Karla Sofía Gascón responds to Emilia Perez director’s disavowal over resurfaced tweets

Karla Sofía Gascón has responded to criticism from Emilia Perez director Jacques Audiard, who distanced himself from the actor this week amid a scandal over resurfaced social media posts.

The 52-year-old is in contention for Best Actress at the Academy Awards, for her role as a transgender crime boss in the polarising Netflix musical.

However, in the past fortnight, Gascón’s awards campaign has been derailed by backlash to a number of offensive tweets she made over the past five years, including posts about George Floyd, Islam and diversity at the Oscars.

In a recent interview with Deadline, Audiard called Gascón’s comments “inexcusable” and accused her of “playing the victim”, adding he hadn’t spoken to her since the fallout and “didn’t want to”.

In response, the actor shared a statement to Instagram announcing she would be stepping back from the public eye for the remainder of this awards season.

“Following Jacques interview that I understand, I decided, for the film, for Jacques, for the cast, for the incredible crew who deserves it, for the beautiful adventure we all had together, to let the work talk for itself, hoping my silence will allow the film to be appreciated for what it is, a beautiful ode to love and difference,” she wrote on Thursday (6 February).

“I sincerely apologise to everyone who has been hurt along the way,” Gascón added.

Speaking to Deadline a day earlier, Audiard said of the Emilia Perez star: “I haven’t spoken to her, and I don’t want to. She is in a self-destructive approach that I can’t interfere in, and I really don’t understand why she’s continuing. Why is she harming herself? Why? “I don’t understand it.

“What I don’t understand about this too is why she’s harming people who were very close to her. I’m thinking in this thing of how hurting others, of how she’s hurting the crew and all these people who worked so incredibly hard on this film. I’m thinking of myself, I’m thinking of Zoe [Saldaña] and Selena [Gomez]. I just don’t understand why she’s continuing to harm us.”

Gascón had previously issued multiple apologies for the posts, and appeared in an hour-long interview with CNN en Español in which she broke down in tears as she answered questions about her social media history, telling interviewer Juan Carlos Arciniegas that she was “not a racist”.

Netflix, the film’s distributor, has reportedly removed Gascón from promotional emails and has edited the film’s posters to give co-star Zoe Saldana more prominence, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

It said that Gascón would not be flying to Los Angeles this week from her home in Spain for the pre-Oscars promotional campaign.

The star had a planned itinerary that included major events such as the AFI Awards luncheon on Thursday (6 February), the Critics Choice Awards on Friday (7 February), the Directors Guild of America Awards and the Producers Guild of America Awards on Saturday (8 February). Gascón is no longer expected to attend the events.

Asked by CNN if she would renounce her Oscar nomination, Gascón said: “I cannot renounce a nomination because what I have done is a job and what is being valued is my acting work.” (Per a translation by THR.)

“I cannot step down from an Oscar nomination because I have not committed any crime nor have I harmed anyone,” she continued. “I am neither racist nor anything that all these people have tried to make others believe I am.”

Gascón previously told The Independent in a statement: “I want to acknowledge the conversation around my past social media posts that have caused hurt.

“As someone in a marginalised community, I know this suffering all too well and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain. All my life I have fought for a better world. I believe light will always triumph over darkness.”

Magic The Gathering movie and TV show confirmed with Dark Knight and Dune studio

Magic The Gathering is getting a movie and TV universe, and it’s coming from the team behind a staggering number of blockbusters.

Announced yesterday, Hasbro will partner with Legendary Entertainment, the studio working on the upcoming Minecraft movie, and which has recently seen great success with Dune and Dune Part 2, to work on “a live-action feature film and television universe” based on the world’s first trading card game.

While the movie doesn’t yet have a release date or anyone attached to the project, it’s an exciting indication of the cultural moment the long-running game is enjoying.

Magic The Gathering movie shows the card game’s incredible growth

Mary Parent, Legendary’s Chairman of Worldwide Production, said: “We pride ourselves on being thoughtful caretakers of singular, beloved IP, and no property better fits that description than Magic: The Gathering.”

“Alongside the fantastic Hasbro team, we look forward to creating a multimedia universe that thrills longstanding fans and creates a broad wave of new ones.”

“This is an exciting and complementary partnership, uniting one of the world’s most iconic brands with a powerful and proven steward,” Zev Foreman, Hasbro Entertainment’s Head of Film, said.

“Magic: The Gathering has inspired decades of epic world-building and creative storytelling. It is a perfect match for Legendary’s diversified approach to marquee IP, and we are excited to work together to build a whole new Magic: The Gathering universe.”

Hasbro, which owns Wizards of the Coast which works on the Magic card game, launched its entertainment business in 2023. It’s currently working on movie adaptations for GI Joe, Clue, Monopoly, Furby and even Play-Doh. Prior to that, it released titles like Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.

Magic The Gathering’s current set, Aetherdrift, launches next week, marking its 103rd expansion since the card game debuted in 1993. The game has held a steady audience, but interest exploded when Universes Beyond: The Lord of the Rings arrived in Summer of 2023.

The game gained widespread attention when only one special version of the ‘One Ring’ card was made, which Post Malone purchased for $2 million (over £1.6 million).

Magic takes place in a wide range of universes called Planes, which each have their own theming, characters, and story, so the possibilities are near endless for what the movie and show could focus on.

For more on Magic The Gathering, be sure to check out our preview of Aetherdrift, where we said “Aetherdrift is Magic The Gathering meets Mario Kart and I can’t wait to play”.

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Ye praises Hitler, says he has ‘dominion’ over wife Bianca Censori in X rant

Ye — the controversial rapper formerly known as Kanye West — posted a series of inflammatory messages overnight and this morning on X, with the recording artist praising Adolf Hitler, telling his followers that he has “dominion” over his wife Bianca Censori, and praising Sean “Diddy” Combs after the entertainer was arrested last year over abuse and sex trafficking allegations.

Days after Ye and Censori courted criticism over their appearance at Sunday night’s Grammys, where Censori disrobed next to a fully clothed Ye to reveal a nearly nude sheer dress on the red carpet, Ye began posting a series of messages Thursday on X. His multiple posts ranged from containing praise for the Nazi leader to the artist doubling down on similar antisemitic rhetoric that, in 2022, led to the dissolution of partnerships with brands like Adidas and Balenciaga — before Ye eventually apologized to the community for posting about going “death con 3 on Jewish people.”

Referencing public pushback to West posing with a virtually naked Censori at the Grammys, Ye told his followers that he has “DOMINION OVER MY WIFE” and slammed “WOKE AS[S] FEMINIST S—” after Censori’s attire caused a stir.

“SHES WITH A BILLIONAIRE WHY WOULD SHE LISTEN TO ANY OF YOU DUMB ASS BROKE BITCHES PEOPLE SAY THE RED CARPET LOOK WAS HER DECISION YES I DONT MAKE HER DO NOTHING SHE DOESNT WANT TO BUT SHE DEFINITELY WOULDNT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO IT WITHOUT MY APPROVAL YOU STUPID ASS WOKE PAWNS,” Ye posted. “I HAVE NO RESPECT OR EMPATHY FOR ANY ONE LIVING CAUSE NO ONE LIVING CAN F— WITH ME BUT I DO LOVE SOME PEOPLE AND I GIVE THEM FAVOR.”

The 47-year-old also praised Hitler in several posts, writing that “Hitler was sooooo fresh” in one message, while another included a call for followers: “CALL ME YAYDOLF YITLER AND YOUR BITCH STILL WANTS TO F—,” he added.

Amid other messages, including one in which he claimed that Elon Musk “STOLE MY NAZI SWAG AT THE INAUGURATION” of Donald Trump, Ye also told his followers that he declined to take photos with terminally ill children, and said he feels that racist stereotypes are true.

Ye also expressed “love” for Combs on X months after the performer’s arrest — and after Ye was named in a follow-up suit by one of Ye’s former assistants, who alleged in an October 2024 claim that she was drugged and assaulted at a studio session with Combs. (A lawyer for Ye did not respond to Entertainment Weekly’s request for comment at the time.)

Ye’s latest social media tirade follows the aforementioned scandal that landed the rapper in hot water. The performer has repeatedly voiced praise for Hitler in the past, including in a 2022 interview with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.

“I see good things about Hitler also,” Ye said at the time. “This guy that invented highways, invented the very microphone that I use every day as a musician, you can’t say out loud that this person ever did anything good, and I’m done with that. I’m done with the classifications. Every human being has something of value that they brought to the table, especially Hitler.”

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In 2023, Ye apologized to the Jewish community for his past remarks.

In a social media statement, Ye said that it was “not my intention to offend or demean, and I deeply regret any pain I may have caused.” He later added, “I am committed to starting with myself and learning from this experience to ensure greater sensitivity and understanding in the future. Your forgiveness is important to me, and I am committed to making amends and promoting unity.”

EW has reached out to representatives for Ye and Musk for comment.

Safety Protocols: Preventing Tragedies Like Freddie’s

In a world brimming with vibrant possibilities and unforeseen hazards, the importance of safety protocols in public spaces cannot be overstated. These unseen guardians — the linchpins of our bustling environments — stand as silent sentinels, protecting us from the invisible threads of chaos that weave through our daily lives.

Imagine the rhythm of a busy department store — the lively chatter, the rhythm of footsteps, and the subtle crescendo of commerce breathing life into its walls. Now, picture that harmony disrupted by a preventable tragedy. Such incidents serve as poignant reminders of the critical role safety protocols play in safeguarding our most precious treasures — our children.

Recent heartbreaks, such as the tragic accident involving young Freddie, underscore a stark reality: Safety must be prioritized with unwavering diligence. In public spaces, where architecture and design converge with human interaction, every detail — from the placement of mirrors to the sturdiness of fixtures — demands rigorous attention.

Consider this: a seemingly innocuous mirror, carelessly suspended, transformed into a silent peril. It’s an illustration of how negligence, even at a microscopic level, can cascade into catastrophic consequences. The lesson here? Vigilance is not a luxury; it is a necessity.

But let’s turn the spotlight onto solutions rather than sorrow. What actions can individuals and communities take to reinforce safety in public spaces? First, proactive assessment — scrutinize the environments our children explore. Look for potential hazards lurking in plain sight. Are heavy objects securely anchored? Are emergency exits visible and accessible?

Next, advocate for transparency and accountability within establishments. Encourage regular safety audits, and empower employees to voice concerns. When we champion a culture of safety, we lay the groundwork for a future where tragedies like Freddie’s are relegated to the past.

Finally, as patrons and parents, we must be vigilant. Our eyes are the frontline defense — observe, question, and act. By uniting our collective voices, we can influence change, ensuring that safety protocols are not just guidelines but guarantees of security.

The path to a safer tomorrow is paved with the steps we take today. Let’s commit to crafting environments where safety isn’t a second thought — it’s the foundation. In doing so, we honor those we’ve lost and protect those who will shape our future.

Turn Your Living Room into a Winter Workout Oasis

As the mercury dives across the UK, turning your living room into your personal gym is the smart move to stay fit and robust. With an icy chill sweeping over the land, the Met Office advises keeping your body warm and active indoors — but how do you turn those well-meaning thoughts into lively action?

It’s time to transform that space between your couch and TV into a haven of health. First up, engage in bodyweight exercises. No equipment? No problem! Dive into a series of push-ups, squats, and planks to get your heart racing. These moves are your winter warriors — simple yet incredibly effective. They don’t just burn calories; they build strength and resilience, keeping the winter blues at bay.

Now, let’s take it a step further — get your pulse pounding with a little cardio circuit. Jumping jacks, high knees, and burpees can ignite a fire in your muscles and obliterate the chill. If you’re craving creativity, try shadow boxing. Feel the intensity as you bob and weave through imaginary opponents, every punch a testament to your tenacity against the biting cold outside.

For a more mindful approach, yoga and stretching are perfect allies. Imagine your living room transformed into a serene sanctuary where you bend and stretch, feeling the stress melt away like snow in spring. Yoga not only keeps you flexible but also sharpens mental clarity, gifting you the zen you need during these frosty times.

With the cold snap here to stay for the weekend, staying active indoors is your passport to warmth and wellness. So why wait for the forecast to change? Create an indoor oasis of movement and make every moment count — because your health deserves nothing less than the very best.

Thrive This Winter: Health Tips for the Cold

As temperatures take a nosedive, with forecasts dipping to teeth-chattering lows, it’s time to gear up for the cold. Whether you’re facing sub-zero chills in Scotland or icy blasts in the south, the cold can wreak havoc not just on your thermostat, but on your health too. Here’s how you can take charge of your well-being—frosty forecasts be damned.

Embrace Layers Like a Pro

When the mercury plummets, layers become your best friend. Fashion may take a backseat, but let’s face it—your health is way more important than your style game. Think thermal tops beneath woolen sweaters, and don’t forget the scarves and hats. Start with moisture-wicking fabrics to keep sweat away from your skin, add warmth with insulating layers, and finish strong with a waterproof outer shell to fend off snow and sleet.

Keep Your Airways Safe

Breathing in that crisp air might feel refreshing, but for those with asthma or other lung conditions, it can be a double-edged sword. Cold air is the nemesis that narrows airways and spikes mucus production. Keep that inhaler close—it’s your lifeline. Shield your mouth with a scarf as you brave the brisk outdoors; it warms the air before it hits your lungs, offering a bit of reprieve from the harsh climate.

Nourish Your Body from Within

Winter doesn’t just mean wrapping up like a Michelin Man. It’s about what goes inside too. Fuel up with hearty, nourishing foods that bring warmth from the inside out. Swap out cold salads for piping hot soups brimming with nutrient-dense veggies and lean proteins. And let’s not overlook hydration—despite the cold, your body needs water just as much to keep everything in working order.

Stay Active—Move to Stay Warm

The cold may try to halt your workouts, but don’t let it win. Staying active keeps your circulation humming and generates warmth from within. Think indoor workouts if venturing outside seems a bit too much. Jump ropes, bodyweight exercises, or even a quick dance-off in your living room can keep your fitness routine alive and your spirits high.

Prepare for the Unpredictable

Winter weather can be as unpredictable as the plot twists in your favorite thriller. One moment it’s just chilly, the next, you’re faced with icy roads and snowdrifts. Stay informed—forewarned is forearmed. Keep your weather app handy, especially if you’re heading out for a run or a walk. And always carry emergency supplies like blankets and non-perishable snacks in your car.

In the end, facing winter’s chill head-on is about smart preparation and resilience. With the right gear, a nutritious diet, and an active routine, you’ll not only withstand the cold but thrive in it. So suit up, stay informed, and let nothing chill your spirit this winter!

5 Strategies to Transform Your Sleep Game

When it comes to getting a firm grip on your health, it’s not just about what happens in the gym or the kitchen—modern living demands innovative strategies to conquer your sleep as well. Picture this: Your bedroom transforms into a sanctuary—a cocoon of tranquility where the chaos of the day melts away. To make this your reality, start by optimizing your sleep environment. An upgraded mattress and pillows aren’t just luxury items—they turn the dial up on comfort, setting the stage for the restorative rest your body craves.

Now, let’s talk rituals. Establishing a sleep ritual is like sending a gentle memo to your brain: “Hey, it’s time to power down.” Whether it’s diving into a good book or practicing meditative breathing, finding a routine that signals relaxation is key. Technology’s seductive glow can be a sleep saboteur—so, go on, dare to limit it. Shutting down those screens an hour before hitting the sack promotes better melatonin production, which in turn gears your body up for slumber.

Don’t underestimate the power of your mind. Embrace the art of mindfulness—before bed, try a bit of meditation to smooth out the edges of stress and lay the groundwork for a peaceful night. And let’s not forget about those strategic power naps. A well-timed 10-20 minute nap isn’t just a quick energy hit—it’s a way to sharpen focus without trampling on your nighttime sleep schedule.

Elevating your sleep game is more than just shutting your eyes—it’s about setting them on the prize of a healthier, more vibrant you. So, pull back the covers and seize the transformative power of innovative sleep strategies. Let your nights be as dynamic as your days.

10 Fitness Habits to Build Mental Toughness

Unleashing Resilience: How Fitness Habits Cultivate Mental Toughness

In the relentless hustle of daily life, resilience isn’t just a trait—it’s a survival skill. But where does this inner fortitude come from? More often than not, it’s honed right there—beneath the clang of weights and the whirl of treadmills. Yes, you heard that right. Fitness isn’t just about chiseling your physique; it crafts the bedrock of mental toughness.

Establish a Morning Routine

Kickstart your day with a morning workout that doesn’t just wake you up—it gears you up for the day. This routine injects energy into your veins and clears the fog of sleep, setting the stage for productivity.

Embrace the Grind

Dive headfirst into challenging workouts. This isn’t just about building brawn—it’s about cultivating grit. As you conquer each grueling session, you’re not just pushing weights; you’re pushing boundaries, fostering a mindset that thrives in adversity.

Set Realistic Goals

Ambition is great—but like a fire, it needs to be managed. Break down your lofty dreams into bite-sized targets. This isn’t just goal-setting; it’s a strategic blueprint—an actionable map guiding you through victories, one milestone at a time.

Practice Mindfulness

Amidst the chaos of reps and routines, take a moment—breathe. Incorporating yoga or meditation isn’t about taking a break—it’s about tuning in, sharpening your focus, and building a stable mental foundation.

Track Progress

In fitness, like in life, progress isn’t always visible at a glance. Keep a journal of your achievements. Each entry isn’t just a record; it’s a testament—a visual reminder of growth that fuels motivation and shines light on your journey.

Overcome Plateaus

Hit a wall? Don’t just stand there. Adapt your plans, shake up routines, and reignite growth. This isn’t failure—it’s an opportunity to innovate, a chance to nurture resilience through adaptation.

Stay Consistent

The secret sauce? Consistency. Regular exercise isn’t just a physical commitment—it’s a mental affirmation, a testament to discipline that fortifies resilience over time.

Celebrate Small Wins

Don’t just sprint for the finish line—take time to appreciate those mini-victories. Each small win isn’t just reinforcement—it’s a confidence boost that fuels your journey.

Find a Workout Buddy

Partner up. Share the sweat, the struggles, and the triumphs. This isn’t about having company—it’s about mutual motivation, a shared journey that doubles both encouragement and accountability.

Building mental toughness through fitness isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. It’s about slowly crafting resilience with each drop of sweat, every aching muscle, and each conquered challenge. So, lace up, show up, and in the process, turn ordinary habits into extraordinary resilience.

7 Ways to Harness Acetylcholine’s Brainpower

Harnessing Acetylcholine: Mastering Your Brain’s Superpower

The human brain—marvel of neurons and synapses—relies on myriad biochemical messengers to perform at its peak. Among these, acetylcholine stands out as a superpower, wielding influence over memory, focus, and much more. Gear up to explore how you can tap into this neuronal dynamo for cognitive and physical gains.

Bolstering Memory with Acetylcholine

Memory is the cornerstone of learning, and acetylcholine is its silent architect. By fine-tuning synaptic connections, this neurotransmitter empowers us to cement new information. To harness its power, prioritize activities like reading, puzzles, or learning a new language—each action a reinforcement of those neural pathways.

Enhancing Focus and Attention

Where attention goes, energy flows—this is the mantra acetylcholine lives by. It gears up your brain for focused tasks, from intense study sessions to boardroom presentations. Fuel this process with mindfulness practices, which amplify attention’s peak while allowing acetylcholine to work its magic.

Stimulating Mental Clarity and Cognitive Sharpness

Clarity isn’t just a perk—it’s a necessity for navigating today’s complex world. Acetylcholine takes the reins by sharpening cognitive processes, ensuring a quicksilver mental performance. Engage in brain-training exercises like memory games and strategy puzzles to keep your mind agile and alert.

Riding the Wave of Neuroplasticity

Neuroscience’s buzzword, neuroplasticity, refers to the brain’s ability to restructure itself. Acetylcholine is a key player here, facilitating growth and flexibility. Activities that demand new skills or challenge old habits can set the stage for acetylcholine-driven rewiring.

Battling Brain Fog and Fatigue

Fatigue clouds judgment, but acetylcholine can blow away the fog. It’s your brain’s natural stimulant, promoting wakefulness and energy. Consider lifestyle tweaks—like reducing alcohol intake, as studied in recent research—to keep acetylcholine firing smoothly.

Regulating Sleep and Wakefulness Cycles

Sleep—an essential reset—relies on acetylcholine to regulate its cycles. It turns down the mental chatter for undisturbed rest. Establishing a consistent sleep routine can enhance this balance, ensuring you rise refreshed and ready.

Taming Stress and Anxiety Levels

Stress doesn’t stand a chance against a well-balanced acetylcholine system—it moderates the flight-or-fight response. Adopt stress-relief techniques, such as yoga or meditation, to maintain a serene state where acetylcholine can perform unhampered.

Boosting Physical Performance and Coordination

Physical prowess isn’t just about muscle—acetylcholine coordinates the mind-muscle connection. Its role in fine motor control means tasks, from typing to tightrope walking, benefit from its precision. Exercise, especially involving coordination, can boost its production.

Embrace the dance of neurons and neurotransmitters—by unlocking acetylcholine’s potential, you’re not merely existing but thriving with the brain’s superpower.

Here’s every song in ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’

Kaitlyn Dever plays an Australian wellness influencer in Netflix series Apple Cider Vinegar.

Inspired by true events, the series follows two young women who set out to cure their life-threatening illnesses through health and wellness to a growing online audience – only for it to come crashing down when it’s discovered Belle Gibson’s cancer diagnosis is a lie.

“This is a true-ish story based on a lie, about the rise and fall of a wellness empire; the culture that built it up and the people who tore it down,” the synopsis reads.

Alongside Dever in the lead role, the series stars Alycia Debnam-Carey, Aisha Dee, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Mark Coles Smith, Ashley Zukerman, and Susie Porter.

Who composed the soundtrack for Apple Cider Vinegar?

You can check out an episode-by-episode breakdown below.