Spike Lee discussed his upcoming film 'Highest to Lowest' with Denzel Washington, a reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa's 'High and Low,' at the Red Sea International Film Festival. He reflected on the challenges of making 'Malcolm X,' which he described as nearly killing him due to budget constraints and studio pressures. Lee also shared insights on his filmmaking philosophy, his partnership with Washington, and his views on retirement, expressing gratitude for his career and the opportunity to mentor new talent.
The daughters of Malcolm X have filed a lawsuit against the FBI, CIA, and police, alleging that these agencies conspired to assassinate the civil rights leader and subsequently covered up their involvement.
The family of Malcolm X is suing the FBI, CIA, and NYPD for $100 million, alleging these agencies conspired in his 1965 assassination and failed to prevent it. The lawsuit claims a corrupt relationship between law enforcement and the killers, with federal agents present at the scene but not intervening. The NYPD allegedly removed security and undercover operatives were in the ballroom during the murder. The lawsuit follows the exoneration of two men previously convicted for the murder, after evidence was found to have been withheld.
Denzel Washington, known for his successful acting career, admitted to making some poor film choices after his breakout role in 'Malcolm X' due to financial responsibilities. Despite this, he achieved significant success in the 1990s with films like 'The Pelican Brief' and 'Crimson Tide,' and won two Oscars. Washington, who stars in 'Gladiator II,' believes his personal character often influences his roles, contributing to his reputation as a "good guy" on screen.
Malcolm X's daughters have filed a $100 million lawsuit against the CIA, FBI, NYPD, and others, alleging their involvement in the 1965 assassination of the civil rights leader. The lawsuit claims these agencies were aware of the assassination plot and failed to prevent it, with accusations of a corrupt relationship between law enforcement and the killers. The suit follows the exoneration of two men previously convicted for Malcolm X's murder, as new investigations revealed withheld evidence. The family seeks accountability for the alleged cover-up and orchestration of the assassination.
Attorneys representing Malcolm X's family presented sworn statements implicating federal agencies and the NYPD in a conspiracy to assassinate the civil rights leader, with two former security detail members alleging that an undercover NYPD officer lured them into a plan to destroy national monuments to divert them from Malcolm X's security detail. The attorneys called for the release of surveillance and other records related to the case, stating that the statements show there's more to the story than the departments will admit. The legal effort has gained notable firepower with the addition of civil rights attorney G. Flint Taylor, and the group is urging New York Mayor Eric Adams to help bring about justice by urging the NYPD to turn over documents related to the case.
The new National Geographic series "Genius: MLK/X" aims to humanize the iconic figures of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, portrayed by Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Aaron Pierre, by emphasizing their humanity and vitality as young men, rather than their status as symbols of civil rights and social progress. Executive producer Gina Prince-Bythewood expressed the desire to take the characters "off the T-shirts and make them real and tangible for an audience."
National Geographic's "Genius" series, Season 4 titled "MLK/X," explores the lives of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, aiming to present a more comprehensive view of the two iconic figures and their wives. The series, a departure from its singular focus, delves into the meeting of the two men and their differing approaches to seeking justice. Showrunners Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Rock Bythewood emphasize the importance of both men and their wives, aiming to humanize and connect with the audience. The series aims for historical accuracy and features a "think tank" of scholars and activists.
"X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X," an opera by Anthony Davis, receives its company premiere at the Metropolitan Opera. The production, directed by Robert O'Hara, presents a grand and abstract portrayal of Malcolm X's life, featuring a towering Afrofuturist spaceship and projections of names of Black victims of violence. The opera, which combines classical and modern styles, has been revived after decades of neglect and is set to be performed on opera stages across the country. However, the performance at the Met is criticized for a lack of dramatic presence in the lead role of Malcolm X.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous criticism of Malcolm X, accusing him of "fiery, demagogic oratory," appears to have been fabricated by journalist Alex Haley in a 1965 Playboy interview. King's actual response, found in an unedited transcript, shows that he disagreed with Malcolm X's political and philosophical views but also believed they had a lot in common and that violence could not solve their problems. The revelation challenges the long-held belief that King and Malcolm X were divided in their approach to civil rights. The discovery also raises questions about the accuracy of Haley's other work, including "The Autobiography of Malcolm X."
