ICE shoots ICU nurse, Celebs speak up against ICE, Maya Rudolph's Broadway debut

Minneapolis ICU nurse Alex Pretti gunned down by ICE

The fatal shooting of a Minneapolis man by Border Patrol agents has ignited renewed outrage and unrest in the city, as emerging video evidence casts doubt on federal officials’ initial portrayal of the victim as a violent threat.

Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse and U.S. citizen, was killed during a confrontation in the Whittier neighborhood early Saturday morning. While federal authorities alleged that Pretti intended to carry out a violent attack on law enforcement, Minneapolis police later confirmed that he had no criminal history and was legally permitted to carry a firearm.

Video footage reviewed by multiple outlets appears to show that Pretti never raised or discharged his weapon during the encounter. According to witnesses and investigators, one agent had already removed the firearm before additional agents opened fire, shooting Pretti repeatedly as he lay on the sidewalk. At least ten shots were fired, resulting in his death at the scene.

The killing has intensified tensions in Minneapolis, where weeks of aggressive federal immigration operations have already sparked widespread protests. Despite subzero temperatures, more than a thousand people attended a vigil in Whittier Park to honor Pretti’s life.

Colleagues described him as a dedicated healthcare worker who served at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital. “He was a really great colleague and a really great friend,” said fellow nurse Dimitri Drekonja, recalling Pretti’s constant warmth and kindness.

Celebrities speaks out against ICE

Celebrities are increasingly using their platforms to speak out against Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the wake of recent fatal incidents in Minnesota.

For instance, Olivia Rodrigo shared a message on her Instagram stories expressing solidarity with those affected, writing, “ICEs actions are unconscionable but we are not powerless. Our actions matter. I stand with Minnesota.”

The tragedy has rippled through the entertainment world, including at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, where attendees organized a demonstration titled “Sundancers Melt ICE.” The protest drew crowds chanting “Love Melts ICE!” and featured appearances from several well-known figures, including The Lord of the Rings actor Elijah Wood.

Speaking to Deadline at the rally, Wood said, “The folks who have been unlawfully gunned down in Minnesota – it’s awful,” adding that Sundance represents a space for unity. “Here we are at this film festival that is about bringing people together; it’s about telling stories from all over the world. We’re not divided here. We’re coming together.”

The Sundance protest was just one of several moments in recent days where celebrities made visible statements against ICE, from wearing “ICE OUT” pins on red carpets to directly addressing the agency’s actions in interviews.

Natalie Portman and Olivia Wilde were among the A-listers seen wearing the pins, with Portman offering a particularly forceful condemnation. “What’s going on in this country right now is absolutely horrific,” she told Deadline, before continuing, “What the federal government, Trump’s government, Kristi Noem, ICE – what they’re doing is really the worst of the worst of humanity. And then we have the best of humanity for the way people are showing up for each other.”

Maya Rudolph makes her Broadway debut

Maya Rudolph is poised to take a major new step in her career, as the Emmy-winning comedian and actress is reportedly preparing to make her Broadway debut.

According to early reports by @SweatyOracle, Rudolph is set to star as Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh, Mary!, a darkly comedic stage production that has already generated buzz for its unconventional take on American history.

Best known for her years on Saturday Night Live and acclaimed performances in film and television, Rudolph’s move to Broadway marks her first appearance on the New York stage in a leading role. The casting signals a high-profile moment for Oh, Mary!, with Rudolph expected to bring her signature blend of sharp humor and emotional depth to the notoriously complex former first lady.

While official production details have yet to be announced, the prospect of Rudolph headlining the show has already sparked excitement among theater fans eager to see her tackle live performance.

Wedding DJ recounts events at the controversial Beckham-Peltz wedding

A fresh account has emerged from Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz’s wedding, shedding new light on the moment that has since sparked public debate online. DJ Fat Tony, who performed at the high-profile celebration, has spoken out about what he described as an uncomfortable scene involving Brooklyn and his mother, Victoria Beckham, during the reception.

The DJ, whose real name is Tony Marnoch, said the confusion unfolded after pop star Marc Anthony took the stage to perform. According to his recollection, guests were expecting Brooklyn to share a first dance with his bride when Anthony instead invited “the most beautiful woman in the room” to join him onstage, calling out Victoria’s name rather than Nicola’s. Marnoch claimed the unexpected switch left Brooklyn visibly distressed and prompted Nicola to leave the room in tears.

Describing the atmosphere as tense, the DJ said the situation escalated when Anthony encouraged Brooklyn to dance with his mother in a Latin-style routine, a moment he said made the room uneasy.

While Marnoch emphasized that the incident was far less sensational than some online speculation suggested, he maintained that it was deeply awkward for everyone present.

His version of events, however, differs from other reports that say Brooklyn and Nicola had already shared their first dance earlier in the evening, before Anthony’s performance. Neither Brooklyn nor the Beckham family has publicly responded to the DJ’s remarks, leaving multiple interpretations of what truly happened during the now-infamous wedding moment.

ICYMI:

• Beauty fans and industry insiders were stunned after reports surfaced that Pat McGrath Labs has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to Women’s Wear Daily. The luxury cosmetics brand, founded by legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath and celebrated for its runway-driven aesthetics and viral product launches, is reportedly seeking restructuring as it navigates mounting financial pressures in an increasingly competitive beauty market.

• Zohran Mamdani highlighted a timely bit of winter comfort by sharing that New York City public libraries are offering free ebook access to the romance novel Heated Rivalry for library card holders during the ongoing snowstorm.

• The BRIT Awards are shaking things up in 2026, announcing that the International Song of the Year category will be fan-voted for the first time since its introduction, with voting set to take place via WhatsApp.

— Bea Bertuldo

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