Netflix shutting down DVD business… Serena Williams’ new memoir… Hailey Bieber update… Jonathan Majors is facing new abuse allegations… and Frank Ocean has dropped out, blink-182 will headline

Listen to “Showbiz – Apr 20, 2023” on Spreaker.

 

After 25 years, Netflix is getting out of the DVD business. The company announced, “On September 29, 2023, we will send out the last red envelope. It has been a true pleasure and honor to deliver movie nights to our wonderful members for 25 years.” This now makes Redbox the largest disc rental company in the country, but it may get even larger. The Redbox CEO wants to buy Netflix’s DVD business, telling The Hollywood Reporter, “I wish Netflix would sell me that business instead of shutting it down.” In fact Redbox has offered to buy Netflix’s DVD business for YEARS, but they’ve always been shut down. But a source from Netflix told THR that they have no plans to sell. They’d rather just shut it down.

Back in 2009, Serena Williams released her memoir, “My Life: Queen of the Court.” But a lot has happened since then. Serena got married to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and they later welcomed their daughter, Alexis Olympia. While in labor, Serena suffered a pulmonary embolism and then another afterwards. But 10 months after giving birth, Serena came back to compete at Wimbledon in 2018. She also became besties with Meghan Markle… It just been A LOT. So now, at the age of 41, Serena is shopping a new memoir. Page Six says she’s already gotten offers of more than $10M.

Hailey Bieber likes to be open with her fans, and right now she is struggling. She posted on her Instagram Stories yesterday, “I like to make jokes about how I feel because sometimes it’s easier than admitting I’m having a hard time. But truthfully since 2023 started I have had some of the saddest, hardest moments I’ve ever had in my adult life and my mind and emotions have been fragile to say the least…” Hailey also wanted her followers who feel the same to know they’re not alone, and reminded everyone to keep being there for one another. Hailey has dealt with online bullying ever since she dared to date Justin Bieber, let alone marry him. But the hate reached new levels in February when Selena Gomez’s fans came after her and Kylie Jenner, accusing her of making fun of Selena’s eyebrows. It got so bad, Selena let her fans know that Hailey had reached out to her about the death threats she’d been receiving, and asked her fans to please stop.

Back on March 25, Jonathan Majors was arrested on charges of strangulation , assault and harassment after his alleged victim called police. Five days later, his crisis publicist released a series of text messages he believed cleared Jonathan’s name. The woman wrote, “I told them it was my fault for trying to grab your phone” and said she told the police “this was not an attack.” Also, “They assured me that you won’t be charged. They said they had to arrest you as protocol when they saw the injuries on me and they knew we had a fight. I’m so angry that they did. And I’m sorry you’re in this position. Will make sure nothing happens about this. … I love you.” Then a few hours later, she allegedly wrote, “I know you have the best team and there’s nothing to worry about I just want you to know that I’m doing all I can my end.” Jonathan’s lawyer also says he has irrefutable evidence that the charges against his client are false. He will have a chance to provide that evidence on May 8, when Jonathan is due in court to face the charges. In the meantime, Jonathan’s publicists and management firm cut ties with him. And sources have told Variety that multiple alleged abuse victims have come forward following since his arrest in March, and they are cooperating with the DA’s office.

It had been about 6 years since he last performed, and Frank Ocean’s fans were super pumped about his headlining performance at Coachella this past Sunday. The majority of those fans — minus Justin Bieber — slammed Frank for showing up over an hour late, lip-synching some songs and leaving the stage while others played, then abruptly shutting down the show, blaming curfew. After the online backlash, Frank’s rep wanted us all to know that Frank had suffered an ankle injury, and fans were left wondering if this would affect his performance for the second weekend of Coachella. Yesterday, the rep said Frank actually suffered “two fractures and a sprain in his left leg” and it’s not getting any better. As a result of that and under doctor’s orders, Frank will not be performing this Sunday night. Blink-182 is stepping up to fill that slot. Frank released a statement saying, “It was chaotic. There is some beauty in chaos. It isn’t what I intended to show but I did enjoy being out there and I’ll see you soon.”

 

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