Film/TV

Less than a year after Merit TV’s launch, Dr. Phil McGraw‘s floundering network is hemorrhaging cash, losing staff, and putting on fake shows to woo investors, Knewz.com can reveal.

That’s the word of Merit TV insiders, including one who says McGraw’s enterprise is resorting to desperate stunts.

Our source said on February 2 “big potential investors came to tour the newsroom,” and to make the company look like it’s thriving, higher-ups “staged an entire fake show that never actually aired.”

The insider added: “The second the money people left, the whole production shut down.” Industry sources added warning signs have been evident from the start.

Four months in, McGraw’s network reportedly abruptly slashed nearly one-third of its employees – many of whom had relocated from New York and Los Angeles for their Texas-based jobs.

“Dr. Phil promised us we would be the ‘future of television,’ but what we got was a chaotic, underfunded mess,” said a former staffer, who was part of the August layoffs.

The raging ex-employee also seethed: “They fired us with zero warning – with no compensation. We uprooted our lives for this?”

Parent company Merit Street Media – a partnership between McGraw and the Christian-based Trinity Broadcasting Network – defended the cuts as a “strategic consolidation.”

The business says it has distribution deals with DirecTV, Dish, AT&T U-verse, Verizon Fios, Comcast, Sling and Samsung TV+ and is available on the free MeritTV app. But it’s missing from major streaming platforms such as Fubo, YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV.

Yet sources said the money-starved network is leaning on Trinity to prop up its distribution and audiences are too small to be estimated by third-party viewership tracking companies.

Industry pros said 74-year-old Dr. Phil – who rose to fame as America’s no-nonsense therapist with his self-named chatfest – is shockingly out of his depth.

“There was no real game plan and now he’s paying the price,” an experienced TV executive told us.

Even McGraw’s flagship show, Dr. Phil Primetime, is said to be struggling.

Another Merit TV employee put it bluntly, claiming: “This thing is circling the drain. If they don’t get a huge cash infusion, Dr. Phil’s big TV dream is about to become his biggest failure.”

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is facing yet another lawsuit – except this time, he’s the one serving the papers.

Knewz.com can reveal the jailed rapper is suing NBCUniversal and production company Ample for $100 million, claiming defamation over falsehoods in their new Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy documentary.

In the complaint, filed in New York on Wednesday, Combs’ lawyers argued the documentary falsely suggested their client had committed serious crimes such as serial murder, the rape of minors, and sex trafficking of minors – while also attempting to sensationalize his psychological state.

The lawsuit alleged: “It maliciously and baselessly jumps to the conclusion that Mr. Combs is a ‘monster’ and ‘an embodiment of Lucifer’ with ‘a lot of similarities to Jeffrey Epstein.'”

The complaint detailed the false claims broadcasted by NBC and Peacock in January, including the suggestion Combs, 55, played a role in the 2018 death of his ex Kim Porter.

Combs and Porter, who were in an on-and-off relationship from 1994 to 2007, shared three children together.

In the documentary, Al B. Sure! questioned the cause of Porter’s death, suggesting she was “gone” because she was going to become the next Cassie Ventura.

Ventura, who was in a rocky relationship with Combs, sued him for rape in November 2023 – with the case settled within 24 hours.

Shocking hotel surveillance footage backed Ventura’s domestic violence claims, prompting other alleged victims to come forward.

Combs’ lawyers argued the documentary falsely accused him of murdering Porter, despite the Los Angeles County Coroner ruling her death as natural causes with no evidence of foul play.

They further criticized the entertainment conglomerate for using Al B. Sure! as a source, given his complicated history with Combs.

The complaint also refuted Sure’s claims saying Combs was linked to his health issues and rejected the “unhinged conspiracy theory” suggesting the music star was involved in the deaths of The Notorious B.I.G., Andre Harrell, and Dwight ‘Heavy D’ Myers.

The lawsuit stated: “By maliciously advancing the unhinged narrative that Mr. Combs is a serial killer — with absolutely no evidence or logic to stand on and in the face of clear evidence to the contrary – Defendants spread fake news of the most damaging kind.”

Combs’ lawyers disputed claims resurfaced in Rodney ‘Lil Rod’ Jones’ lawsuit about him assaulting underage women, noting the women have denied the allegations.

Combs’ team claimed they warned NBC and Ample in December 2024, saying the allegations in the documentary were false – but the release proceeded anyway.

They alleged: “The defamatory statements published by Defendants about Plaintiff have directly and proximately caused Plaintiff substantial reputational and financial harm, and damaged his right to a fair trial on the government’s charges against him.”

Combs’ attorney Erica Wolff further provided a statement accusing NBCUniversal, Peacock TV, and Ample of prioritizing profit over truth and ethical journalism by airing false claims about him in Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy.

She said the documentary falsely accused Combs of serious crimes – including serial murder and sexual assault of minors – despite lacking evidence.

Wolff added: “In making and broadcasting these falsehoods, among others, Defendants seek only to capitalize on the public’s appetite for scandal without any regard for the truth and at the expense of Mr. Combs’s right to a fair trial.”

Combs is currently being detained at the infamous Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, NY, where he is awaiting his May 5 trial date.

Following a federal investigation, he was charged with sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals for prostitution in September.

While he has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty, he could face a minimum sentence of 15 years – with the possibility of life in prison.

Late superstar Michael Jackson‘s unfinished $150 million biopic has been plunged into chaos as the King of Pop’s loved ones stand accused of whitewashing his scandal-plagued history, Knewz.com can reveal.

“Michael’s family and his estate are heavily involved, and it’s very clear they want him to come out looking like a saint,” our industry source said.

During MJ’s life in the spotlight, cut short when he was 50 by an accidental 2009 overdose of doctor-administered anesthetic, the Billie Jean singer was accused of molesting multiple minors.

Jacko denied ever abusing a child and was acquitted of sex crimes against kids in a sensational 2005 trial.

But last year, Dan Reed – director of Leaving Neverland, a scathing 2019 documentary featuring two of Jackson’s accusers – blasted the in-progress film, Michael, by saying: “It’s an out-and-out attempt to completely rewrite the allegations and dismiss them out of hand, and contains complete lies. You never even see him alone with any boys, when it is a matter of fact that he shared his bed with small children for many years.”

The movie was due to hit theaters but it was in May recently pushed back amid chatter that large chunks need to be reshot for legal reasons.

Sources have now revealed those reasons are particularly embarrassing for the Jackson family.

Michael’s storyline reportedly begins and ends with accusations from alleged abuse victim Jordan Chandler – but stresses the Thriller hitmaker’s innocence.

Now 45, Jordan is said to have received a $23 million settlement from Jackson in 1993 after his aspiring screenwriter dad took legal action against MJ for allegedly sexually abusing his son.

But insiders said part of the deal was an ironclad stipulation that neither MJ nor his family could profit from any dramatization of their relationship.

Now, sources added, EVERYTHING about Chandler has to be cut from the movie.

According to Hollywood insiders, the legally binding agreement was overlooked by filmmakers, who made the Chandler saga a key backbone of the movie, and they’re now scrambling to make revisions.

Project reps deny the film is in peril – but sources said its ongoing issues go beyond the latest legal snafu.

Confidants claim the Jacksons are angling to rewrite history to make Michael’s life seem completely admirable and without controversy.

Insiders added their alleged meddling may torpedo the production.

A source insider confided: “A lot of people are wondering if it might end up getting shut down completely.”

CNN stalwart Wolf Blitzer unceremoniously being toppled from his primetime perch is set to be the first move in a blood-bath targeting overpriced and underperforming talent at the spiraling news network.

The once untouchable 76-year-old anchor, who has been suffering the same ratings decline as the rest of the old guard on the listing ship, is headed for a daytime slot, Knewz.com can reveal.

It’s a move that would allow execs to promote younger, cheaper talent in a bid to bolster the digital side of the business and restore the struggling network to prominence.

“It’s like watching a king get tossed into the dungeon,” a network insider said. “But this frees up a prominent time slot to showcase rising stars while also weeding out the dead weight.”

Blitzer’s move comes under the reign of CNN’s ironfisted new boss, Mark Thompson, who is said to be hell-bent on ruthless cuts after a ratings implosion of epic proportions.

Thompson wants to purge anyone who remembers dial-up internet, quips one disgruntled staffer.

It leaves CNN stars such as Anderson Cooper, Jim Acosta, Jake Tapper, and others with their heads on swivels as the grim reaper – as insiders refer to Thompson – looks for other salaries to slash.

Following the November election, CNN lost a staggering 47 percent of its viewers, dropping from more than 1.4 million to just 632,000 in primetime, where Cooper, 57, also has a prominent spot.

On some nights, the one-time cable monolith is even losing to the Food Network.

Cooper is said to be concerned for his future, especially after he was reprimanded by execs following a boozy, cringeworthy New Year’s Eve performance with Andy Cohen.

Sources said some bosses wouldn’t mind cutting Cooper loose and saving his $20 million salary in the process.

“No one is safe in this environment,” warned the insider.

Anchor Acosta, 53, is also reportedly on the verge of being pushed per out of his slot, and sources say the scorched earth policy will rage on from there.

“Moving Wolf will allow them to showcase Kasie Hunt in his place,” our source said. “She’s a rising talent who costs a fraction of his price tag.”

Recently, Blitzer and fellow anchor Tapper, 55, were both reportedly denied raises.

“These guys are expensive dinosaurs, and CNN execs have no desire to feed their egos or pocketbooks,” another network source said.

“They are in crisis and need to make changes and get their viewers back with new talent and strategies.

“All of their stars are on the firing line.”

Harrison Ford is said to be furious over producer Taylor Sheridan pulling the plug on his Yellowstone spin-off, 1923, even before its second season even airs, Knewz.com can reveal.

After a two-year wait, 1923 returns to the small screen on February 23. But sources claim that franchise mastermind Sheridan, 54, has already said so long to the hit Western – which stars Ford, 82, as Jacob Dutton, grandfather of Kevin Costner‘s Yellowstone rancher John Dutton.

An insider said: “Taylor feels like he told the story he wanted to tell and is done with it.

“He’s sticking to his guns even though he got a lot of pressure to continue, since 1923 is a big moneymaker.”

Some sources claimed a lot of that pressure came from the Shrinking star, who has reportedly made around $1 million per episode to star alongside British film legend Helen Mirren in the prequel about the Dutton family’s rise to power and riches.

A friend squealed that Ford loved that the show was shot on location in Butte, Montana, where the seasoned pilot could make a quick flight from his home in Jackson Hole, which he shares with wife Calista Flockhart.

But the pal also said that even more than the fat paycheck and convenience, “Harrison loved the physical demands the show put on him.”

They added: “At his age, it was good incentive to stay in shape. Harrison grew up loving Western movies and TV shows, and getting paid millions to play cowboy was just catnip to him.”

The confidant further claimed that feisty Ford butted heads with Sheridan over his decision to wrap the show. But sources close to the production pushed back and said there is no truth that there’s a feud between the two men.

While the actor‘s rep insisted it’s untrue that Ford is upset about the show’s ending, the close pal dished: “Harrison said he even came up with ideas to extend the series – but it was like talking to a brick wall with Taylor.

“Getting thrown off his horse is leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.”

As the sun is beginning to set on the limited series, Ford’s co-star praised his acting in the upcoming and final season.

Mirren, 79, said she noticed “something rather magical” happened with his acting while working on the second season together.

The actress said: “He was a huge star and he really didn’t want to be. He wanted to just be a quiet person getting on with life, and of course, that’s kind of impossible.

“Something rather magical has happened to Harrison, especially with his history of, you know, being the dude, the bloke, the fabulous action guy, the funny guy, the cool guy.

“Now there’s this open road to his inner feelings, which he is absolutely unafraid of expressing. It’s just a true, quick, instinctive emotional reaction to things, without sentimentality.“

Daytime TV queens Drew Barrymore and Kelly Clarkson are said to be battling it out to claim the talk show crown – and the no-holds-barred competition has left their once mutually supportive friendship in shambles, Knewz.com can reveal.

Sources claim Barrymore, 43, is desperate to wow viewers, especially in Middle America, in an effort to come out on top against her new rival Clarkson, 42.

A TV insider shared: “Drew and Kelly are locked in a pretty heated battle for the daytime talk show crown that Ellen DeGeneres owned for years.

“Even though Kelly has a mild edge in the ratings, Drew is still more famous, and her lifetime of industry friends and contacts has allowed her to create viral moments pretty regularly.”

Already, Barrymore’s show saw a 25 percent increase in viewership in 2024 over the previous season.

Even though their ratings war has “soured” things between them, the Charlie’s Angels star and the American Idol alum are said to be determined to not “take cheap shots” at each other, the source spilled.

They added: “There was a time, especially when Drew was just starting out, that she and Kelly spoke a lot.

“Drew let it be known how much she admired Kelly, and they got very chummy, but that’s all stopped now. They both want to win this battle and be the top dog, and that unfortunately makes things very awkward, so they just don’t talk at all anymore.”

Meanwhile, Barrymore is joining the reboot of Hollywood Squares, where she’ll occupy the coveted center square. She’s said to have ulterior motives for signing on to the show, which airs on CBS in prime time.

The insider said: “Drew is hoping that when viewers see her on Hollywood Squares, they’ll be moved to sample her talk show, even if they’re loyal to Kelly.

“She’s trying to find a way to appeal to Middle America, which is where Kelly really shines.”

The source continued: “She would never frame it this way, but she’s trying to poach Kelly’s fans, which is pretty cutthroat. It’s no wonder she’s backed off the friendship, as she wants to win this battle at all costs!”

But the insider noted the Since U Been Gone singer is “just as ambitious,” before warning: “Make no mistake, they’re both chasing the same daytime talk show crown – and the generational wealth that comes with it.”

Sources revealed Clarkson has been working overtime on her show while ex-husband Brandon Blackstock is living the high life thanks to their multi-million dollar divorce.

A source said the singer has been “running herself ragged in New York doing her show” while Blackstock is living lavishly in a $1.8 million home in Butte, Montana, where he’s also launched a new “rodeo” business.

As part of their divorce settlement, Blackstock – who used to be Clarkson’s manager – was given a five percent share of her $17.75 million Montana ranch.

Clarkson additionally had to fork over $1.3 million and over $45,000 a month in child support for their kids – daughter River, 10, and son Remington, eight – to her ex.

Netflix has decided to boot Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón from their Oscars marketing, Knewz.com can reveal.

Gascón, the title-character star of the Oscar-nominated favorite has been benched from upcoming awards season promotional appearances after controversial remarks from her past resurfaced.

Gascón issued an apology following her shocking social media posts on Muslims, George Floyd, and diversity at the Oscars.

The actress, who made history by becoming the first openly trans actor to be nominated for an Oscar, got backlash for the resurfaced tweets.

Now, in a drastic PR move, Netflix, which is handling the film’s U.S. distribution, has canceled plans for Gascón to fly in from Spain to attend any upcoming awards shows or promotions.

The streamer is said to have invested millions in a big awards push for the pic, which received a leading 13 Oscar nominations, and word is tensions between the company and star are strained.

According to The Hollywood Reporter‘s Scott Feinberg, the two parties are no longer on speaking terms, and are only communicating through Gascón’s agent.

The source revealed: “It is my understanding that there is no great interest on the part of Netflix to provide the usual courtesies afforded by a studio to an Oscar contender, such as transportation and accommodations, to facilitate her attendance at the remaining awards season gatherings.”

Gascón had been expected in California this weekend as a recipient of a Santa Barbara Film Festival Virtuoso Award. That’s now off as well.

That may be for the best, as Feinberg reported some of the other nominees and winners have hinted they might not attend the festivities if Gascón did show up, out of concern things could get “very uncomfortable” with her there.

Gascón has been in damage control ever since years-old anti-Islam posts on her social media resurfaced. She has repeatedly apologized and has deleted her accounts.

One post from November 2020 read: “I’m sorry. Is it just my impression or is there more Muslims in Spain? Every time I go to pick up my daughter from school, there are more women with their hair covered and their skirts down to their heels. Next year instead of English we’ll have to teach Arabic.”

She also posted about George Floyd, whose murder by Minneapolis police, as he protested “I can’t breathe,” sparked widespread Black Lives Matter protests in 2020.

Gascón wrote: “I really think that very few people ever cared about George Floyd, a drug addict swindler, but his death has served to once again demonstrate that there are people who still consider black people to be monkeys without rights and consider policemen to be assassins. They are both wrong.”

There were even previously buried comments about her Emilia Perez co-star Selena Gomez, calling her a “rich rat who plays the poor b—- whenever she can.”

Responding to the mounting backlash, Gascón apologized: “I want to acknowledge the conversation around my past social media posts that have caused hurt.

“As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well, and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain. All my life, I have fought for a better world. I believe light will always triumph over darkness.”

Justin Baldoni has massively cranked up his war with Blake Lively by releasing messages between the pair on a website.

Knewz.com can reveal the exchanges form part of an extensive 168-page timeline of “relevant” events, which he hopes will boost his $400 million defamation battle against his It Ends With Us co-star and her husband Ryan Reynolds.

His lawyers laid out a timeline from January 2019 to January 2024, including emails, text messages, and WhatsApps, mostly between Baldoni, 41, and Lively, 37, as well as some extraordinary interactions with her husband.

It reveals Reynolds, 48, told him that he and Lively are “big fans” and the Deadpool star told him: “I happen to adore you Justin.”

The actor’s wife even asked him to run through lines with her while she was expressing breast milk in her trailer.

She also confides in her director and co-stars she would like to lose more weight before they started filming and how he was “safe” to express himself freely in their text conversations.

FEBRUARY 17, 2023

Lively, who has just given birth to her son Olin, is concerned she won’t be in shape for love scenes and asks in a text: “What’s the chance we can do body scenes at the end of the schedule?”

Baldoni responds he is unable to fix the schedule yet but tells her: “I want you to know you will look amazing. Anything you are insecure about we will talk through and get creative together and make you comfortable. I just don’t want you to stress about your body. It’s the last thing you need.”

FEBRUARY 28, 2023

Baldoni and Reynolds exchange text messages. Baldoni tells him “good ol nerves” stopped him from reaching out earlier and adds: “I’ve been a supporter and admirer of both of you from afar for years. You are in a class of your own.”

Reynolds replies: “What a loving and generous message, thank you. We’re both looking forward to getting to know you and your family better. We’re also big fans over here. Since before we met and more so after. You’ve been a wonderful collaborator with B and that means a great deal.”

He asks for Baldoni to try to move the shooting schedule so the family can be together the whole time and concludes: “Thank you again for all you are doing. I happen to adore you Justin.”

APRIL 7-8, 2023

Lively suggests she “take a pass” at rewriting a scene between the protagonists on a rooftop. She texts Baldoni she wants to “amp (up) their verbal ping pong/volley” and says “how flirty and yummy and ballbusting” it will be.

Baldoni agrees and, on April 12, has a meeting at Lively and Reynolds’ penthouse in New York, where the latter talks about how great his wife’s rewrite of the scene is. They are joined by a “megacelebrity” – thought to be Taylor Swift – who also insists how good Lively’s rewriting is.

APRIL 12, 2023

Lively says she has been bruised by other unhappy experiences over her contributions (rewriting of scripts), but that her husband and her friend make sure her voice is heard.

“I guess I have to not worry about people liking me,” she says.

Then she texts what could be read as a passive-aggressive threat: “If you ever get round to watching Game Of Thrones, you’ll appreciate that I’m Khaleesi and, like her, I happen to have a few dragons. For better or worse but usually for better. Because my dragons also protect those I fight for. So really we all benefit from those gorgeous monsters of mine. You will too, I can promise you.”

APRIL 20, 2023

An anonymous producer writes to Jamey Heath, Baldoni’s business partner at Wayfarer Studios. “He cannot let her have opinions about everything. Or she is going to be co-directing this film.”

APRIL 25, 2023

Three days prior to this date, Baldoni had asked a personal trainer how much Lively weighed in order to prepare to shoot a scene which calls for him to “scoop her up” in his arms.

He has a back injury. He is summoned to a meeting at the penthouse and Reynolds allegedly says: “How dare you f—— ask about my wife’s weight? What is wrong with you?”

Reynolds allegedly warns Baldoni he has ‘two weeks to recast” the role – something which would have cost the film company millions of dollars. He apologises.

MAY 5, 2023

Baldoni emails his notes on “sex scenes” to the intimacy co-ordinator. The email says: “The way these are shot and what is shown will be a ‘Collaboration between (Baldoni) and Blake’. It adds that Baldoni would like to imply oral sex. ‘If Blake is comfortable showing Ryle (his character) kissing her belly and then leaving the frame for a moment and staying on her face, then I think that is something women would like to see but also fine not doing it.”

MAY 16, 2023

Unflattering paparazzi shots of Lively in her hand-picked wardrobe, wearing a frumpy brown skirt and pink cardigan, were published the day before. Baldoni goes to see Lively to say he wants to have more control over her wardrobe, which she wanted full autonomy on. He texts his business partner Heath and says how nervous he is.

“Seeing her in ten,” he writes. “Send me prayers. I’m just saying I have been ignoring my gut and there is a few things we need to course correct on. I’m f—— terrified of saying the wrong thing. Talk after.”

MAY 24, 2023

Having filmed a scripted kissing scene, the one about Lively’s character giving birth is filmed. In a complaint, she says she was mostly nude aside from a “small piece of fabric” covering her genitalia and there are nonessential persons present. Baldoni’s aides say she was wearing black briefs, a pregnancy suit on her mid section and a hospital gown over her chest.

At the end of the shoot, Baldoni texts her: “I’m not going to tell you that you were amazing because you tease me for being so sentimental, but you were amazing today.”

She responds: “Thank you. I do appreciate it. I’m just a ball buster but it means a great deal to me … You were terrific. I am proud of everything we did today.”

MAY 30, 2023

Lively has called an executive at Sony to share grievances over Baldoni, saying her wardrobe was sexy. She also complained about being shown a home birth video by Heath.

Lively apparently told Sony she did not want to pursue any formal grievances.

Baldoni texts her: “I want you to know that I’ve been made aware of your concerns and I hear you. They are fully received and adjustments are being made imminently. Also the dailies (raw footage) are looking wonderful and while the last two days were tough, I assure you that your work was fantastic.”

On June 2, she invites Baldoni to come and run through lines with her while she is expressing breast milk.

The production shuts down on June 14 due to the strike by the Writers Guild of America.

NOVEMBER 9, 2023

Just as filming is about to resume, Lively’s lawyer sends a 17-point email of non-negotiable conditions which she demands be met before she returns to work. The list of conditions’ tone and content appear to insinuate that Baldoni, Heath, and others had engaged in sexually inappropriate conduct during filming.

The following day, a legal representative from Sony emails Baldoni and advises: “The overall tone of the response has to be part denying the insinuations allegations but doing so in a way that doesn’t inflame/escalate further.”

DECEMBER 27, 2023

Baldoni emails his production team about the planned return to shooting in January. He says: “Everyone knows how I feel about this and how angry I am that Blake has taken over our film and somehow rewrote a movie we spent years developing writing and funding. So yes. I am furious. And sad. But I will continue to get back up with the goal of getting us to the finish line.

“I am waiving the white flag and submitting. I am going to give her 98 per cent of what she wants … creativity is impossible in an environment shrouded in fear. By now we all know what she is capable of.”

MAY 15, 2024

Lively has asked for a “passenger seat” in the editing suite and has ended up having solo editing time with her own editor. Baldoni’s poster credit saying “a film by” has been removed.

A Sony marketing executive asks him to reconsider his objections to changes “so that Blake does not change her mind about calling Taylor Swift”.

The company wants the singer to agree to having her song My Tears Ricochet used in the trailer. Baldoni learns Lively is planning to release her version of the film at a book festival and he is not allowed to see it. He says in a text: “The editors and director isn’t allowed to look at an actress’s cut. Got it. We will keep taking the high road.”

JULY 15, 2024

Publicity for the film gets underway. Maximum Effort Productions, which is owned by Reynolds and Lively, sets up promotion shoots, including flower arranging and baking. Baldoni is excluded. After the premiere, during which Baldoni and his guests were kept separate from Lively and Reynolds (they watched the film in a different theatre were excluded from the party), stories of a “feud” start to emerge.

By this point, Baldoni has hired crisis PR manager Melissa Nathan.

AUGUST 12, 2024

As media speculation rages, and Lively is criticised for her “tone-deaf” promo, the actress and her husband prepare a statement, which Baldoni claims they drafted and asked him, Heath, and Wayfarer Studios to release. It calls the film a “troubled production” “which we accept full accountability for”.

It adds: “Blake Lively, Colleen Hoover, the entire cast and crew led with professionalism every step of the way, any negativity aimed at them is ours to own. We mutually agreed that the cast would be promoting the film separately and understood why.”

PR manager Nathan texts her colleague Jen Abel, saying they will not release the statement. She writes: “No. Have to fight it. At what point do you fight. It’s now. Lawyer up. Now.”

A new contender has emerged as a frontrunner in the race to become the next 007, surprising both fans and industry insiders.

Knewz.com can reveal Stuart Martin, a relatively lesser-known actor, is now in serious contention for the iconic role of James Bond after starring in projects like Miss Scarlett & The Duke and Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon.

The search for Daniel Craig‘s successor has been ongoing for years, with familiar names like Henry Cavill, Tom Hardy, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson being frequently rumored for the role.

Martin’s potential casting would mark a significant shift for the role, as he would become the first Scotsman to portray the legendary spy since Sean Connery’s departure from the franchise in 1983.

A source claimed: “Stuart is the name that has been discussed in Bond circles by those in the know.

“He is in serious contention. No-one will confirm this because Eon goes all out to deny and shy away from anything concerning casting, but it would be an amazing milestone to have a Scottish Bond again.”

According to a source familiar with the discussions, the production company behind the Bond franchise, Eon, is open to considering lesser-known talents for the role.

The focus remains on finding the best fit for the character, regardless of the actor’s level of fame.

James Norton, another actor often linked to the role of Bond, has also generated buzz among fans.

His performance in the TV series Playing Nice led some enthusiasts to speculate about his possible involvement in the franchise.

In the third episode of the series, James’ character Pete Riley is at a gala event. While the rest of the attendees are wearing swanky tuxedos, James is not. He is in a plain suit.

Hannah Townsend asked Talk Of The Townsends’ followers on TikTok: “Are you watching brand new TV drama Playing Nice? And if you are, did you notice this?”

Husband Benedict told Hannah: “James Norton is in the show and he has long been rumoured to be the next James Bond.

“Now, every James Bond has a contract clause stating they cannot wear a tuxedo in any other media while they are James Bond.

“There’s a scene in the third episode of Playing Nice where they’re at a gala and every single man in that room is wearing a tuxedo except James Norton, who was wearing a regular suit.

“Now, admittedly his character is meant to be sort of humbled, so it could just be some kind of character-related wardrobe.”

Hannah jumped in to point out: “But it could be that maybe he is going to be the next James Bond.”

The role of James Bond is considered one of the most sought-after roles for U.K. actors.

Bond is a fictional British Secret Service agent created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming, featured in twelve novels and two short-story collections. The part has been played by several iconic actors such as Pierce Brosnan, Connery, Craig, Timothy Dalton, and Roger Moore.

Fan favorite Hoda Kotb has said so long to Today – and now sources dish the outpouring of love for her from loyal viewers has producers wondering if they let the wrong woman leave, Knewz.com can reveal.

A source said: “So many people have been chiming in to say how much they will miss Hoda. It’s made it very clear just how loved Hoda is, so naturally that has the bosses worried that fans will stop tuning in now that she’s gone.”

The 60-year-old single mom, who has worked at NBC for over two decades, revealed in September she was ditching the morning hit to spend more time with her kids – Haley Joy, 7, and Hope Catherine, 4.

However, Hoda’s tearful ta-ta on January 10 leaves Savannah Guthrie, 53, and Jenna Bush Hager, 43, holding down the fort with her less popular replacement Craig Melvin, 45.

“Saying goodbye has been very emotional for Hoda. Even though she has said that she wanted this change and chose this of her own accord, she’s taking it hard and so are the fans,” our insider revealed.

According to the source, the pressure is now on for Guthrie and Hager to prove they can keep folks tuning in.

“All eyes are going to be on the numbers in the next few weeks and even months. It’s make-or-break time for Savannah and Jenna, and there is no doubt they’re feeling the stress,” the insider said.

Melvin is stepping in as Guthrie’s co-anchor, while Jenna will continue to host the show‘s fourth hour under the title Today with Jenna & Friends, which will feature a rotating panel of guest hosts.

“Both Savannah and Jenna are saying they can handle things, but it really will come down to the ratings. If they don’t stay steady – or even worse, if they start to slip – it’s not going to bode well for them,” the insider warned.

As previously reported, sources snitch bitchy blondes Guthrie and Hager were suddenly regretting that their mean-girl routine drove away hard-working Hoda.

“They didn’t expect her to really leave, and now that she’s gone, they’re realizing how much she contributed to the show,” an insider said.

Now, the insider said Today honchos fear longtime NBC news anchor Melvin doesn’t have the same devoted viewership as Hoda.

“It may be a very rude awakening,” the source said. “Producers are already jittery, so if Hoda’s millions of fans start to tune out, Jenna and Savannah are going to get the blame.”