Beyoncé removes ableist slur from new album after backlash
The singer’s decision to withdraw the lyric from her new song ‘HEATED’ has drawn a mixed response. Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’, a prodigious, 62 minute cacophony of dance and ballroom culture, has revived us – fawning and jubilant – from the slog of an endless heatwave. As we throw our limbs about to...
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‘Friends’ Marta Kauffman apologises for trans misrepresentation
Kauffman has vocalised her regret over misgendering Chandler Bing’s trans parent – played by Kathleen Turner – for the first time. Well, it’s finally happened. After decades of wince-worthy jokes and a cast as white as Wonderbread, ‘Friends’ co-creator Marta Kauffman is addressing the show’s past mistakes. It may be long...
99% of Glastonbury tents were taken home by public
Emily Eavis has announced on Twitter that 99% of tents were taken home from Glastonbury, after the festival appealed for ticket goers to ‘leave no trace’ once they left. For music lovers, this summer has been particularly special. Festivals are finally back in full swing after two years of stalled,...
Production workers for The Simpsons and Family Guy unionise
The Animation Guild is now unionising with production workers from The Simpsons, American Dad!, and Family Guy, having previously been left out compared to animators, writers, and actors. Production workers at The Simpsons, American Dad!, and Family Guy have gained voluntary recognition from 20th Television Animation, their parent company,...
Opinion – Kate Bush’s surprise revival exemplifies a shifting industry
The 1985 ‘Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)’ single by Kate Bush is currently top of the UK charts, nearly four decades on from its release. It demonstrates how the current social media age allows old songs to become recontextualised for a new audience. I’m sure you’ve...
Why new documentary ‘Slay’ will make you re-assess fashion
Slay is an eye-opening documentary that will have you looking at your wardrobe in a whole new, probably red tinted, light. Slay is a new documentary premiering on WaterBear, the new environmentally conscious streaming service. Presented and directed by animal rights activist Rebecca Cappelli, the film aims to shine a...
Rebel Wilson’s coming out tainted by Hollywood homophobia
Actor Rebel Wilson recently came out on Instagram, announcing her relationship with Ramona Agruma. But what should have been a joyful milestone was tainted by threats and pressure from the media. The Sydney Morning Herald has faced backlash for its handling of Rebel Wilson’s relationship news. After sharing a sweet photo with her girlfriend, Ramona Agruma, on Instagram, it was revealed the actor had been pressured to announce the news...
YouTube apologises for hitting Lofi Girl with a DMCA takedown
Two of the platforms’ most popular livestreaming music videos were removed after users abusively reported the channel with false copyright claims. One of the internet’s most beloved livestreams – which provided more than two years of non-stop lo-fi background music for hundreds of millions of people studying or trying to wind down – was removed by YouTube on Sunday night after users lodged a bogus copyright dispute. Up there with the...
Lizzo changes lyrics to new single after backlash
The lyrics to Lizzo’s new single ‘Grrrls’ included an ableist slur at the beginning of the first verse. Fans criticised the track’s use of the word and Lizzo has now replaced the lyric in response. You’ve no doubt heard the popular single ‘About Damn Time’ from US singer Lizzo that’s making the rounds on TikTok at the moment. She’s facing backlash this week, however, with the drop of her latest...
Why Beyoncé is vetting potential collaborators for her upcoming album
The megastar is said to be running #MeToo background checks on everyone involved in Renaissance and has reportedly already rejected two ‘high-profile’ artists from appearing on the record. Committed to keeping her upcoming album release scandal-free, Beyoncé is said to be vetting everyone involved in its production, including her own team. She allegedly made the decision following news that her former collaborator, Noel Fisher, who co-wrote the Grammy award-winning hit ‘Drunk...
