Chris Rock left attendees stunned at billionaire Anthony Pratt’s exclusive holiday party when he abruptly ended his comedy set and stormed off the stage in frustration.
According to reports, Rock was mid-performance, riffing on political topics, when he “saw something the audience did not,” which seemingly triggered his sudden departure without any explanation.
This incident follows recent criticism directed at Rock after an old joke about Sean “Diddy” Combs teaching kids “wrong from wronger” resurfaced online, sparking backlash.
The comedian had been invited to perform a special set at the VIP-studded Christmas event hosted by Pratt, the executive chairman of Pratt Industries, in Australia. However, sources say his act was cut short due to frustrations over being recorded.
Cindy Adams, a columnist for the New York Post, reported that Rock became visibly upset upon noticing something in the audience, allegedly yelling about not wanting to be taped or recorded. “He saw something the audience didn’t, and it clearly upset him,” Adams noted.
Witnesses described Rock storming out of the venue, angrily weaving through the crowd to reach the exit. “He didn’t complain or explain, just left forcefully and didn’t return,” Adams added.
This episode recalls another tense moment in Rock’s career: the infamous altercation with Will Smith at the 94th Academy Awards on March 27, 2022. At the Oscars, Smith struck Rock on stage after the comedian joked about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, which is attributed to her alopecia diagnosis. The incident led to Smith being banned from the Oscars for 10 years, though he later issued a public apology.
Despite recent controversies, Rock continues to stay in the spotlight. He’s set to host the December 14 episode of Saturday Night Live, marking his fourth time hosting the show where he was a cast member from 1990 to 1993.
In a YouTube video addressing the Oscars slap, Smith expressed regret over his actions, stating, “There is no part of me that thinks that was the right way to behave at that moment… or the optimal way to handle a feeling of disrespect or insults.”
As Rock remains a prominent figure in comedy, his recent abrupt exit and ongoing projects keep him firmly in the public eye.
Action aficionados and fans of Grammy Award-winning rapper, Emmy Award-winning actor, and entrepreneur Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and his G-Unit Film & Television will soon get to enjoy a new FAST channel curated by the icon himself. Roku is partnering with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Lionsgate to debut 50 Cent Action Channel, one of the first talent-branded FAST channels, next Tuesday, Dec. 10 on The Roku Channel.
50 Cent Action Channel will feature 50 Cent’s favorite premium films and television series drawn from Lionsgate’s library of more than 20,000-titles, including box office hits like “The Expendables,” “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” and “Rambo,” as well as over a dozen films featuring 50 Cent. The channel will also include the hugely successful original television series “Power,” which spawned the Power Universe, and behind-the-scenes footage with 50 Cent. Lionsgate also plans to air themed programming stunts around 50 Cent’s multiple #1 albums that lend themselves perfectly to the action genre. Examples include a heist-themed stunt tied to his album Get Rich or Die Tryin’, including films like “Empire State,” “Reservoir Dogs” and “Man on a Ledge” as well as a female-led action stunt based on 50’s album I Like The Way She Do It, including “Kill Bill: Volume 1” and “Kill Bill: Volume 2,” “The Protégé” and “Haywire.”
“We’re excited to collaborate with our longstanding partner Lionsgate and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson on this innovative channel. 50 is one of the biggest stars in the world with a massive audience and an unmatched impact in the content space,” said Jennifer Vaux, Vice President of Content Acquisition & Programming, Roku Media. “Viewers are going to love this fun, unique way to explore Lionsgate’s awesome lineup of action programming, as well as behind the scenes content from 50 Cent.”
“Roku’s reach and success in the free TV space make them the perfect launch partner for 50 Cent Action. My channel created in partnership with Lionsgate will deliver exactly what my audience loves to watch all in one place. We’ll be number one in no time,” said Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.
“Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is an incredible talent, a prolific storyteller and a visionary entrepreneur with a passionate global fan base, and we’re thrilled to expand our long and successful partnership with him,” said Lionsgate President of Worldwide Television Distribution Jim Packer. “50 Cent Action is a perfect combination of 50’s iconic brand and expert curation, Roku’s trend-setting industry leadership and our library of top action films and series. These strengths position the channel to cut through the cluttered FAST market, create a home for repeat viewing and become a top destination for advertisers.”
Jackson is repped by IAG, Attorney Steve Savva and AKR Public Relations.
Apple TV+ unveils first-look at new comedy series “Government Cheese,” starring and executive produced by David Oyelowo, premiering globally Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Created by Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr, “Government Cheese” also stars Simone Missick, Jahi Di’Allo Winston and Evan Ellison.
Today, Apple TV+ shared a first-look at “Government Cheese,” starring multi-award-winner David Oyelowo, who also serves as executive producer. The 10-episode series will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, April 16, with the first four episodes, followed by one episode weekly every Wednesday through May 28, 2025. Simone Missick, Jahi Di’Allo Winston and Evan Ellison star alongside Oyelowo in the series hailing from creators Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr.
“Government Cheese” is a surrealist family comedy set in 1969 San Fernando Valley that tells the story of the Chambers, a quirky family pursuing lofty and seemingly impossible dreams, beautifully unfettered by the realities of the world. When Hampton Chambers (Oyelowo) is released from prison, his long-awaited family reunion doesn’t go quite as he’d planned. During his absence, Hampton’s wife, Astoria (Missick), and sons, Einstein (Ellison) and Harrison (Di’Allo Winston), have formed an unconventional family unit, and Hampton’s return spins their world into chaos.
The ensemble cast also includes Bokeem Woodbine (“Fargo”), Jeremy Bobb (“The Continental”), Louis Cancelmi (“The Irishman”), Julien Heron (“Baskets”), Djilali Rez-Kallah (“My Hero”), Louis Ferreira (“Stargate Universe”), Thomas Beaudoin (“Hubert & Fanny”) and Kyle Mac (“The Boys”), with John Ortiz (“Bad Monkey”) and Adam Beach (“Smoke Signals”).
Hailing from Apple Studios and MACRO Television Studios, “Government Cheese” is written, executive produced and co-showrun by Hunter and Carr. Hunter also directs; and, in addition to starring, Oyelowo executive produces under his Yoruba Saxon banner. The series is also executive produced by Charles D. King and Marta Fernandez for MACRO Television Studios. Ali Brown executive produces for Ventureland.
Director Wes Miller (A Day to Die, Call Her King) has announced his next project, the legal thriller Wildcards. The film will feature a powerhouse cast including Leon (Swarm, The Five Heartbeats), Elise Neal (All of Us), Aries Spears (Mad TV), and rising talent Stakiah Lynn Washington (Angel City).
The project is financed by BLacklight (Call Her King), with Andrew van den Houten, Wes Miller, Joseph O’Connor, and Leon producing. Lloyd Watts serves as co-producer, while Jessie Jalee, Chad Ghiron, and Elise Neal are executive producers. Additional cast members include Crew Morrow (The Bold and the Beautiful), Courtney Grace, Samantha Walkes (Orphan: First Kill), and Robert Catrini (Jack Reacher: Never Go Back).
Wildcards follows a jury deliberating the high-profile case of Theodore Sterling (Morrow), a privileged young man accused of sexually assaulting a young African-American woman (Washington). The courtroom battle pits Assistant State Attorney James Jones (Spears), a determined and overworked prosecutor, against Greg Sims (Leon), a veteran defense attorney boasting a flawless 25-year winning streak.
The official synopsis teases:
“As the jury deliberates, their diverse backgrounds and personal biases spark intense debate, escalating tensions inside the jury room. The emergence of a Wildcard—an enigmatic witness claiming to hold the truth—adds an unexpected twist. Her connection to the accused and ambiguous motives deepen the complexity, raising pressing questions about privilege, bias, and justice.”
Miller, acclaimed for blending action with social commentary in films like Call Her King and A Day to Die, expressed his passion for the genre:
“I’ve always loved legal thrillers and am thrilled to collaborate with this exceptionally talented cast to bring Wildcards to life. For me, this story examines the divisions in our country while offering a message about what we can achieve together. It’s all wrapped in a fast-paced, commercially viable thriller.”
With its dynamic cast and compelling narrative, Wildcards promises to deliver a thought-provoking exploration of justice, privilege, and societal tensions when it hits the screen.
Kabir Singh, a comedian who appeared on America’s Got Talent Season 16, has died. He was 39.
A cause of death for Singh has not been determined yet, but close friend and fellow comedian Jeremy Curry paid tribute to him on social media.
“It’s my deepest regrets to let everyone know that Kabir Singh has passed away,” Curry posted on Facebook. “He passed away peacefully in his sleep and this is the most devastating post I’ve posted.”
Curry continued, “Services will be Saturday December 14 at 8:30 am @ Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward… Please keep his family and fiancé in your thoughts and prayers….I love you bro.”
TMZ, which first reported the news, said Singh died on Wednesday, December 4, and “authorities are waiting on toxicology results to determine a cause of death.” Singh had reportedly had a “history of health issues” and authorities “believe he may have died from natural causes.”
Singh appeared on NBC’s America’s Got Talent Season 16 in 2021 and reached the semifinals.
Comedian Gabe Lopez paid tribute to Singh with an Instagram post, writing, “One of the sad facts of life is you get to a point where life stops giving you things and starts to take them away. Kabir was so much more than a friend, he was my little brother.”
Lopez continued, “He would make me laugh as much as he frustrated the shit out of me. He was a generational talent with a huge heart. He would give 100 hugs to everyone he loved, and he loved everyone! I’ll have a ‘shotty shot’ of Jack Daniels in your honor at The Dirty. Keep an eye on Kim and your family, little brother. And please say hi to Ralphie for me. I love you Kabir. I’m gonna miss you buddy…”
The statement continued, “He was a great man on and off stage. When he appeared on @agt it was a tremendous victory and something we were all very happy and proud of him for . We ran into him a couple weeks ago when we he was working @tommytscomedy925 We hung out afterwards and had a safety meeting , laughed and hugged and told each other we love one another and to stay safe and we will see each other soon enough. We love you Kabeezy and miss you already.”
Source: Deadline, TMZ
It’s a family affair! Marlon Wayans is set to guest star in POPPA’S HOUSE alongside his brother Damon Wayans (Poppa) and nephew Damon Wayans Jr. (Junior). Marlon will play Poppa’s brother Melvin, a bit of a ne’er do well who comes to visit the family with a new business idea. Poppa is quick to warn everyone not to trust him, while Ivy (Essence Atkins) and Junior want to believe he’s changed. The episode will air on CBS in February 2025.
Wayans will next be seen starring in Justin Tipping’s psychological sports thriller “HIM,” produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, out September 2025. He is also writing and producing Miramax and Paramount’s upcoming SCARY MOVIE reboot along with his brothers Keenen Ivory Wayans and Shawn Wayans and Rick Alvarez. Wayans is currently on his Wild Child Tour throughout the nation.
POPPA’S HOUSE, starring Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr., features Wayans as legendary talk radio host and happily divorced “Poppa” who has his point of view challenged at work when a new female co-host is hired, and at home where he finds himself still parenting his adult son, a brilliant dreamer who is trying to pursue his passion while being a responsible father and husband. Essence Atkins and Tetona Jackson also star. Dean Lorey, Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. executive produce for CBS Studios. POPPA’S HOUSE airs on Mondays (8:30-9:00 PM, ET/PT).
Sony’s highly anticipated buddy comedy One of Them Days, featuring Keke Palmer and SZA, has shifted its release date to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. Originally slated for January 24, the film will now debut in theaters on January 17.
A source from the studio revealed to Variety that the move was strategically planned to capitalize on the four-day holiday weekend, where no other comedies are currently scheduled for release. The film, produced under TriStar Pictures, comes from Issa Rae’s Hoorae Productions, with a screenplay by Syreeta Singleton and direction by Lawrence Lamont.
The official synopsis teases plenty of laughs: “Best friends and roommates Dreux (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA) are about to have one of them days. After discovering Alyssa’s boyfriend has blown their rent money, the duo embarks on a hilarious, high-stakes race against time to avoid eviction and save their friendship.”
The ensemble cast includes Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Maude Apatow, Katt Williams, Joshua Neal, Aziza Scott, Patrick Cage, Dewayne Perkins, Amin Joseph, Gabrielle Dennis, and DomiNque Perry.
This marks SZA’s acting debut, following her memorable collaboration with Palmer on Saturday Night Live in December 2022, where Palmer hosted and SZA performed as the musical guest.
One of Them Days originated from Sony Pictures’ CoCre lab, a collaboration with ColorCreative designed to discover and develop emerging, diverse screenwriters. The lab gave Syreeta Singleton the opportunity to create her first studio feature based on an original concept.
The film is produced by Hoorae’s Issa Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi, ColorCreative’s Deniese Davis, and Macro Film Studios’ Charles D. King, James Lopez, and Poppy Hanks, with Singleton co-producing. Keke Palmer also serves as executive producer under her Big Boss banner, alongside Sharon Palmer. Macro Film Studios is co-financing the project.
Fans can look forward to catching this comedic adventure when it hits theaters on January 17, 2025.
Watch the trailer below;
John Cena and Eric André are set to join forces in Little Brother, a new Netflix comedy currently in early development.
The film, written by Jarrad Paul and Andrew Mogel (The D Train), will feature Cena and André in leading roles. The project is being produced by David Bernad and Ruben Fleischer, though a director and release date have yet to be announced.
Little Brother follows the story of a high-profile real estate agent whose carefully crafted life is turned upside down when his eccentric “little brother” makes an unexpected return.
This project comes as Netflix prepares to launch its new partnership with WWE, set to begin next month. Netflix’s chief content officer, Bela Bajaria, shared her excitement about the collaboration during a press event earlier this week.
“There are so many great stars that come from WWE, and we already have strong relationships with them in TV and film,” Bajaria said. “We’re thrilled to announce Little Brother, a fantastic comedy starring John Cena and Eric André. We’re really excited for this one.”
Cena, who began his career as a WWE wrestler over two decades ago, will embark on his farewell WWE tour next year. In addition to Little Brother, Cena is gearing up for the second season of Peacemaker on Max and will star in the live-action feature Matchbox, a car-centric film from Apple, Skydance, and Mattel Films. Cena’s 2024 projects included appearances in Argylle, Ricky Stanicky, and Jackpot!
Eric André, best known for Adult Swim’s The Eric André Show, won an Emmy for the show’s sixth and final season last year. His previous work includes the Netflix comedy Bad Trip and voice roles in animated films such as Trolls Band Together, Sing 2, and the Oscar-nominated The Mitchells vs. the Machines.
With a powerhouse duo like Cena and André at the helm, Little Brother promises to deliver plenty of laughs as Netflix continues to expand its comedy lineup.
After his latest film flops harder than a boiled peanut, Kevin’s search for dramatic acclaim leads him to legendary filmmaker Jackson Pepper. Kevin would do just about anything to get a golden statue on his shelf, but Pepper’s idea of role research is a bit more hands-on, and soon Kevin is living out the role of a fugitive on the run for murder. With Jordan King roped in as his unwitting getaway driver, it’ll take bravery, acting talent, and stupidity to save their award-winning future.
Production Company: Hartbeat
Executive Producers: Kevin Hart, Bryan Smiley, Luke Kelly-Clyne, Jeff Clanagan, Tripper Clancy, Josh Ruben, and Ty Walker
Starring Kevin Hart, Nathalie Emmanuel, Kathryn Hahn, J.K. Simmons, Tony Cavalero, and Anna Garcia
Watch the trailer below;
Iconic R&B singer Toni Braxton and legendary comedian/actor Cedric The Entertainer have announced more dates for their Love & Laughter Las Vegas residency.
The dynamic duo has unveiled six new dates for their limited engagement show at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
The third installment of the residency begins Feb. 14, 2025, with a second show on Feb. 15. They will then return in the spring and mid-summer for more shows.
“I’ve been having the best time doing these shows and so excited we get to continue into 2025,” Braxton told Billboard.
“Sharing the stage with Cedric is seriously so much fun. I mean, he’s a comedic genius, but also, he’s like a brother to me, so it all feels seamless and really fated. Cedric is the Baron and me, I’m the Baroness. It’s a royal night of love and laughter.”
Cedric The Entertainer added, “Toni and I have been friends for years; we’d often laugh and talk about the idea of doing a Sonny & Cher, Donny and Marie-style Vegas show. Both of us have been performers for many years, so the idea was incredibly appealing.”
Toni Braxton and Cedric The Entertainer first launched their joint Las Vegas residency in April, with shows that spread throughout July.
Due to high demand, the pair extended co-headlining residency with six new dates. The second leg began in August, with the final two shows scheduled for Dec. 20 and Dec. 21.
“Comedy and song have been at the heart of the human communal experience since the beginning of time, and we are thrilled to join on stage to bring that experience to the Cosmopolitan,” they said in a previous statement. “We could all use a little more love and laughter in our lives.”
Tickets for Toni Braxton and Cedric The Entertainer’s Love & Laughter Las Vegas residency are on sale now at ticketmaster.com.
See their 2025 dates below.
Friday, Feb. 14
Saturday, Feb. 15
Friday, May 9
Saturday, May 10
Friday, July 11
Saturday, July 12