From witness protection to ESPN layoffs, here's what's happening in entertainment.
'Rust' Shooting Update
Prosecutors are trying to protect a witness who says Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed handed off cocaine after a police interview that followed the 2021 shootings of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who died, and director Joel Souza.
Last week armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was charged with additional drug-related counts. Prosecutors say the cocaine would have been critical evidence in the investigation.
Thursday's filing asks that the witness who cooperated with investigators be allowed to remain anonymous over fears for the person's safety and the possibility of being "blackballed" in Hollywood. Lawyers for Gutierrez-Reed argue it is not common practice to allow anonymity in these kinds of cases, according to Variety.
American Pie
Jason Biggs, star of the American Pie franchise, has no regrets about the classic scene where he got more cozy with a pie than one might like. Still, he said that type of comedy from the 1999 film would not fly in today's society.
Biggs is currently promoting a limited edition Edwards Desserts pie and told Yahoo that while he would be up for another saga in the franchise, things that were done on-screen in the past should stay there.
"The movie stands as its own little time capsule – it's a reflection of the times that we lived in," he said.
He also admitted that meeting fans can get a bit awkward, particularly when he is with his young children that are not familiar with the movies.
ESPN Fires Longtime Talent
A few of our favorite on-air sports analysts have met the unfortunate layoff ax brought down by the House of Mouse.
ESPN cut ties with about two dozen commentators and reporters in an effort to save on their bottom line. But they didn't get rid of just anyone. NBA staples Jeff Van Gundy and Jalen Rose, who both joined the network in 2007 were let go along with Suzy Kolber who hosted several shows during her 27 years with the network.
"This is an extremely challenging process, involving individuals who have had tremendous impact on our company," ESPN said in a statement. "These difficult decisions, based more on overall efficiency than merit, will help us meet our financial targets and ensure future growth.
Other notable layoffs include Max Kellerman and Keyshawn Johnson, hosts of the morning radio show.
For black history month, Cheddar is highlighting black business leaders who are driving the need for representation forward. On February 10, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted an event called 'Developing the Black-Owned Business Ecosystem.' The virtual event was organized under the lobbying group's two initiatives -- the Equality of Opportunity Initiative, and the Coalition to Back Black Businesses. The event highlighted the developments needed to develop more black-owned businesses in the U.S. Dr. Anthony Wilbon, Dean of the School of Business at Howard University, joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss his experience as a speaker at the event.
While Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of Black Americans, it's also a time to reflect on how they can be better heard and supported.
Black Americans are still fighting for voting rights, facing more severe impacts from COVID-19, and experiencing gaps in workforce representation and pay. Alexandra Schrecengost, hybrid work expert and CEO of "Virtual With Us" and "Culture With Us,' joined Cheddar News to discuss.
Premio Lo Nuestro 2022 is kicking off awards season this month with its 34th show. The star-studded event will include performances from Pitbull, Luis Fonsi — and even Sting with his new Spanish-language single "Por Su Amor." Ignacio Meyer, the vice president of music and non-scripted entertainment, Univision, joined Cheddar News to talk about the music award show details. "We’ve actually still got plenty of surprises that were going to be announcing," Meyer said. "We're not done announcing the star power just yet." Singer Camilo leads with 10 nominations going into the event.
Black spending power reached a record $1.6 Trillion in a 2021 report from the University of Georgia Selig Center for Economic Growth. Ayesha Selden, certified financial planner, breaks down why real estate is the key to closing the racial wealth gap and how Black Americans are using social media to improve financial literacy. "If we look at home ownership as being a primary driver of wealth, when you look at the equity that Americans have in their homes, that equity can be used to buy additional assets like other rental properties. That equity can be used to educate our children," Selden said, noting that lower rates of home ownership meant Black Americans tend to incur more debt on average for their student loans.
On this episode of Cheddar Reveals, Dr. Kate Strasdin, fashion historian & senior lecturer in Cultural Studies at Falmouth University, discusses the lessons industry leaders draw from history to make fashion more sustainable today; Kendall Becker, fashion editor and trend forecaster, forecasts the hottest trends of 2022, and what will be left in 2021; Cheddar gets a look at Curiosity Stream's 'Going Circular.'
Dr. Kate Strasdin, fashion historian & senior lecturer in Cultural Studies at Falmouth University, joins Cheddar Reveals to discuss the lessons industry leaders draw from history to make fashion more sustainable today.
A new survey from Etoro suggests that talking crypto might actually help Americans on the dating scene find love...or at least land another date. The survey found that 74% of respondents would be more interested in going on a second date with a person that pays the bill in Bitcoin. Callie Cox, Etoro's U.S. investment analyst, joined Cheddar News to discuss.
Energy Vault, the company developing sustainable, grid-scale energy storage solutions, is now trading on the New York Stock Exchange following the completion of its business combination with Novus Capital Corporation II. Energy Vault develops sustainable, grid-scale energy storage solutions designed to advance the transition to a carbon free, resilient power grid. Robert Piconi, co-founder and CEO of Energy Vault, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to disucss.
