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.
Perteet Spencer, Co-Founder of AYO Foods, joins ChedHER to discuss how the brand is bringing West African cuisine to the frozen food industry and building a grocery aisle her daughters can be proud of.
Crystal Etienne, Founder and CEO of period apparel company Ruby Love and Co-Founder of VC firm CaJE, joins ChedHER to discuss her experience bootstrapping her company to $10 million, and how she's creating a new era of venture capital and empowering Black women with 'soil' funding to start and grow their businesses.
E-commerce platform for construction and building materials RenoRun has raised $142 million in a Series B round, which the company says is the fourth largest Series B round in Canadian history. RenoRun’s platform offers same-day delivery of construction materials to job sites in Canada and the United States. The company aims to revolutionize the construction industry by maximizing productivity and efficiency. RenoRun co-founder and CEO Eamonn O’Rourke joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Like so many other cities, Miami experienced a tourism boom over the summer after vaccines were distributed. But, the Omicron variant has thrown the travel industry for a loop. David Whitaker, president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, joined Cheddar to discuss the city as a tourist destination, and how it has handled headwinds from the pandemic.
Rockstar Energy, a subsidiary of Pepsico, unveiled its new beverage brand, Rockstar Unplugged, changing up the energy drink formula with hemp seed oil as an ingredient. PepsiCo Energy CMO Fabiola Torres joined Cheddar News to talk about how the product promotes “good vibes” and allows consumers to unwind and discuss partnering with "MTV Unplugged" for a concert series. "We couldn't find a better partnership that MTV," she said. "MTV Unplugged has been such an iconic proposition … and we believe that we're the right partners because the insight of our proposition for Rockstar Unplugged comes from music.
Eight months after the National Football League announced $1 million in research into cannabinoids, the NFL-NFLPA Joint Pain Management Committee has awarded the funding to two teams of medical researchers at the University of California San Diego and the University of Regina. The NFL says the studies will investigate the effects of cannabinoids on pain management and neuroprotection from concussion in elite football players, respectively. Cheddar correspondent Chloe Ailello spoke with Jeff Miller, the executive vice president of communications, public affairs, and policy for the NFL, about the studies, as well as the recent lawsuit filed against the NFL by former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores. "Maybe we can learn things from other alternative pain approaches that are going to benefit our player population and then sports medicine as a whole," Miller said.
Mayor Ras Baraka of Newark, NJ and Ayana Morris, co-director of the documentary 'Why Is We Americans?,' join Cheddar News to discuss the new documentary highlighting the impact of the Baraka family.
Former New York City mayor and lawyer to Donald Trump Rudy Giuliani made his singing debut on a taping of Fox’s The Masked Singer. However, Ken Jeong and Robin Thicke, two judges on the competition show, reportedly left in protest when Giuliani was unmasked upon being eliminated.
All Hands celebrates Black History Month by highlighting achievements in inclusivity and paying homage to those who have fought for equal rights. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) joins Cheddar News to discuss voter suppression; Damali Peterman, CEO of Breakthrough ADR, elaborates on the biggest barriers for Black professionals; Andre Perry, senior fellow of Brookings Institution, dives into student loans and the racial wealth divide; and lastly, BET CEO Scott Mills discusses the company's initiatives for 2022.
