Matthew Hutchins, the widower of slain Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, took to Twitter to note the latest in his extended family’s plight in their native Ukraine.
Hutchins explained Friday that his sister-in-law, Halyna’s sister Svetlana, “made it safely from Kyiv to Romania with her 3 year old daughter and will continue onwards to Western Europe.”
He added, “Parents stayed in Kyiv to prepare for the worst.”
Hutchins also noted that his mother-in-law, Olga, is “still working as [a] nurse at the hospital where she worked for 30+ years.”
Last week, Matthew Hutchinssaid “Halyna’s family is trapped” in the war-torn country. He also voiced support for the Ukrainian people, saying in part, “Ukraine’s defender are inspiring the world with their bravery. Keep telling the truth about Putin’s invasion and atrocities.”
Hutchins lobbied people to “support refugees,” and support the locals fighting the Russian Army, “with aid and any intervention possible to protect the Ukrainian citizens and their independence.”
Haylna Hutchins, the mother of the couple’s 9-year-old son, Andros, was fatally wounded on October 21, 2021, when a pistol allegedly aimed at her by Alec Baldwin discharged on the movie’s New Mexico set. The live round that had been loaded into the pistol also struck and injured the movie’s director Joel Souza.
A criminal investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
(WASHINGTON) — Concerns in the U.S. over the wellbeing of Brittney Griner are growing as Russia extends the pre-trial detention of the WNBA star. The extension comes amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.
Russia media reported on Thursday that Griner’s pre-trial detention was extended until May 19 by the Khimki court of the Moscow region. The two-time Olympic gold medalist faces drug charges for allegedly smuggling hashish oil last month into Russia.
Griner, a Houston native, faces up to ten years in prison, according to Russian media reports.
Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee, D-Tex., whose district includes parts of Houston, has called for the athlete’s release and told Nightline in an interview on Thursday that she wrote a letter to President Joe Biden and met with him regarding Griner’s case.
“I did write a letter to the president of the United States and met with him on this issue of Ms. Griner, again recognizing the need for privacy and respect of our family members, and the need for a genuine support from across the nation,” Jackson-Lee said.
“But I feel that the government is aware and ready to move on helping Brittney. And we are encouraging, as a member of Congress, to have the government move as swiftly, as profoundly, as strongly as it can do – without, in any way, undermining what is best for Brittney,” the congresswoman added.
State Department spokesperson Ned Price told ABC News Live on Thursday that U.S. officials have been in “constant contact” with Griner’s legal team, but are “concerned” because officials from the U.S. embassy in Moscow have been unable to meet with the WNBA star since her detention to “evaluate the conditions … in which she is being detained and to provide all forms of support.”
“The Russians have not yet permitted us to do so,” Price said. “The Russians are obligated to permit, to allow this type of consular access under the Vienna Convention. We’re going to continue to insist that they allow us access to Brittney Griner just as we be permitted access to all Americans who are detained in Russia.”
The extension of Griner’s detention comes during a volatile time for U.S.-Russia relations as Russian President Vladimir Putin escalates attacks on Ukraine.
The U.S. also imposed a wave of new sanctions on Russia, including personal sanctions on Putin and some of his close associates, but has continued to oppose a no-fly zone and the deployment of U.S. troops to fight Russia in Ukraine.
Biden labeled Putin a “war criminal” during a press conference at the White house on Wednesday amid a State Department review of whether the U.S. considers Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian civilians a war crime. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday that he personally believes war crimes have been committed in Ukraine.
Rep. Jackson-Lee said that the conflict between the U.S. and Russia over the invasion of Ukraine should not impact Griner’s chances of being released.
“You know, there are international protocols that should be held in spite of conflicts,” the congresswoman said.
“This is a major conflict. This is a major act of violence. This is an invasion. Brittney Griner had nothing to do with that,” she added.
Griner was detained in Russia in mid-February at a Moscow area airport for allegedly having vape cartridges in her luggage containing hashish oil — an illegal substance in Russia, the Russian Federal Customs Service announced earlier this month.
Although RFCS initially did not reveal Griner’s name, she was identified on video released by Russian officials showing her going through security at the Sheremetyevo International Airport near Moscow.
“We are aware of the situation with Brittney Griner in Russia and are in close contact with her, her legal representation in Russia, her family, her teams, and the WNBA and NBA,” Griner’s agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, told ABC News in a statement on March 5. “As this is an ongoing legal matter, we are not able to comment further on the specifics of her case but can confirm that as we work to get her home, her mental and physical health remain our primary concern.”
Griner is a seven-time WNBA All-Star, who has been playing for the Phoenix Mercury since 2013 and was reportedly in Russia to play basketball in an overseas league.
The Phoenix Mercury said in a statement on March 5 that the team is in contact with Griner’s family, representatives and the WNBA and are closely monitoring her case.
“We love and support Brittney and at this time our main concern is her safety, physical and mental health, and her safe return home,” the Phoenix Mercury said.
The WNBA expressed support for Griner, saying in a statement earlier this month that she has the league’s “full support and our main priority is her swift and safe return to the United States.”
ABC News’ Conor Finnegan, Libby Cathey, Kandis Mascall, Matthew Fuhrman, Miles Cohen and Tanya Stukalova contributed to this report.
A Grey’s Anatomy crew member is suing the LAPD over a March 2021 traffic stop where he claims he was racially profiled, Deadline reports.
The incident occurred near the set of the ABC drama, which was shooting on location in Tarzana, CA at the time. Ernest Simon Jr., an African American shuttle driver for the show, says police wrongly targeted him and used unjust force. He’s seeking $20 million in damages.
Police reportedly believed the vehicle Simon was driving was stolen and drew their guns on him, even as other crew members told officers Simon was a driver for the show and that the “van had been rented by Disney.” The lawsuit says police only released Simon when a white co-worker intervened.
Grey’s creator Shonda Rhimes called the incident “unacceptable.”
“It was another example of a broken system that puts valuable lives in danger and damages spirits,” Rhimes said in a statement obtained by Deadline. “Shondaland stands with Mr. Simon and his family in this complaint.”
On Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the CROWN Act (Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair), in a 235-189 vote which will further put an end to race-based hair discrimination.
This new legislation will prohibit discrimination based on one’s hair texture or hairstyle — specifically pointing to hairstyles associated with a particular race or national origin.
With this new passing, the bill will now head to the Senate to be voted upon with legislative sponsors Democratic New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman leading the charge.
In a Twitter post, Coleman recalled that on the last day of Black History Month, 188 House Republicans temporarily obstructed passage of the CROWN ACT.
“Despite what my GOP colleagues may tell you, this bill is too important to give up on,” she added. “That’s why today, I brought it to the floor again.”
Coleman also elaborated in a statement saying, “Natural Black hair is often deemed ‘unprofessional’ simply because it does not conform to white beauty standards. Discrimination against Black hair is discrimination against Black people. I’m proud to have played a part to ensure that we end discrimination against people for how their hair grows out of their head.”
GOOD NEWS: The #CROWNAct has passed the House! Today, America got one step closer to ending racial discrimination.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where I hope my colleagues will pass it without delay. pic.twitter.com/jBqoSr9qaN
— Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (@RepBonnie) March 18, 2022
As many supporters and sponsors of the potential federal law continue to carry enthusiasm, several have also spoken out applauding the recent House passage.
“Every day in this country, Black women and girls face discrimination because of their natural hair at their workplaces and schools,” said Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Betty in a statement. “So today, I proudly voted yes on the #CROWNAct to finally end race-based hair discrimination once and for all.”
She continued, “It’s simple — discrimination against Black hair is discrimination based on race. I look forward to swift passage of this critical legislation in the Senate and to standing with President Biden as he signs it into law. To every young Black girl and boy, I say to you, your hair — from your kinks to your curls, from your fros to your fades, from your locs to your braids — is a crown. Be proud of your hair and know the Congressional Black Caucus is fighting for you.”
Today, the House of Representatives passed the #CROWNAct: Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.
President Joe Biden’s Administration has already shown support for the legislation as well by sharing in a statement that the “administration looks forward to working with the Congress to enact this legislation and ensure that it is effectively implemented.”
Following California’s official ban in 2019, the CROWN Act has also seen legislative wins in 13 additional states including New Jersey, Virginia, Colorado as well as in 34 municipalities.
Michael Bublé and his wife Luisana Lopilato recently revealed that they’re expecting their fourth child, but as Michael revealed during an appearance on ABC’s The View on Friday, at least one of his other children is a bit confused about exactly how that happened.
Michael told The View hosts that they broke the news to the three kids — Noah, 8, Elias, 5 and Vida, 3 — on Christmas Eve. “We told them, ‘Mommy has a baby in her tummy and you’re going to have a little brother or sister,’ and 5-year-old Eli was just distraught,” Michael reveals. “And we said, ‘What’s wrong?’ And he said, ‘Why didn’t you invite us to watch when you fell in love and you made the baby?'”
“And I still don’t know how to answer the question!” Michael laughed. “Obviously, they have no concept about how physically it happens. It’s really cute, it’s just so sweet. They just know that mommies and daddies fall in love and have the baby so he just wants to know why he wasn’t invited.”
Michael and Luisana revealed the pregnancy at the end of the video for Michael’s current hit ,”I’ll Never Not Love You,” in which Luisana starred and the children appeared.
Asked what kind of father he is, Michael joked, “I think my kids would say that they feel like I’m one of them. My poor wife now has five children she’s going to have to take care of.”
(SAQQARA, Egypt) — Egypt announced on Thursday the discovery of five ancient tombs in Saqqara, marking the latest in a series of discoveries in the vast necropolis south of Cairo.
The stony tombs date back to the Old Kingdom (c.2700–2200 BC) and First Intermediate (c.2181–2055 BC) eras, Egypt’s antiquities ministry said.
They were excavated northeast of the Pyramid of Merenre, a 52.5 meters-tall structure that was built during the Sixth Dynasty. The tombs, which are engraved with colorful shapes, belong to “top officials,” the ministry added.
Mostafa El-Waziri, the head of Egypt’s Supreme Antiquities Council, said the first tomb belongs to an official named IRY.
“The tomb consists of a deep burial shaft leading to a chamber decorated with funerary scenes depicting offering tables, the seven oils and the façade of the palace. A limestone sarcophagus was also uncovered inside the tomb,” he said in a statement.
“The second tomb belongs to a woman that could be the wife of a man named Yaret and it has a rectangular burial shaft while the third tomb belongs to Pepi Nefhany, who was the supervisor of the great house, a priest, and the purifier of the house. It has a six meters deep burial shaft.”
El-Waziri said the fourth, also a six-meter deep burial shaft, belongs to a woman named Petty. She was the priest of Hathor, the goddess of fertility and love.
“The fifth is for a man named Henu, the overseer and the supervisor of the royal house. It consists of a rectangular seven meters deep burial shaft,” El-Waziri added.
“More work and studies will be carried out to reveal more secrets of these tombs,” he said.
Egypt has carried out extensive digging operations in Saqqara in recent years, which resulted in a string of discoveries, including the unearthing of a 4,400-year-old tomb of royal priest Wahtye in 2018 and the discovery of hundreds of mummified animals and statues a year later.
Last year, Egypt unearthed 52 burial shafts in Saqqara with more than 50 wooden coffins found inside. They date back 3,000 years, the oldest sarcophagi found in the ancient burial ground.
They also discovered the funerary temple of Queen Nearit, the wife of King Teti — the first pharaoh of the Sixth Dynasty of Egypt.
Egypt is hoping the discoveries, along with the expected opening of a new mega museum near the Giza Pyramids later this year, will revive its vital tourism industry.
Tourism was badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the last couple of years and could take a fresh battering because of Russia’s attempted invasion of Ukraine, with citizens of both countries comprising a big chunk of visitors to Egypt.
Up to 20,000 Ukrainians were stranded in Egypt’s Red Sea resorts when Russia started its offensive against Ukraine on Feb. 24, according to the Ukrainian embassy in Egypt.
Star Trek reboot star Chris Pine is letting slip a bit about his upcoming adaptation of the Dungeons & Dragons role playing game and, in doing so, he’s dropping some fan favorite titles to compare it to.
The upcoming film will star Pine, as well as Fast and the Furious mainstay Michelle Rodriguez, former Bridgerton hunk Regé-Jean Page, and Sophia Lillis from the It movies.
Pine tells Collider, “The way that I’ve been describing it, it’s like Game of Thrones mixed with a little Princess Bride, just a smidge of [Monty Python and the] Holy Grail; it’s somewhere in that ballpark.”
He adds, “It’s poppy, it’s ’80s heartfelt’, there’s a bit of Goonies in there.”
While it remains to be seen if it will work — “Who f***ing knows?” he admits — Pine says, “What I will say is we had a hell of a fun time making it. There was [sic] a lot of laughs.”
He allows, “I think we got a good shot.”
As far as adapting the beloved board game, there’s a pretty low bar for success: A 2000 movie starring Oscar winner Jeremy Irons, Marlon Wayans, and American Beauty‘s Thora Birch was a critical and box office failure; let’s just say D&D fans perceived it like rolling a 1 on a D20 die.
Delayed by the pandemic, Paramount Pictures has Dungeons & Dragons slated for a March 3, 2023 release.
In addition to the new Normani release, “Fair,” this Friday brought with it even more new music releases and announcements in the world of R&B and hip hop.
— Coi Leray and Nicki Minaj, “Blick Blick!” — The two rappers have released their new collaboration and a video to go along with it. The track almost didn’t happen after Coi’s father prematurely announced the collab last month and Nicki pulled her verse. But she later changed her mind. “I just felt bad that [Coi] was robbed of telling the world in her own way @ her own time. But that’s water under the bridge now. Good vibes all 2022,” Nicki said.
— Mahalia, “Whatever Simon Says” — The Grammy-nominated R&B singer unveiled the new track about the unrealistic beauty standards placed on women. In a statement, he Grammy-nominated R&B singer says she feels the song is “every girls ‘f*** you’ to the system that has always been set up through a male gaze.”
— Erica Campbell, “Positive” — The singer-songwriter has released the uplifting lead single off her third studio album, which is set to be released on September 23. “Words have power. Positive is a good word even though it’s now connected to something else due to COVID,” Campbell says in a statement. “I just wanted to take that word back and give it the power it deserves.”
— Summer Walker announced she has a new music video coming for her hit single with SZA, “No Love.” The video will feature an extended version of the song with a never-heard-before verse. The video, as well as the extended version of the song, arrive on March 25.
(“Blick Blick!” video contains uncensored profanity.)
Thomas Rhett’s always been destined for the stage, and he’s got proof. The singer posted a sweet throwback video on his social media this week, featuring a very young version of himself singing with his dad.
Of course, TR’s dad isn’t just anyone: It’s ‘90s hitmaker and current in-demand songwriter Rhett Akins, who was finding success back in the day with radio hits like “That Ain’t My Truck.”
In the clip, Rhett helps steer a pint-sized Thomas through a rendition of Joe Diffie’s “Third Rock from the Sun,” accompanying his young son on acoustic guitar and helping Thomas sing the lyrics.
Young Thomas’ country swagger is already self-evident: Wearing a cowboy hat and denim button-down shirt, he makes his way through the song almost perfectly, with a little help from his dad on some of the lyrics.
These days, Thomas is busy cranking out hits of his own: He’s set to release not one but two studio albums this year, the first of which, Where We Started, will be out April 1.
Beartooth has released a deluxe version of the band’s latest album, Below.
The expanded record includes a total of 32 tracks, made up of the original album, an alternate version of the single “Skin,” two previously unreleased songs called “Fighting Back” and “Permanently Sealed,” and the full set from Beartooth’s Live from the Journey Below livestream concert.
In a statement, frontman Caleb Shomo calls the new tunes “undoubtedly experimental.”
“I really tried to push the boundaries of what I’m doing with guitar, what I’m doing with my voice, and what I’m doing with the songwriting,” Shomo says. “The outcome may not have made the first cut of the album, but I think they’re definitely worth hearing and play a big role in how the record ended up turning out.”
The original Below was released last June. It includes the single “The Past Is Dead.”
Beartooth will launch a U.S. tour in continued support of Below March 26 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
