Singer and producer The-Dream has been accused of rape and sexual battery by his former protégée, Chanaaz Mangroe, in a lawsuit filed in California. Mangroe alleges that The-Dream lured her into an abusive and sexually violent relationship under the guise of helping her music career. The lawsuit also names The-Dream's record label, Contra Paris LLC, and Epic Records as defendants, claiming they facilitated his behavior. The-Dream's representatives have not commented on the allegations.
Terius Gesteelde-Diamant, known as The-Dream and a prolific songwriter for artists like Beyoncé and Rihanna, has been sued by former mentee Chanaaz Mangroe for rape, sexual battery, and sex trafficking. Mangroe alleges that Gesteelde-Diamant manipulated and abused her under the guise of advancing her music career. The lawsuit also implicates his label, Contra Paris, and Epic Records in facilitating his alleged crimes. Gesteelde-Diamant denies the accusations, calling them untrue and defamatory.
"Emilia Pérez" star Karla Sofía Gascón has sued French far-right politician Marion Marechal for "sexist insult due to one's gender identity" following a transphobic social media post. Marechal's comments, made after Gascón's historic win at Cannes, have sparked outrage and led to legal action supported by six LGBTQ groups. If found guilty, Marechal could face imprisonment and fines.
Alec Baldwin will stand trial for involuntary manslaughter in the 2021 death of "Rust" cinematographer Halyna Hutchins after a New Mexico judge denied his motion to dismiss the case. Baldwin, who has pleaded not guilty, is set for trial in July. The incident occurred during a rehearsal when a gun Baldwin was handling discharged, killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin maintains he did not pull the trigger and that the gun malfunctioned.
Angelina Jolie has been ordered by a court to release eight years' worth of non-disclosure agreements related to her ownership of Château Miraval, the French winery she co-owned with ex-husband Brad Pitt. This development is part of their ongoing legal battle over the winery, with Pitt's team claiming the NDAs will undermine Jolie's case, while Jolie's team suggests it could reveal details of Pitt's alleged abuse. Both sides appear ready to comply with the ruling.
Actor Gina Carano has filed a lawsuit against Disney, alleging wrongful termination from "The Mandalorian" due to her conservative social media posts, with support from Elon Musk. Carano claims sex discrimination and seeks reinstatement in the show, along with damages. Musk's platform, X, is funding her legal action, citing commitment to free speech. Disney had previously removed Carano for controversial social media posts, including comments on mask-wearing and voter fraud.
Disney has withdrawn a copyright claim against a YouTube video by Brock Baker featuring the 1928 cartoon "Steamboat Willie," which recently entered the public domain. Baker's remixed version with his own comedic audio was initially demonetized and restricted, but after disputing the claim, the video is now monetizable and accessible worldwide. This retraction by Disney may signal recognition that "Steamboat Willie" and its depiction of Mickey Mouse are now free for public use, clarifying the legal landscape for creators using the iconic character in new works.
Disney's iconic character Mickey Mouse has entered the public domain following the expiration of its copyright, leading to new, unauthorized and gruesome interpretations of the character. These reimaginings are a stark contrast to the wholesome image traditionally associated with Mickey, showcasing him in violent and disturbing scenarios.
Disney has lost copyright protection for the original version of Mickey Mouse, which debuted in 1928's "Steamboat Willie," allowing filmmakers to create horror movies featuring the character, such as "Mickey's Mouse Trap." While Disney still holds rights to later versions of Mickey Mouse and other characters like Donald Duck and Goofy, the lapse in protection for the original Mickey has led to the production of slasher films and video games using the character's likeness. Disney CEO Bob Iger is facing multiple challenges, but the emergence of these low-budget horror adaptations exploiting the now-public domain Mickey Mouse may be a minor issue compared to others.
Mickey Mouse's earliest versions from the 1928 films "Steamboat Willie" and "Plane Crazy" have entered the public domain, allowing the public to use and adapt these specific portrayals of the character. However, later versions of Mickey Mouse, which most people recognize, remain protected by copyright. Disney has fought to extend copyright laws in the past, but the entry of these early versions into the public domain is seen as significant for creative freedom. Disney will continue to protect its rights in the modern versions of Mickey Mouse and other works still under copyright. Experts advise creators to respect the boundaries of copyright and trademark laws when using the now-public domain versions of Mickey Mouse.
