of Justice suggest.
Emails sent by Mountbatten-Windsor show the former prince passing along what he described as “confidential information” stemming from his government role to Epstein. Other emails – including some sent by his former liaison – suggest that Mountbatten-Windsor discussed Epstein’s connections in his personal dealings.
British police on Thursday arrested Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest comes amid mounting criticism of Mountbatten-Windsor’s longtime relationship with the disgraced financier who died by suicide in a Manhattan jail in 2019.
Mountbatten-Windsor has previously denied any wrongdoing with respect to Epstein. The former prince, whose royal title was revoked last year by his brother, King Charles III, has not been charged with any sex crimes.
While serving as trade envoy in 2010, Mountbatten-Windsor directly emailed Epstein information about investment opportunities in Afghanistan. The information appeared to stem directly from his work as a public official, according to emails reviewed by ABC News.
“I am going to offer this elsewhere in my network (including Abu Dhabi) but would be very interested in your comments, views or ideas as to whom I could also usefully show this to attract some interest,” Mountbatten-Windsor stated to Epstein in a December 2010 email, forwarding a “confidential brief” about investment opportunities in Afghanistan.
In another email a month earlier, Mountbatten-Windsor sent Epstein multiple reports from his recent trip to South Asia as trade envoy.
Mountbatten-Windsor’s liaison David Stern also shared potentially sensitive information with Epstein related to British companies Aston Martin and Royal Bank of Scotland, according to emails released by the DOJ. Based on publicly available emails, it is unclear whether Mountbatten-Windsor knew that Stern was sharing the information with Epstein.
ABC News has so far been unable to contact Stern. The University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School confirmed that Stern resigned with immediate effect from his position as a board member.
Liaison attempted to involve Epstein in private business dealings
Stern discussed opening a private investment office with Epstein that would leverage the former prince’s “aura and access,” according to a series of emails between Stern and Epstein while Mountbatten-Windsor was serving as a trade envoy.
“We set up small investment highly private office in London with small outpost in Beijing, for high net worth individuals – targeting Chinese (but not exclusively) that works like an extended family office,” Stern wrote in a July 2010 email.
“We very discreetly make PA part of it and use his ‘aura and access’, you make/decide on the investments and I manage the day to day operations,” Stern added. In multiple emails, Prince Andrew is referred to as “PA.”
Though Mountbatten-Windsor is not on the emails, he is repeatedly referenced, and Stern appears to speak on his behalf.
“Informed PA that you are thinking about the company set up and I will wait for your feedback before taking action,” Stern told Epstein in a June 2010 email.
The plans discussed between the two are not believed to have been carried out.
In a later email, Stern told Epstein he wanted the firm to focus on “big money and power (including access to power globally – see PA).”
Emails released by the DOJ suggest that Epstein and Stern actively discussed a business opportunity at length between 2010 and 2011.
Mountbatten-Windsor appeared to connect Epstein with UAE crown prince
Mountbatten-Windsor also appeared to connect Epstein with some government officials while serving as a trade envoy.
In a November 2010 email, Mountbatten-Windsor said that he spoke with UAE foreign affairs minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan about a meeting with Epstein. Earlier emails also suggested that Mountbatten-Windsor consulted with Epstein about how to approach the conversations.
“He thinks you are great and would like to introduce you to Sheikh Mohammed, the Crown Prince. Doesn’t think it can be done before the end of the year though,” Mountbatten-Windsor said.
Epstein then asked Mountbatten-Windsor to ask for a “date when we can all go on vacation.”
Epstein appeared to offer Mountbatten-Windsor investing advice
In a May 2010 email, Mountbatten-Windsor suggested that he consulted Epstein on how to invest through a trust while serving as a trade envoy.
“Re our conversation earlier this week: so long as I delegate any responsibility to invest then there are no problems,” Mountbatten-Windsor said. “So Trusts are delegated responsibility as to are any Banks or Investment Vehicles or for that matter Trusted individuals.”
U.S. President Donald Trump attends an event to announce a rollback of the 2009 Endangerment Finding in the Roosevelt Room at the White House on February 12, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Trump administration will repeal the 2009 central scientific finding that allows the EPA to regulate climate-warming emissions. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
(WASHINGTON) — As the U.S. considers waging a military offensive against Iran, President Donald Trump gathered with dozens of world leaders and heads of state for the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace, a peacekeeping body focused on rebuilding efforts in Gaza that will oversee an international stabilization force.
But Iran was still top of mind for the president, as he gave a 10-day timeline on Thursday to decide whether to continue diplomatic talks with Iranian officials or to order a military strike.
“We may have to take it a step further, or we may not. Maybe we’re going to make a deal,” Trump told the Board of Peace members. “You’re going to be finding out over the next probably 10 days, but this meeting today is proof with determined leadership, nothing is impossible.”
Asked by ABC News’ Karen Travis what the goal of a military strike would be, Trump refused to answer, “but we’re either going to get a deal or it’s going to be unfortunate for them,” he said.
Asked whether he had a deadline for Iran, Trump repeated his earlier timeline of 10 days.
“I would think that will be enough time— 10, 15 days, pretty much, maximum,” Trump said.
The president has been weighing his options on launching an additional round of military action against Iran for weeks since the regime’s brutal crackdown on protesters in January in which thousands of Iranians were estimated to have been killed.
A second American aircraft carrier — the USS Gerald R. Ford — is heading toward the Middle East, accompanied by destroyers and aircraft being redeployed from missions in the Caribbean region, a U.S. official told ABC News. The Ford is expected to join the USS Abraham Lincoln in the region, the latter having arrived there late last month.
Key Iranian nuclear personnel and facilities were targeted by Israeli and American forces during an intense 12-day conflict in June. But the strikes failed to resolve long-standing U.S. and Israeli grievances related to Tehran’s nuclear program, its ballistic missile arsenal and its support for regional proxy groups.
Iran is expected to submit a written proposal aimed at resolving ongoing tensions with the U.S. following high-stakes indirect talks between Iranian and U.S. officials in Geneva on Tuesday, a senior U.S. official confirmed to ABC News on Wednesday.
It’s unclear when the written proposal will be submitted to the U.S.
Iran agreed to make a written proposal on how to address U.S. concerns during the Geneva talks, the senior U.S. official said. U.S. officials are currently waiting on that proposal from the Iranians, according to the official.
On Tuesday, a White House official said Iran would provide detailed proposals to address “some of the open gaps in our positions” in the next two weeks.
U.S. national security advisers met in the Situation Room on Wednesday to discuss Iran, the official confirmed.
Additionally, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the weekend of Feb. 28 to discuss Iran, the U.S. official confirmed.
During his remarks Thursday, Trump said that “now is the time for Iran to join us on a path” to peace in the region. Trump later said explicitly that Iran “must make a deal” and said if it doesn’t, “bad things will happen.”
“And now is the time for Iran to join us on a path that will complete what we’re doing. And if they join us, that’ll be great. If they don’t join us, that’ll be great too. But it will be a very different path. They cannot continue to threaten the stability of the entire region, and they must make a deal. Or if that doesn’t happen, I maybe can understand. If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen. But, bad things will happen if it doesn’t,” Trump said.
Trump hosted the meeting with world leaders who pledged upwards of $7 billion that would go towards the rebuilding and reconstruction in Gaza.
The countries pledging are Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, UAE, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and Kuwait, Trump said.
While that amount is significant, an operational damage and needs assessment conducted last year by the United Nations, the European Union and the World Bank, estimated rebuilding Gaza could cost upwards of $70 billion and take years.
Despite that current shortfall, the president was optimistic about the future that the Board of Peace can help build in Gaza.
“But we work together to ensure the brighter future for the people of Gaza, the Middle East and the entire world. I think that the Board of Peace, because it’s mostly leaders and unbelievably respected people, but mostly leaders of Middle Eastern countries, countries from all over the world, and they’ve been very generous with money also. And the United States, which I’ll say in a moment, is also very generous with money, because there’s nothing more important than peace, and there’s nothing less expensive than peace. You know, when you go to wars, it costs you 100 times what it costs to make peace,” Trump said.
Several European allies declined to join the board over concerns the peacekeeping body would rival the United Nations. The Vatican has also declined to join the board.
The United Nations Security Council gave the Board of Peace a mandate as part of its approval of the Trump administration’s 20-point plan for peace in Gaza.
Trump, who again criticized the U.N. during his remarks, said that the U.S. is going “to be working with the United Nations very close.”
“Someday I won’t be here. The United Nations will be, I think, is going to be much stronger,” he said. “The Board of Peace is going to almost be looking over the United Nations, and making sure it runs properly.”
Five countries have already committed troops to an international force that is supposed to deploy to Gaza, the commander of the force said Thursday.
Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania pledged to send thousands of troops for a Gaza stabilization force, according to Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, the commander of the international security force.
Egypt and Jordan have committed to train police.
“With these first steps, we help bring the security that Gaza needs for a future of prosperity and enduring peace,” Jeffers said.
Jeffers did not provide details on how many troops each country would commit or how soon the force would deploy into Gaza, but he said the ISF would ultimately total 20,000 troops working alongside 12,000 Palestinian police.
Trump also said the U.S. would contribute $10 billion to the Board of Peace, though he didn’t detail what the money would go towards.
“And I want to let you know that the United States is going to make a contribution of $10 billion to the Board of Peace. Thank you. And we’ve had great support for that number. And that number is a very small number. When you look at, that compared to the cost of war, that’s — that’s two weeks of fighting. It’s a very small number. It sounds like a lot, but it’s a very small number. So, we’re committed to $10 billion,” Trump said.
Ava Max attends the Nominees Night: An Official Golden Week Event Hosted by The Hollywood Reporter and Spotify at The Lot at Formosa on Jan. 8, 2026 in West Hollywood, California. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Ava Max is reinventing herself.
In a letter to fans thanking them for their birthday wishes — she turned 32 on Monday — she writes that “the last three months have been some of the most inspiring of my life,” and shares that she’s had to “change a few things around and do what’s best for the music I want to make.”
Noting that she’s left her former record label and “started an exciting partnership to bring you this new era,” Ava writes, “I’ve found a new love and passion for [music] — similar to how I felt when I first started singing at 7 years old.”
Ava says she’s been in the studio for the past few months “quietly working on this new era,” and adds that her new music “has challenged me vocally and emotionally in a way like never before.”
The “Kings & Queens” singer signed off by writing, “To all my queens, we are unstoppable no matter the obstacles. Time to kill it.”
Ava’s most recent album, last year’s Don’t Click Play, failed to chart on the Billboard 200 and a subsequent tour was canceled.
Tiffany Haddish attends the 7th annual Jam For Janie GRAMMY Awards Viewing Party at Hollywood Palladium on Feb. 1, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Robin L Marshall/Getty Images)
Tiffany Haddish has landed a starring role in a new horror-thriller titled The Lesson.
From American Heist and The Bachelor executive producer JoJo Ryder, the film’s about a devoted teacher whose death sparks a series of events that haunt his former students and eventually force them to confront their past.
“What drew me to The Lesson was how layered it is. It’s not just horror — it’s about choices, consequences, and the things we think we can walk away from. Audiences are in for something unexpected,” Haddish said in a statement, according to Deadline.
She’s set to act alongside Rosario Dawson, who said she’s “looking forward to be working with Tiffany and JoJo.”
Ryder also issued a statement to Deadline, expressing excitement over Haddish and Dawson’s involvement in her movie.
“I’m thrilled to have Tiffany and Rosario join The Lesson,” said Ryder, who wrote the script and is set to direct the film. “They bring intensity, range, and a fearless presence that elevates every scene. This story demands emotional depth as much as suspense, and they deliver both.”
The plan is for The Lesson to begin filming in LA in 2026. Additional casting is currently underway.
Cover of Eagles’ ‘Their Greatest Hits 1971-75’ (Elektra Records)
The Eagles’ compilation album Their Greatest Hits 1971-75 was awarded a quadruple Diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America in January, and the band is so proud of the accomplishment that they are showing it off.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers revealed on Instagram that the 40-times Platinum plaque they received, for sales of over 40 million units, will be on display at The Venetian Resort to coincide with their current residency at the Sphere.
The plaque will be on display at the pop-up store Eagles Third Encore, located at The Summit Showroom at The Venetian. It’s free and open to the public Thursday to Sunday, including late hours on Friday and Saturday show days.
Their Greatest Hits 1971-75 is the first-ever record to be certified 400-times Platinum, securing the album’s standing as the bestselling album of all time in the United States.
Eagles return to the Sphere Friday and Saturday, with shows booked through April 11. A complete list of dates can be found at Eagles.com.
HBO released the first trailer for the third season of the Game of Thrones prequel series on Thursday. It finds House Targaryen divided as ever, picking up where season 2 left off.
The returning cast includes Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Steve Toussaint, Rhys Ifans, Fabien Frankel, Ewan Mitchell, Tom Glynn-Carney, Sonoya Mizuno, Bethany Antonia, Jefferson Hall, Tom Bennett, Kurt Egyiawan and Freddie Fox.
At the beginning of the trailer we hear Rhaenyra Targaryen (D’Arcy) say she has been visited by her former best friend and current nemesis, Alicent Hightower (Cooke).
“Alicent came to Dragonstone. She will open the gates of the Red Keep and surrender to me,” Rhaenyra says, before she is advised against trusting her.
We then hear Aemond Targaryen (Mitchell) say that the king has abdicated the throne. “A new line is coming. A new line of unsullied kings,” he continues.
Rhaenyra’s husband, Daemon Targaryen (Smith), calls for her to take the throne.
“You are the Queen of Dragons,” Daemon says. “You have an absolute power within your grasp.”
House of the Dragon is based on George R. R. Martin’s Fire & Blood. The story is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, centering on House Targaryen.
Season 3 of the fantasy drama series is set to arrive on HBO and HBO Max in June.
Coming in at #2 on the list was “Golden” by HUNTR/X, followed by Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” and Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s “Die with a Smile” at #4.
Bruno is also #1 on the list with “APT.,” his collaboration with BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ, which the duo performed on the Grammys in early February. It’s Bruno’s first time on top of the IFPI’s chart since he won the title in 2011 with “Just the Way You Are.”
IFPI also noted that eight of the top-10 singles were originally released in 2024. For example, Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” was #5, while Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather” was #6. Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control” was in at #7, despite being released in 2023.
Farther down on the list are Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” and Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” — both from 2024 — and Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club,” which was originally released back in 2020 but didn’t really become a hit until last year.
Despite being the #1 artist of 2025, Taylor’s single “The Fate of Ophelia” only made it to #19 on the list, but then again, it wasn’t released until October.
