Rashida Jones, MSNBC President, Steps Down

The president of MSNBC, Rashida Jones, is stepping down from that position, the company said on Tuesday, a major change at the news network just days before President-elect Donald J. Trump takes office.

Rebecca Kutler, senior vice president of content strategy at MSNBC, will succeed Ms. Jones as interim president, effective immediately. Ms. Jones will stay on in an advisory role through March.

“Rebecca is the ideal leader to guide us through this moment, and I look forward to collaborating with her as we shape our collective future together,” Mark Lazarus, the chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, said in a note to staffers.

Ms. Jones’s exit comes amid industrywide pressure for the cable news industry, which has seen declining ratings after the U.S. presidential election. MSNBC has been the second most-watched cable network during that period, ahead of CNN but behind longtime ratings leader Fox News.

Executives at the network are hopeful that audiences will return as Mr. Trump takes office and viewers seek to dissect his early policy moves. On Monday, the company announced that Rachel Maddow, its most popular host, would temporarily return to broadcasting her one-hour show every weeknight at 9 p.m. Eastern for Mr. Trump’s first 100 days in office.

MSNBC is among a bundle of cable channels that its parent company, Comcast, is planning to spin out later this year into a new company. CNBC, another news channel in Comcast’s cable portfolio, is also being spun out, along with entertainment networks like USA and Syfy.

Ms. Kutler is a cable news executive with experience in the streaming business. Before joining MSNBC in 2022, Ms. Kutler was a key architect of CNN+, the ambitious streaming news service that was shut down by Warner Bros. Discovery that year.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

‘Dune: Part Two’ Leads Visual Effects Society Nominations

Other projects with multiple nods include “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” “The Wild Robot” and “Shōgun”

“Dune: Part Two” led all films in nominations for the 233 annual VES Awards, the Visual Effects Society announced on Tuesday. Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic received seven nominations in the VES Awards’ eight non-animated feature film categories, followed by “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” with six, “Better Man” with four and “Mufasa: The Lion King” with three.

In the Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature category, the category that corresponds most closely to Best Visual Effects at the Oscars, the nominees were “Better Man,” “Dune: Part Two,” “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” “Mufasa: The Lion King” and “Twisters.”

All 10 of the films on the Oscars’ Best Visual Effects shortlist received VES nominations. In addition to the five nominees in the VES Outstanding Visual Effects category, “Civil War” and “Gladiator II” received two nominations and “Alien: Romulus,” “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Wicked” each received one.

The VES Awards have 25 categories that cover photoreal and animated features, episodic work, commercials, games, and real-time, CG and student projects. The record for VES nominations is 14, which was set by “Avatar: The Way of Water” two years ago.

In the animated-feature categories, “The Wild Robot” led with five nominations. In the episodic categories, “Shōgun” and “The Penguin” led with four each.

The nominations were selected by VES members at 49 in-person and virtual panels that took place around the world in a continuous 30-hour period.

The winners will be announced at the VES Awards ceremony on Feb. 11 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Also at that ceremony, “Shōgun” actor-producer Hiroyuki Sanada will receive the VES Award for Creative Excellence; director and visual effects supervisor Takashi Yamazaki will receive the VES Visionary Award; and virtual reality pioneer Dr. Jacquelyn Ford Morie will receive the VES Georges Méliès Award.

Here is the full list of nominated films and projects. For a list of the nominated visual effects artists and craftsmen in each category, go to www.vesglobal.org.

OUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A PHOTOREAL EPISODE

Fallout; The Head

House of the Dragon; Season 2; The Red Dragon and the Gold

Shōgun; Anjin

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew; Episode 5

The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power; Season 2; Eldest

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A PHOTOREAL EPISODE

Expats: Home

Lady in the Lake; It Has to Do With the Search for the Marvelous

Masters of the Air; Part Three; The Regensburg-Schweinfurt Mission

The Penguin; Bliss

The Tattooist of Auschwitz; Pilot

OUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A SPECIAL VENUE PROJECT

D23; Real-Time Rocket

The Goldau Landslide Experience

MTV Video Music Awards; Slim Shady Live

Tokyo DisneySea; Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure

Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony; Run

OUTSTANDING CHARACTER IN AN EPISODE, COMMERCIAL, GAME CINEMATIC, OR REAL-TIME PROJECT

Secret Level; Armored Core: Asset Management; Mech Pilo

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred; Neyrelle

Disney; Holidays 2024; Octopus

Ronja the Robber’s Daughter; Vildvittran the Queen Harpy

OUTSTANDING ENVIRONMENT IN AN EPISODE, COMMERCIAL, GAME CINEMATIC, OR REAL-TIME PROJECT

Dune: Prophecy; Pilot; The Imperial Palace

Dune: Prophecy; Two Wolves; Zimia Spaceport

Shōgun; Osaka

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power; Season 2; Doomed to Die; Eregion

OUTSTANDING CG CINEMATOGRAPHY

Better Man

Dune: Part Two; Arrakis

House of the Dragon; Season 2; The Red Dragon and the Gold; Battle at Rook’s Rest

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes ; Egg Climb

OUTSTANDING MODEL IN A PHOTOREAL OR ANIMATED PROJECT

Alien: Romulus; Renaissance Space Station

Deadpool & Wolverine; Ant-Man Arena

Dune: Part Two; The Harkonnen Harvester

Gladiator II; The Colosseum

OUTSTANDING EFFECTS SIMULATIONS IN A PHOTOREAL FEATURE

Dune: Part Two; Atomic Explosions and Wormriding

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes; Burning Village, Rapids and Floods

Twisters

Venom: The Last Dance; Water, Fire & Symbiote Effects

OUTSTANDING EFFECTS SIMULATIONS IN AN ANIMATED FEATURE

Kung Fu Panda 4

Moana 2

The Wild Robot

Ultraman: Rising

OUTSTANDING EFFECTS SIMULATIONS IN AN EPISODE, COMMERCIAL, GAME CINEMATIC, OR REAL-TIME PROJECT

Avatar: The Last Airbender; Legends; Koizilla

Shōgun; Broken to the Fist; Landslide

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew; Pilot; Spaceship Hillside Takeoff

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power; Season 2; Shadow and Flame; Balrog Fire and Collapsing Cliff

Three Body Problem; Judgement Day

OUTSTANDING COMPOSITING & LIGHTING IN A FEATURE

Better Man

Dune: Part Two; Wormriding, Geidi Prime, and the Final Battle

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

The Wild Robot

OUTSTANDING COMPOSITING & LIGHTING IN AN EPISODE

Shōgun; Broken to the Fist; Landslide

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew; Episode 6; Jaws

The Boys; Season 4; Life Among the Septics

The Penguin; After Hour

EMERGING TECHNOLOGY AWARD

Dune: Part Two; Nuke CopyCat

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga; Artist-driven Machine Learning Character

Here; Neural Performance Toolset

Mufasa: The Lion King; Real-Time Interactive Filmmaking, From Stage To Post

The Penguin; Phase Synced Flash-Gun System

OUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A STUDENT PROJECT

Dawn (entry from ESMA – École Supérieure Des Métiers Artistiques)

Student Accomplice (entry from Brigham Young University)

Pittura (entry from ARTFX – Schools of Digital Arts)

Courage (entry from Supinfocom – Rubika)

Facing the Giants: Cancer’s Stealth Battle and the Toxic Dance of Contaminants

In the kaleidoscope of contemporary issues, two daunting giants stand prominently: the menace of cancer and the elusive contaminant dance in our environment. From the Royal Marsden Hospital in London to the battle-scarred landscapes of California, narratives of resilience and caution emerge.

In London, the Princess of Wales, affectionately known by the world as Kate, revisits a bastion of healing where her own life took a pivotal turn. Her incognito visits to the Royal Marsden Hospital are a testament to the quiet battles against the malevolent shadow of cancer. “Coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it’s quite nice,” she remarked, trading the weight of her personal journey for a moment of public gratitude. Her story, one of discreet struggles and eventual triumphs, mirrors the experiences of countless others who tread similar paths against this formidable foe.

On the opposite side of the Atlantic, a different yet equally treacherous odyssey is unfolding. Wildfires in Los Angeles have seized more than just homes—they’ve grappled with the very lifelines of the community’s water supply. Toxic chemicals, previously contained within infrastructure, now waltz precariously through damaged pipelines. “Out of the abundance of caution, you kind of have to assume the worst,” notes Stacie Takeguchi of Pasadena Water and Power, hinting at the always-hovering specter of contaminant invasion when fires rage.

The narrative spins further as experts dissect the intricate tapestry of chemical contamination. Andrew Whelton, an engineering professor who navigates the murky waters of post-fire contamination, explains the grim possibilities—”we can have ash, smoke, soot, other debris and gases get sucked into the water piping network.” Such elements, born from the crucible of destruction, are not mere nuisances. They’re potentially catastrophic, their harm not confined to immediate reactions but stretching into long-term risks, as evidenced by benzene’s sinister influence.

As if the challenges posed by catastrophe-wrought contamination weren’t enough, another pervasive threat—hidden in the very farmland that sustains populations—demands attention. The Environmental Protection Agency sounds the klaxon about PFAS, those insidious “forever” chemicals lurking in sewage sludge fertilizer. A quandary for the modern farmer, these chemicals pose risks “several orders of magnitude” beyond acceptable limits, insidiously embedding themselves in milk, beef, and other products from affected lands. Their presence in the food chain is more than an alarming statistic; it’s a call to action, as Jane Nishida of the EPA underscores the need for informed future steps to safeguard both health and industry.

This convergence of cancer’s relentless pursuit, fire’s unyielding devastation, and chemical contaminants’ silent siege paints a vivid picture of the challenges we face. It’s a clarion call to not only adapt but to fortify our defenses against these lurking adversaries. The stories of individuals like Kate, coupled with the scientific insights from experts battling on the frontlines, remind us that while the fight is arduous, it is not insurmountable. With perseverance, ingenuity, and a commitment to both individual and collective well-being, the path forward, though fraught with obstacles, remains navigable.

Catherine’s Quiet Triumph: A Royal Journey Through Cancer and Gratitude at The Royal Marsden

Catherine, the Princess of Wales, moved with quiet strength and grace—two qualities that have defined her even outside the confines of royalty—returned to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London. This visit was not a mere ceremonial gesture but a deeply personal pilgrimage to the place where she waged a private battle against cancer. Her journey, marked by resilience and poise, became public knowledge only in recent months, enveloped in an air of dignified gratitude.

Just over a year ago, abdominal surgery had unraveled the news of cancer, and Kate, in a moment that stripped away the regalia of royalty, faced this universal adversary. The Princess, like many before her, embarked on a course of preventative chemotherapy—a term that carries with it not just medical implications but a journey of the soul. Her return to the Royal Marsden Hospital was an act of thanksgiving, a chance to pay homage to the very hands that had tended to her in those trying times.

“Kensington Palace said, ‘The Princess wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team…’” reads the statement with a sense of humble acknowledgment. The very walls of the hospital, already a sanctuary for numerous cancer patients, now stood as a testament to another tale of survival and resilience—one that transcends the boundaries of social status and title.

During her visit, Kate met with both the stalwart staff and fellow patients, offering words of encouragement and embodying empathy that stems from shared experience. Her presence was not merely honorary; it was a beacon of hope, illustrating that the journey through illness is navigated not alone, but with the support of a compassionate community.

Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, echoed the sentiment of honor and inspiration that the royal patronage brings: “It is inspiring for staff and patients… enables us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff deliver every day for patients and their families.” The Royal Marsden, a bastion of specialized cancer treatment, now finds itself with the added prestige of royal advocacy, drawing attention and resources to its invaluable endeavors.

Kate’s battle with cancer, a poignant chapter now shared with the public, saw her taking a step back from royal duties. Yet, even in her absence, she maintained a bond with the people through video messages, providing health updates that were as personal as they were instructive. Her story, interwoven with the narratives of countless others battling similar trials, stands as a testament to the fortitude of the human spirit.

Prince William, ever the supportive partner, lauded Kate’s resilience: “The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable… George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you…” This narrative of familial support underscores the importance of solidarity, reflecting that the journey through cancer is not just an individual challenge but a collective endeavor.

As Kate assumes the role of royal patron alongside her husband, the hospital’s legacy of care continues to evolve, fortified by a narrative that is as much about healing bodies as it is about lifting spirits. The Princess’s visit, in its grace and solemnity, serves as a reminder that even amidst the gravitas of illness, there is room for gratitude and hope—a hope that binds us all, irrespective of our stations in life.

Threads of Resilience: From Royal Journeys to Global Health Challenges

In a world where the fight against cancer intertwines with personal tales of courage, the Princess of Wales—known affectionately as Kate—returns to the Royal Marsden Hospital, marking a poignant chapter in her life. Her quiet journey of recovery, previously kept from public scrutiny, now stands in the open as a testament to resilience and gratitude. “I was just saying, coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it’s quite nice,” she remarked, her words carrying the weight of countless unspoken stories shared by cancer patients worldwide.

The Princess’s visit comes at a time when global health concerns ripple across headlines. While cancer battles are waged silently within hospital walls, outside, environmental dangers loom, threatening the very essence of life—clean water. In Los Angeles, wildfires rage with an intensity that scorches not just the land but also infiltrates the intricate networks of drinking water systems. Toxic chemicals, born of burned infrastructures, have cast a shadow over basic utilities, driving cities like Pasadena to issue stark “Do Not Drink” warnings. “Out of the abundance of caution, you kind of have to assume the worst,” said Stacie Takeguchi, underscoring the gravity of the threat that unfolds when nature’s fury meets human habitation.

The interconnectedness of health risks extends beyond fire-stricken areas. As the Environmental Protection Agency turns its lens toward the realms of agriculture, it unveils a disturbing finding—sewage sludge, a byproduct turned fertilizer, harbors toxic PFAS chemicals. These ‘forever’ chemicals, with their insidious presence, pose a cancer risk more ominous than once perceived. The sludge, spread across fertile lands, seeps into the food chain, raising alarms about long-term exposure through milk, beef, and water. “This draft assessment provides important information to help inform future actions,” stated EPA Acting Administrator Jane Nishida, a call to arms for regulators, farmers, and citizens alike to confront an invisible menace lurking in everyday sustenance.

As we contemplate these parallel narratives—personal battles against disease and communal efforts to safeguard health—the pressing need for vigilance and proactive measures becomes evident. Whether it’s a princess reclaiming her story of survival or communities rallying against contamination threats, the message remains clear. Health, in all its facets, demands not just attention but decisive action. We are reminded that while some battles are fought behind hospital doors, others take place on the very land we call home. Both require resilience, both demand gratitude, and above all, both rely on a collective commitment to a safer, healthier future.

‘The Sandman’ writer Neil Gaiman accused of sexual assault by 9 women: Report

‘The Sandman’ writer Neil Gaiman accused of sexual assault by 9 women: Report

Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY

January 13, 2025 at 8:29 PM

Four new allegations are surfacing amongst nearly a dozen accusations from women who say award-winning novelist Neil Gaiman sexually assaulted them.

Vulture published a report Monday outlining the new allegations against Gaiman, as well as allegations first revealed last year. Gaiman, 64, is the famed English fantasy writer behind “The Sandman,” “Good Omens,” “American Gods” and “Coraline,” all of which have been turned into film and television adaptations, among others.

A six-episode podcast series from the U.K. media outlet Tortoise, titled “Master: the allegations against Neil Gaiman,” during summer 2024, first outlined five allegations of sexual assault. Vulture’s investigation includes four allegations that “share elements with theirs,” and the outlet is said to have reviewed texts, diary entries, emails with friends and police communications.

The youngest alleged victim was 18, but most of the women were in their 20s when the alleged assaults occurred, while Gaiman was in his 40s or older, with one exception in which a woman claims the writer forcibly kissed in 1986 (when Gaiman was in his mid-20s). Some of the women were fans, and a few worked with him at the time of the alleged incidents.

Gaiman’s representatives have responded to some outlets, claiming the incidents were consensual and instances of practicing BDSM (bondage, discipline/dominance, submission/sadism and masochism).

USA TODAY has reached out to Gaiman’s representatives for comment.

One woman, Scarlett Pavlovich, explained that she began working as a nanny for Gaiman’s then-estranged second wife, Amanda Palmer, in 2022 when Gaiman allegedly assaulted her in a bathtub on his property. After surprising Pavlovich and joining her in a bath, she said, Gaiman made conversation before physically assaulting her and directing her to call him “master.” As Pavlovich continued to babysit, she recalled more alleged incidents of forcible oral and anal sex without lubrication — she says at one point she passed out from the pain — as well as being forced to ingest her own waste, all while being called a “slave.”

Another woman, named Kendall, recalled Gaiman allegedly forcing himself on top of her and kissing her on a tour bus in 2012. One woman, named Kendra Stout, recalled a relationship with Gaiman that started in 2003 and she claims turned physically torturous, at times beating her or subjecting her to rough sex. Stout explained to the outlet one instance in which she told Gaiman they could not have sex because she had a painful urinary track infection, but he ignored her wishes.

Vulture also spoke to the friends of his second wife, now ex, who claimed the couple had an open relationship. One woman, referred to as pseudonym Rachel, allegedly started a relationship with Palmer before Palmer introduced her to Gaiman. Though Rachel told Vulture her experiences with Gaiman involved demands that often frightened her or hurt her.

Gaiman and Palmer divorced in 2022. According to Vulture’s report and interviews with her friends, Gaiman’s actions seem to have contributed to the divorce, though it appears Palmer also knew about some of these incidents when she asked Pavlovich to babysit for her son.

Pavlovich claims she eventually told Palmer about the incidents, including one in which Pavlovich was raped and made to ingest Gaiman’s urine while his child was in the same room, which apparently shocked Palmer and led her to suggest Gaiman get counseling. Vulture reports the writer never attended.

Since last summer, some projects connected to Gaiman have reportedly been paused or trimmed. IndieWire reported in September that Disney had paused its film adaption of Gaiman’s “The Graveyard Book.” And Deadline reported in October that the Amazon Prime Video series “Good Omens” would end with a 90-minute TV movie episode, as opposed to a full third season.

Netflix has yet to comment on the future of its TV adaptation of “The Sandman,” based on the DC Comic, which would be preparing for its third season.

USA TODAY has reached out to Disney, Prime Video and Netflix for more information.

This story has been updated to add additional information and to correct an inaccuracy.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Neil Gaiman accused of sexual assault by 9 women in Vulture report

Tragic Mix-Up: A Heartbreaking Tale of Medical Mishap and Family Grief

In a tale that reads more like a medical mystery than a routine hospital visit, the tragic story of David Wells unfolds—a narrative riddled with heartbreaking errors and emotional turmoil. Picture this: a family blindsided by the sudden loss of a loved one, only to later discover their grief was rooted in a colossal medical blunder.

The narrative kicks off in the summer of 2021, at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Washington. David Wells, a man whose fate is tangled in an unfortunate series of events, found himself unconscious after a choking incident—a seemingly ordinary dinner turning into a desperate fight for life. Meanwhile, the hospital staff, in a move that would soon unravel into a nightmare, sought the family’s decision on continuing life support. But here’s the twist—they reached out to the family of Wells’ hospital roommate, Michael Beehler, instead.

Enter Debbie Danielson, Beehler’s unsuspecting sister, who stumbled into this real-life thriller when she received the distressing call. “He’s basically brain dead,” the hospital told her—an ask as serious as deciding life or death. Unbeknownst to Danielson, the decision she faced was not about her brother. And in an ironic twist of fate, the death notice for Beehler was published, reading, “Michael A. Beehler, 60, Vancouver, died Aug. 9, 2021.” A reality that she confronted head-on when her allegedly deceased brother called her—very much alive. “You can’t be alive. You’re dead!” Danielson exclaimed, thrown into disbelief.

Fast forward two years, and the truth began to emerge—strangers had decided the fate of Wells. The revelation was a punch to the gut for Shawn Wells, his son, who was brought up to speed only after a series of events; it was like unraveling a cruel joke with no punchline. “I’m at a loss for words how badly they handled this,” Shawn Wells remarked, his voice echoing the pain and frustration felt by many.

To right the wrongs, the Wells family, alongside Beehler and Danielson, have taken legal action against the hospital and other involved entities, filing lawsuits that allege negligence and emotional distress. The charges also extend to the American Medical Response ambulance service and the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office, accusing them of misidentification and failure to disclose the critical error. In a statement, a PeaceHealth spokesperson maintained that they’ve bolstered their patient identification practices, yet these words fall flat for those seeking more than procedural reassurance. Shawn still awaits an apology—a token of acknowledgment for the emotional scars borne of this mishap. “It’s disturbing. I don’t know if I’m going to get over it. They dropped the ball so egregiously,” he confessed, summing up the ordeal in a way only words borne of experience can express.

The intricate web of this medical mishap paints a vivid picture—one where the interplay of human error and procedural gaps can have tragic, irreversible outcomes. As the lawsuit unfolds, it serves as a grim reminder of the need for diligence and accountability in healthcare settings, where every decision can ripple with profound consequences.

A Fatal Mistake: How Misidentification at PeaceHealth Southwest Unraveled Lives and Trust

In a harrowing quagmire of life and death decisions, an egregious error at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center has left a family grappling with immeasurable grief and outrage. A lawsuit now looms in Clark County, Washington, aiming to hold those accountable for a fateful mistake that led to the withdrawal of life support from the wrong patient.

It all began in the summer of 2021 when David Wells, a patient at PeaceHealth, found himself unconscious after a dinner mishap — choking on a piece of steak. The medical staff, seeking clarity on whether to continue life support, inadvertently reached out to the family of his hospital roommate, Michael Beehler. This was no small mix-up. “They said, ‘He’s basically brain dead,’” recounted Debbie Danielson, Beehler’s sister, to KGW. “‘Do you want us to keep him on life support or do you want to pull the plug?’” A grim choice was made — but it pertained to the wrong man.

At that moment, a local death notice proclaimed, “Michael A. Beehler, 60, Vancouver, died Aug. 9, 2021,” setting the stage for a surreal series of events. Danielson, engulfed in confusion and disbelief, soon received a startling phone call from her very-much-alive brother. “You can’t be alive. You’re dead!’” she exclaimed, a moment that reads like a plot twist from a thriller.

The aftermath of this tragic folly unfolded days later as the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office finally unraveled the identity snafu. The body in question was indeed Wells, not Beehler. The grim revelation was delivered to Wells’ son, Shawn, who had already mourned his father without ever having had the right to say goodbye. “They basically told me there was a medical emergency regarding my father. He had been pronounced dead,” Shawn Wells shared with KGW, adding salt to a two-year-old wound.

Shawn, Beehler, and Danielson have since embarked on a legal crusade against PeaceHealth for negligence and the emotional distress they’ve been forced to endure. “I’m at a loss for words how badly they handled this,” Shawn lamented, his quest for closure overshadowed by the longing for an apology that remains elusive.

In response, a spokesperson for PeaceHealth acknowledged efforts to bolster patient identification processes, stating: “Our unwavering commitment of caring for our community remains stronger than ever,” though the shadow of unresolved litigation restricts further disclosure.

Compounding the chaos, American Medical Response ambulance service, All County Cremation & Burial funeral home, and the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office are embroiled in a separate lawsuit. The claim — that each entity failed in some capacity, contributing to the web of misidentification — only deepens the family’s distress. Further aggravation came with the news that Wells’ organs were donated without family consent, “against his wishes.”

Amid the tumult, the family seeks not just accountability but answers to a cascade of errors that have upended their lives. Shawn Wells’ poignant words reverberate: “It’s disturbing. I don’t know if I’m going to get over it. They dropped the ball so egregiously.” The story of David Wells, Michael Beehler, and their families is one that underscores the human cost of institutional failure — a stark reminder that the systems we trust with our lives must not falter.

The Weeknd delays ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ album release, cancels L.A. concert

The newest album from The Weeknd — originally slated to debut Jan. 24 — has been delayed until Jan. 31 by the singer amid the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires. He also canceled a concert at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., initially scheduled for later this month.

“Out of respect and concern for the people of Los Angeles County, I am canceling the Rose Bowl concert originally scheduled for January 25th,” a post on the singer-songwriter’s Instagram account read on Monday.

“This city has always been a profound source of inspiration for me, and my thoughts are with everyone impacted during this difficult time. In light of this, I have also decided to push the release of my album to January 31st,” he continued. “My focus remains on supporting the recovery of these communities and aiding its incredible people as they rebuild.”

The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, signed the message, “With love, Abel.”

Refunds will be issued automatically for tickets to the Rose Bowl concert purchased through Ticketmaster. For tickets purchased from a third-party reseller (StubHub, SeatGeek, VividSeats, etc), fans are being told to reach out to their point of purchase.

Hurry Up Tomorrow has to date been supported by the release of three singles: “Dancing in the Flames,” “Timeless” (with Playboi Carti), and “São Paulo” (featuring Anitta). It will also be supported by a companion film of the same name in May, starring The Weeknd with Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan. The album serves as the last part of a trilogy, following the singer’s previous two studio releases, After Hours (2020) and Dawn FM (2022).

The Weeknd also previously teased that the latest record might also be his last using that moniker, telling W Magazine in May 2023, “The album I’m working on now is probably my last hurrah as the Weeknd… This is something that I have to do. As The Weeknd, I’ve said everything I can say.”

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As of Monday evening, three major wildfires are currently threatening L.A.: the Eaton Fire in the Altadena-Pasadena area, spanning more than 14,000 acres and 33 percent contained; the Palisades Fire, spanning nearly 24,000 acres and 14 percent contained; and the Hurst Fire in Sylmar, spanning 799 acres and 95 percent contained. The death toll has so far climbed to 24 from the Palisades and Eaton Fires combined, and evacuation orders are in effect for 92,000 residents, with an additional 89,000 in evacuation warning zones.

The disaster, which first developed on Jan. 7 amid a devastating Santa Ana windstorm and dangerously dry conditions, is believed to be the worst and most destructive in California history.

Neil Gaiman Faces New Sexual Assault Allegations — Shocking Details emerge

Fresh sexual assault allegations have been raised against award-winning English novelist Neil Gaiman, adding to the growing controversy surrounding the celebrated author.

Following initial reports last year, four new accusations have surfaced, adding to the claims from women who allege sexual misconduct by the 64-year-old author of ‘The Sandman,’ ‘Good Omens,’ ‘American Gods’ and ‘Coraline.’ These new allegations, detailed in a Vulture investigation, reportedly include supporting evidence such as texts, diary entries, emails, and police communications, USA Today reported.

Among the accusers is Scarlett Pavlovich, who served as a nanny for Gaiman’s second wife, Amanda Palmer, and their son in 2022. Pavlovich alleges that Gaiman assaulted her in a bathtub on his property. After unexpectedly joining her in the bath, she claims Gaiman initiated conversation before physically assaulting her and instructing her to call him “master.”

Pavlovich later informed Palmer about the alleged abuse, including rape. Palmer was reportedly shocked and suggested Gaiman seek counseling, which Vulture reports he never did.

Pavlovich filed a police report in January 2023 alleging sexual assault, though a spokesperson indicated that the “matter has been closed.”

Gaiman’s representatives have responded to the allegations, asserting that the incidents were “consensual.”

Another woman, Kendall, claims Gaiman forced himself on her and kissed her on a tour bus in 2012. One woman, Kendra Stout, described a relationship with Gaiman that began in 2003 and, according to her, turned physically abusive, including instances of beatings and rough sex. Stout recounted an incident where Gaiman allegedly ignored her refusal to have sex due to a painful urinary tract infection.

The first public wave of allegations emerged last year in a podcast by the U.K. media outlet Tortoise, titled “Master: the allegations against Neil Gaiman.” These initial five allegations detailed instances of alleged sexual assault against women, many of whom were in their 20s at the time of the alleged incidents, while Gaiman was in his 40s or older.

Some of the women were fans of his work, while others had professional connections to him.

Gaiman’s Feminist Persona vs. Allegations

Gaiman has cultivated a reputation as a leading figure in modern comic books, notably attracting a significant female readership. Lila Shapiro, the author of the New York Magazine report, highlighted the stark contrast between Gaiman’s public image as a feminist writer and the allegations against him.

“Gaiman has for decades described himself as a feminist writer. He is someone who spoke specifically to women, who women felt seen by, and who women felt safe with. So I knew immediately there’s this dissonance between who he says he is and these stories,” Shapiro said.

Shadow Of BDSM And Consent

Many of the allegations against Gaiman involve elements of BDSM. As Shapiro writes, BDSM culture emphasizes “a culture with a set of long-standing norms, the most important of which is that all parties must eagerly and clearly consent to the overall dynamic as well as to each act before they engage in it,”

However, seven of the eight women stated they had no interest in BDSM, despite, in some cases, participating in such activities.

“The defining feature of BDSM is consent, and there’s actually more emphasis on consent than outside BDSM. If just one party consents, then it’s not BDSM but abuse,” says Shapiro.

Impact On Gaiman’s Career

While Gaiman has new series and seasons slated for release on Amazon Prime and Netflix this year, the allegations have impacted some of his projects.

Reports suggest that Disney has paused its film adaptation of ‘The Graveyard Book,’ while the ‘Good Omens’ series on Amazon Prime is reportedly concluding with a shorter format than the originally planned third season. Netflix has not yet commented on the future of its ‘Sandman’ adaptation.

These developments come amid an ongoing, contentious divorce, contentious divorce and custody battle with Palmer, now in its fifth year.