Newsletter Friday, November 11, 2016

[LaineyGossip.com - Calling all smuthounds!] Friday, November 11, 2016 [Intro for November 11, 2016] Dear Gossips, Ring the bells that can still ring Forget your perfect offering There is a crack, a crack in everything That’s how the light gets in If you haven’t already, go back and read David Remnick’s [recent piece on Leonard Cohen] for The New Yorker. He kept working to the end. There was always a to-do list, bells to ring. Even when you’re finishing you’re never finished. It reminds me of probably the most important thing that Duana’s ever taught me, what she was taught by someone else: “you can’t fix nothing”. Zadie Smith might call it “[failing better]”, the words we love are the “fractured shards of an attempt, not the monument of fulfillment”. The life we love too. So the first draft is never going to be flawless. But that’s what the cracks show you – where the work is, where the work is waiting. Why has “work” become such a dirty word? I think, maybe, it’s my favourite word. Have a great weekend! I hope you get some work done. Yours in gossip, Lainey [Click here for the rest of the photos.] Posted at 2:32 PM [Gilmore Girls in Berlin] [Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham attend the 'Gilmore Girls' fan event at Admiralspalast on November 10, 2016 in Berlin, Germany] I'm through two seasons of Gilmore Girls. It's not a show I feel I need to rip through. I don't stay up to 4am burning through episodes. That said, I do look forward to new ones, I'm just not an addict. But I think this is to the show's advantage. It might be the show's secret, which I'm sure is not a new observation, since I'm so late coming to the series and probably every angle of analysis has already been made. The fact that Gilmore Girls does not have that intensity means that it gives you more time to show you the subtle ways relationships, particularly family relationships, can betray you and shape you and protect you. Those effects don't happen immediately. They grow roots over time, like the show, slowly embedding themselves into every corner of your life. In that sense, I love the way the pace of Gilmore mirrors the point of its story. You know I'm all about Emily Gilmore and Paris Geller. I also think Lorelai is the worst, in the best way possible. She is unreasonable and selfish but none of her mistakes come out of nowhere. They are exactly the mistakes she should be making. The weakest part of Gilmore for me though? Rory. I say her name and my instinct is to make a snoring sound. To use an expression that was invented well after the series ended, Rory is a classic nothingburger. Duana assures me that Rory will have some moments and I'm hoping that, my GOD, after 40-plus episodes, Rory better start showing me something because otherwise, she doesn't deserve Paris. Yes. I said Paris. Not Dean (horrible, please make him move away) and not Jess, but Paris, Paris Geller, my precious Paris Geller. If Rory is the Adele to Paris's Beyoncé, she needs to f-cking get to work, Jesus. At this point it's becoming Blair and Serena to me. Blair is everything. Serena is nothingburger too. And I'm predisposed to liking almost all teenagers! Here are [Lauren Graham] and [Alexis Bledel] in Berlin yesterday. Thanks, Berlin and [@BILD], for hosting me and [@alexisbledel]. We enjoyed speaking to reporters and fans and seeing some old friends. [pic.twitter.com/vWwAkukQ2v] — Lauren Graham (@thelaurengraham) [November 11, 2016] [Click here for the rest of the photos.] Posted at 8:50 PM [Twin Loves] [Richard Sachs, Ashley Olsen, Olivier Sarkozy and Mary-Kate Olsen attend New York Knicks vs Brooklyn Nets game at Madison Square Garden on November 9, 2016 in New York City] [Mary-Kate] and [Ashley Olsen] have previously said that they don't want to be referred to as the "Olsen twins". They find it insulting to be identified two-for-one. I understand. I would want to be distinct and unique too. Does this mean the following commentary is unfair? MK, as you know, is married to Olivier Sarkozy. The other night she and Olivier were at the Knicks game with Ashley and her new boyfriend, Richard Sachs, seated across the aisle from each other. MK and Ashley are now 30 years old, a fact I find at once hard to believe and easy to believe. Easy to believe because of course they're not children anymore. Hard to believe because, well, seeing them always together for so long almost locked them in time, like twins in amber. That's one of the reasons why MK and Olivier's 17 year age gap seems wider. Richard Sachs, with Ashley now, is even older than Olivier, by over 10 years, at 58. And they look similar too! Although the way Richard is kissing Ashley here is probably less unsettling than when Olivier did it earlier on in their relationship. Maria wrote me a note yesterday wondering about the separate seating. Whether or not it was deliberate. Like to be less conspicuous? If it was deliberate, I don't know if it had to do with being less conspicuous than with the sameness of it all - much as they dislike being thought of as a whole, even they might not be able to deny the unmistakable sameness. A few months ago, When it was first reported that Ashley was dating another older man, George Condo, I offered up [a 5 minute theory] about why she and Mary-Kate might be leaning into a more mature dating pool. How likely is it for them to meet cultured men their age, in that elite NY circle, who aren't interested in them as a brand and, literally, didn't grow up watching them as a brand? The Sarkozys and the Sachses of the world would have had have no personal pop culture connection to them when they were adolescents, no attachment to them as sisters adventuring in Paris in teen marketed movies. They would have met them as they are now, fully formed now, instead of having to reconcile an intimate awareness of their image in adolescence with who they became. For these two, that's probably a big bonus. [Click here for the rest of the photos.] Posted at 8:00 PM [Smutty Social Media, November 11, 2016] [M.I.A. attends Stella McCartney menswear launch and resort 2017 showcase held at Abbey Road Studios] Kevin Hart is not letting 2016 get him down. He’s like a motivational quote come to life. [Are we running today? #HustleHart #MoveWithHart #AppleWatchNikePlus] A photo posted by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on Nov 10, 2016 at 6:36pm PST It’s Leonardo DiCaprio’s birthday, I wonder if he’ll go to a club and hook up with a model. [Happy Birthday, #LeonardoDiCaprio. Photo by @Mario_Sorrenti, styled by @Edward_Enninful; W magazine February 2012.] A photo posted by W magazine (@wmag) on Nov 11, 2016 at 6:01am PST Bella Hadid and The Weeknd have broken up. That’s not a surprise – I’m surprised they managed to stay together as long as they did. So now they are both single and I’m making my Gossip Genie wish: Rihanna and The Weeknd. He has an interesting history with Drake, which only makes me wish for it more. I don’t have a specific wish for Bella, but I wonder if her dating choices will overlap at all with Gigi’s friends. Because they don’t seem to run in the same circles. [Off to cooler weather....🤘🏼🍬#bubblebubblegum] A photo posted by Bella Hadid (@bellahadid) on Nov 10, 2016 at 3:44pm PST Ice Cube is here with a reminder, and a message. Ain't nothing changed but the date. Fight the Powers that be! [pic.twitter.com/lpRlYgQil7] — Ice Cube (@icecube) [November 9, 2016] I feel like I haven’t seen M.I.A. in forever, but maybe I haven't been looking? She looks fantastic. [@Miamatangi and Stella at @AbbeyRoadStudios for the Women’s and debut Men’s Spring 2017 collection presentation with some very special performances - see them now in our Stories! #StellaXAbbeyRd] A photo posted by Stella McCartney (@stellamccartney) on Nov 10, 2016 at 1:56pm PST The kid from Akron at the White House. [Just messing around with FLOTUS!! Really @realcfrye!?!? Come a long way from Akron man! So damn blessed and humbled. #StriveForGreatness🚀 #RWTW🏅 #TheKidFromAkron👑] A photo posted by LeBron James (@kingjames) on Nov 10, 2016 at 12:44pm PST Halle Berry has great t-shirts. I think they are Alexander Wang. [Today my thoughts turn to the reality that we must prepare to say good-bye to President Barack Obama. As an American, I am proud to have had Barack Obama lead our country for the past 8 years. As a mother, I'm proud that Barack Obama was the first president my 8 year old daughter ever knew. I'm also proud that President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama brought undeniable intelligence, elegance and grace to the White House. They will be missed. With an open heart I hope I am able to feel proud 4 years from now.] A photo posted by Halle Berry (@halleberry) on Nov 10, 2016 at 1:02pm PST Crazy Ex-Girlfriend sheet music! If only I knew how to sing. Or play an instrument. Or read sheet music. After months of waiting, HERE IS THE SHEET MUSIC for [#CrazyExGirlfriend]! And it's freeeeee! [ — Rachel Bloom (@Racheldoesstuff) [November 4, 2016] Sly has 3 daughters called Sophia, Sistine and Scarlet. He also has two sons, Sage and Seargeoh. I wonder if, by the 4th or 5th child, this method of naming is easier or harder. [FINALLY I can announce that my sisters and I are the official Miss Golden Globes 2017! 🏆] A photo posted by SOPHIA STALLONE (@sophiastallone) on Nov 10, 2016 at 10:16pm PST [Click here for the rest of the photos.] Posted at 6:50 PM [Emma Stone locks it down] The Hollywood Foreign Press Association held an event last night in Hollywood to “celebrate Golden Globe Award season”. Basically it was an excuse to have a party. But the stars show up because they have to lock down their nominations. [Emma Stone] was there too, although the way people are talking, she’s probably already won the Best Actress Musical/Comedy Golden Globe for her work in La La Land so I’m pretty sure she could have skipped it and yet, since the race is so competitive for Best Actress Oscar this year, it’s best to not take any chances. Not when she’ll likely be up against Natalie Portman who has shown us what she looks like when she wants an Oscar and Annette Bening who is so long overdue. So many people I know saw La La Land at TIFF. I couldn’t go because of the screening times and I was pretty bummed out about it then but now, after watching the first proper trailer for it a few days ago, I’m actually excited to go at Christmas, to get caught up in that feeling around the season when, for those of us who are fortunate enough, it’s harder to be cynical. The way the preview builds towards the end, I can almost imagine myself on Boxing Day, at a matinee, like I’ve stolen an afternoon but don’t have to feel guilty about it. I think that might add to the experience. Even Sarah, who hates musicals and is predisposed to throw shells at them, couldn’t resist La La Land [in her review]. That said, she saw it before the apocalypse. Emma’s lips have that tone that Jessica Chastain’s did [at the same event]. I can see it’s lipstick but it’s such a well-chosen colour that it’s worn almost like a stain, and I’d believe it if you told me that’s just what her mouth looks like naturally. Is it a redhead thing? I have never, ever been able to do the same. [Click here for the rest of the photos.] Posted at 6:08 PM [JK Rowling on Depp and Dumbledore] [J.K. Rowling attends the premiere of 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on November 10, 2016 in New York City] It was confirmed this week that [Johnny Depp] has indeed been cast as Gellert Grindelwald in the sequel to Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them. Many fans then expressed disappointment in light of his divorce from Amber Heard and the allegations – and accompanying photos and texts and witnesses – of domestic abuse. David Yates, the director, [defended the decision] and said that Johnny was an “inspired, interesting fit” for the character. Last night at the Fantastic Beasts world premiere in New York, [JK Rowling] defended the decision, stating on the record her support of Johnny’s involvement, [telling reporters] that she too is “delighted” that Johnny is a part of the story and that he’s done “incredible things” in the role. She went on to tell [E! News] that: "I didn't approach him—although he was approached with my full blessing, because I thought he'd be amazing in the part. I can't say much, because there are surprises in the movie, but I'm really happy with his performance," the screenwriter teased. "And I think the fans will be, too." Well, clearly this week is determined to keep f-cking us. Is it disappointing? Of course. Jo has been outspoken against racism and misogyny and an advocate for women’s rights. So it’s understandable that her support of Johnny being in her movie feels kind of like a betrayal, as many of you have shared today in your emails to me. I’m not here to dismiss her words. Her words must stand. At the same time, I do think it’s worth pulling back for a broader perspective and considering hers. David Yates previously revealed that Johnny’s scenes [were shot in January], a few months before we found out about the f-cksh-t that went down with Amber which was in May. By that point, they would have been deep in post, and to make changes then would have been costly, both financially and logistically. So, now, just as the movie has come out, her first try as a screenwriter, can she really reveal her true feelings? If she does, that becomes the story, overshadowing the excitement of the movie and, most importantly, her work. If she doesn’t, we criticise, which is what we’re doing now. It’s an impossible position. She’s in a no-win situation. And THAT is the unfairness of misogyny. It’s women, over and over again, who are put in places where their choices are limited. It’s Johnny Depp who allegedly did that to Amber Heard’s face. It’s Johnny Depp who raged against his wife. It’s Johnny Depp who will always be fine, who has no fewer opportunities, and who remains safely protected by his wealth and his celebrity, happily letting others go out there to face the mess that he created, including, now, a successful powerful woman – a woman who has a bigger voice than most women. Even JK Rowling has been muted by the trap of misogyny. So, maybe one day. When this is all over and she doesn’t have to carry the burden that’s presently inextricably linked to her business, she might be able to speak freely. Because full freedom in the present seems to only be available to one gender. As for speaking freely on other matters, like Dumbledore and who might play him, Jo told E! that: "I have, of course, thought about this. I do have a name. I do have someone in mind, but I can't say it. Because if that person doesn't get cast, then the person who does get cast will blame me forever for having said it, won't they? So, I'm going to just keep quiet." I wonder if who she has in mind is the same as who I have in mind: [Tom Hardy]! [Click here for the rest of the photos.] Posted at 5:21 PM [Harry & Meghan together in London] [Prince Harry attends Armistice Day service at The Armed Forces Memorial at The National Memorial Arboretum on November 11, 2016 in Stafford, England] When your boyfriend, who is a prince, like a real life prince, sends a Love Shield out to the world, declaring his passion for you in the most public way possible, I suppose you don’t stay home, away from him. Could you? It [was reported yesterday] that [Meghan Markle] had taken a few days off work on Suits in Toronto. And then she was photographed in London, going out for some groceries, then heading back to [Prince Harry]’s home at Kensington Palace. [Click here] to see the photos. This happened when Harry was at Westminster Abbey attending Remembrance services. Today he was at the National Memorial Arboretum in Stafford to observe Armistice Day. Tomorrow Harry, who is Vice Patron of the Rugby Football Union, is scheduled to attend the England vs South Africa match in Twickenham. And then next week, starting November 20th, he will tour the Caribbean, including a stop in Barbados where he is scheduled to meet Rihanna. Meghan will not be going with him. So this is the only time they have together for the rest of the month. Which, again, tells you how intense it must be between them right now. Harry’s [Love Shield] was the official confirmation that Meghan is his girlfriend, legitimising her status in his life. It was a serious move indicating the seriousness of their relationship. The next step? Photos. It’s probably the most highly anticipated photo right now, the first photo of Harry and Meghan side by side. You know when Harry was with Cressida Bonas? Their first appearance together at an official event was [We Day in the UK]. Their second? They were [at a rugby match] two days later. And Harry juuuuuust happens to be going to a rugby match tomorrow, while Meghan’s in town. After the thoroughly f-cked up week we’ve had so far, wouldn’t that be such a gift? Can we please, please, please have this gift? [Click here for the rest of the photos.] Posted at 4:14 PM [Billy Bob Thornton’s tiny pants] [Billy Bob Thornton speaks onstage during the 'Stars of Bad Santa 2' panel at Entertainment Weekly's PopFest at The Reef on October 30, 2016 in Los Angeles, California] The last time I mentioned Taffy Brodesser-Akner it [was in September], when she wrote about Christian Slater for GQ. Taffy is so good at her job she, along with Caity Weaver, is making GQ a much better magazine. This month Taffy profiled [Billy Bob Thornton for GQ]. And, once again, it’s a gorgeous piece of work that says just as much about her skill as it does about BBT. Billy Bob’s Bad Santa 2 comes out at US Thanksgiving which is why he’s doing media. The quote that’s currently making headlines about this article though is, not surprisingly, what BBT has to say about [Angelina Jolie]: “I never felt good enough for her”. That’s not even the most interesting part of it. What’s most interesting, at least to me, is how he describes their life together. They were invited to parties, Hollywood parties. And the implication here is that he didn’t feel comfortable in those environments, hanging out with industry people, talking business, talking bullsh-t – which means, at the time, that that was who SHE was. She was in her early 20s. She was coming out of self-sabotage. She was clearly interested in growing out of that destructive part of her life and exploring her options. That curiosity clearly led her elsewhere, to other passions, and that’s where he felt inadequate, “not good enough for her”. He wanted her to stay the same, she became someone else. And in hindsight he’s reduced all of that back into himself. Which is the entire point of this profile. [Billy Bob Thornton] is a misanthropic narcissist. He spends much of his time with Taffy sharing his contempt for just about everyone – his fans, who spent time and energy coming to see him perform, are too stupid to ask him stimulating questions; Hollywood producers are too stupid to see his genius, his art, so he’s never directing a movie ever again; critics are too stupid to understand the work that goes into what they’re criticising and they should only write good reviews, not bad ones. BBT sounds miserable. And it would have been easier, I imagine, for Taffy to write a piece that sh-ts on his self-indulgent, self-imposed melancholy but instead she compassionately tries to understand him – not in fairness to BBT, necessarily, but in fairness to the reader. So that our time is not wasted reading a piece simply about an asshole but rather a piece that tells us the story of what the world of an asshole looks like, how that world is formed, and somehow finds more humour (I lost myself every time she describes his “tiny pants”, seriously) and pathos in a person who might not deserve the consideration – but that’s my judgment, not hers. For example, Billy Bob Thornton watches My Little Pony. And uses it to teach his child about individuality. And yet, this is a man who is so defensive about his own individuality and how undervalued it is that he can’t see that he’s only allowed to be so individual because he’s enjoyed a certain amount of privilege afforded to him by the very construct he seeks to be individualised from. How many of us, after all, can afford to dictate to an entire team of people a schedule that conforms only to his timeline? (This is what it means to be in a band with BBT. Everyone revolves around him.) His individuality then is made possible by others compromising theirs. The justification is in his brilliance. But even then, the recognition of his brilliance is on his terms. Like when he’s singing for you, and you’re a fan, don’t you dare go up to him and ask him for an autograph while telling him how much you liked Sling Blade. You appreciating BBT must be on his terms too. [Click here] to read Taffy Brodesser-Akner’s profile on Billy Bob Thornton. Attached - Billy Bob at a promotional event for Bad Santa 2 in October. [Click here for the rest of the photos.] Posted at 3:23 PM [November 11, 2016 – Smutty Shout-Outs] [Bunnies available for adoption at PetSmart] It’s National Adoption Weekend this week at PetSmart all across Canada! In partnership with over 300 animal welfare/rescue organizations across Canada, PetSmart Charities is dedicated to saving the lives of homeless pets and finding them homes. Each year, the not-for-profit helps place more than 20,000 pets through its adoption programs and sponsored adoption events. Visit [PetSmart.ca] to find a location near you and share on social media with the hashtags #iadopted #adoptlove. Look at these faces! You’ll change their lives but they will love you back in ways that will change yours too. [Click here for the rest of the photos.] Posted at 2:55 PM [Privacy Policy] - [Unsubscribe]