The American singer, dancer and ­talent show judge Paula Abdul is suing the British television ­executive Nigel Lythgoe over alleged sexual assault, according to US media. Abdul filed a lawsuit on Friday in Los Angeles County, claiming multiple instances of assault while the pair worked together on the hit shows American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. Lythgoe was an executive producer of the Fox singing talent show and a co-judge on the latter. Abdul has not publicly commented on the case and did not respond to requests for comment from various media organisations. In the lawsuit, Abdul alleges the first instance of assault happened during “one of the first seasons” of American Idol in the early 2000s while she and her boss were on the road for regional auditions, entertainment news website TMZ reported. Abdul claims Lythgoe assaulted her in a lift at their hotel, but that she was able to escape when the doors opened. She says she immediately informed her representatives from her hotel room, before deciding to keep quiet about the incident, ­fearing she could be sacked. The lawsuit reportedly claims that another incident of assault occurred more than a decade later, during what Abdul thought was a professional meeting at Lythgoe’s Los Angeles home, where he allegedly forced himself on her and told her they would make an “excellent power couple”. According to reports, Abdul responded by pushing him off and explaining that she was not interested, before leaving. Abdul reportedly claims she witnessed Lythgoe assault one of his assistants that same year in Las Vegas, during the filming of So You Think You Can Dance. The lawsuit also claims Lythgoe “taunted” Abdul by calling her and telling her that the pair should celebrate because it had been “seven years and the statute of limitations had run [out]”. On Sunday, Lythgoe said: “To say that I am shocked and saddened by the allegations made against me by Paula Abdul is a wild understatement. For more than two decades, Paula and I have interacted as dear – and entirely platonic – friends and colleagues. Yesterday, however, out of the blue, I learned of these claims in the press and I want to be clear: not only are they false, they are deeply offensive to me and to everything I stand for. “While Paula’s history of erratic behaviour is well known, I can’t pretend to understand exactly why she would file a lawsuit that she must know is untrue. But I can promise that I will fight this appalling smear with everything I have.” Abdul is reportedly suing Lythgoe – and the shows’ production companies 19 Entertainment, FremantleMedia North America, American Idol Productions and Dance Nation Productions – for sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, gender violence and negligence. Lythgoe was reportedly fired from American Idol in 2013 after 12 years as a producer on the show. According to US media, the court filing states that Abdul has remained silent for years due to “fear of speaking out against one of the most well-known producers of television competition shows who could easily break her career”, as well as professional contracts that “prohibited” her disclosing “anything that might be deemed confidential business information” or “derogatory”. The lawsuit was reportedly filed under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act, which, since it came into effect a year ago, has allowed people to bring legal action in cases of sexual assault, even after the statute of limitations has expired.

King Charles III announced awards for show business royalty Shirley Bassey and Ridley Scott, while a bereaved father who took on social media giants over harmful online content was also recognized in the UK’s traditional New Year Honours. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who crowned the king in May, led those being honored for their role at the glittering ceremony in Westminster Abbey. Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke was also honored for cofounding the brain injury recovery charity SameYou after she survived two brain hemorrhages. The annual honors list recognizes the achievements and contributions of people across the UK. Bassey, who has sold more than 135 million records, became a Companion of Honour, an elite order that can only have 65 members at any one time. “My heart is full of emotion and I am truly humbled,” the singer, who already has damehood, said ahead of the announcement. Director and producer Ridley Scott, whose works include Gladiator, Alien and Napoleon, was also made a Knight Grand Cross, upgrading his previous knighthood, while “bonkbuster” author Jilly Cooper became a dame. Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis, who is to receive a knighthood, joked that he might hand over some tickets for the world-famous event at his investiture next year. “I think [Prince] William might do the ceremony. He’s made a few mentions of wanting to come to the festival, so I’ll probably take a couple of tickets in my pocket,” he said. Famed as much for its mud as its music, the festival at Worthy Farm in southwestern Somerset has become a fixture in British life since it began in 1970. In the world of sport, former England cricketer Stuart Broad, 37, was among those decorated. Broad announced his retirement from the sport during the final Ashes Test in the summer, bowing out in stunning fashion by hitting a six off his final ball and taking the match-winning wicket as England leveled the series at the Oval. Soccer players Millie Bright, Mary Earps and Lauren Hemp were recognized for their part in helping England reach the FIFA Women’s World Cup final in the summer. England lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final in Sydney having won the UEFA European Championship last year. Others receiving awards included Ian Russell, 60, who campaigned against harmful online content and contributed to the establishment of online safety legislation after the death of his 14-year-old daughter Molly. Her family set up the Molly Rose Foundation suicide prevention charity in her memory. Russell said the London schoolgirl had been a caring person and would have been “tremendously proud” to have helped others struggling with suicidal thoughts and mental health problems. The Online Safety Bill, currently making its way through parliament, has been introduced to crack down on harmful content including graphic self-harm and suicide material.   Source: Taipei Times

December 30 is not just an ordinary day for BTS lovers– it's V's Day! As the 28-year-old vocalist of BTS, his dedicated ARMY is gearing up for a unique global celebration.  From the vibrant streets of Seoul to the neon lights of Tokyo and beyond, fans are prepared to paint the world (Bora) purple in tribute to their cherished Taehyung. In South Korea, dynamic billboards showcasing V's radiant smile are lighting up major cities.  Cafes are set to offer delightful Taehyung-themed treats and beverages.  Meanwhile, Japanese fans are organizing intricate flash mobs and dance covers, demonstrating synchronized moves to his Layover hits. In the United States, ARMYs are surpassing expectations. Expect iconic landmarks like the Times Square screen and the Hollywood sign to be bathed in shades of purple.  Thailand's BTS ARMY is hosting CAPTAIN V RADIO, a special event dedicated to BTS member V. The broadcast will air on Easy FM 105.5 MHz, a Thai radio station, allowing fans to revisit V's moments as a DJ, listening to his stories and music. The event is scheduled for December 29-30, 2023, with specific time slots outlined for each day. Thailand's iconic Empire Tower, home to the country's tallest office building, will be adorned with a birthday celebration for BTS' V. This spectacular display on a dazzling LED screen will run from December 25th to 31st.  

Internationally acclaimed Bangladeshi actor Chanchal Chowdhury is currently gracing the stages of Kolkata, performing in the acclaimed play "Radhang." Directed by Munmunur Rashid, the play has witnessed six stellar performances in two days, owing to the immense enthusiasm and demand from the Kolkata audience. Chanchal's presence on the Kolkata stage has captivated and mesmerised the local audience. The overwhelming response from the spectators has led the director, Munmunur Rashid, to extend the play with two additional shows, responding to the high demand and eagerness of the Kolkata viewers.   Reflecting on the fervor surrounding his play, Chanchal Chowdhury expressed, "Just like the long queues that formed from the morning for my film 'Hawa,' a similar line-up was seen for 'Radhang.' The passion of the Kolkata audience towards stage plays has left a lasting impression on me. I had inquired from my mentor, director Munmunur Rashid, about the audience's reaction outside Dhaka, especially in Kolkata, regarding plays like 'Radhang.' He replied that such overwhelming responses were unprecedented. The incident has left a mark on my mind."   While the two days of back-to-back shows brought joy to the audience, it posed a significant challenge for the team. Chanchal emphasized the importance of regular participation in stage performances for actors, stating that without a focus on the art of stage acting, future generations might lose the essence of authentic acting, be it in films, dramas, or any other platform.   Chanchal shared his commitment to regularly perform on stage from the coming year, fostering an increased interest among new generations of artists. He stressed the need for actors to pay attention to the art of stage acting and expressed his intention to maintain regular communication with the stage, a platform he has never left. Chanchal is set to return to Bangladesh on January 2, 2024.  His latest cinematic venture, 'Hawa,' has earned him accolades including a National Film Award for Best Actor. Besides, the audience eagerly awaits the release of his film "Monogamy", while his film "Padatik" is also awaiting release in India.

Colombian superstar Shakira's Caribbean home city of Barranquilla unveiled a 6.5-meter hip-swaying statue in her honor. The towering bronze and aluminum creation depicts the singer in a bikini top in one of her characteristic dance moves. On the platform X, the singer thanked sculptor Yino Marquez and his art student collaborators for "this example of the enormous artistic talent of the people of my country." Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, an icon of Latina girl power, has sold some 80 million albums worldwide and won three Grammy awards.