Trump slams Grammys, O’Hara dead at 71, Mangione absolved of death penalty

Donald Trump slams Grammys, threatens to sue host

Donald Trump blasted the Grammy Awards, its broadcaster, and host Trevor Noah, while floating the threat of legal action over remarks made during the ceremony about his alleged involvement in the Epstein files.

In his post, Trump dismissed the Grammys as “the WORST” and “virtually unwatchable.” He also took aim at Noah, deriding him as a low-profile host and comparing him unfavorably to late-night figures associated with what Trump called “low ratings” award shows.

The strongest language, however, was reserved for a comment Noah made referencing Trump and Bill Clinton in connection with Jeffrey Epstein. Trump insisted the statement was false, writing that it was “INCORRECT” to suggest he had ever been to Epstein Island.

He flatly denied the claim, “I can't speak for Bill, but I have never been to Epstein Island, nor anywhere close, and until tonight's false and defamatory statement, have never been accused of being there, not even by the Fake News Media.”

Trump went on to accuse Noah of making a defamatory statement. “Noah, a total loser, better get his facts straight, and get them straight fast. It looks like I'll be sending my lawyers to sue this poor, pathetic, talentless, dope of an M.C., and suing him for plenty$,” he wrote.

As of now, neither Trevor Noah nor CBS has publicly responded to Trump’s remarks.

Catherine O’Hara dead at 71

Catherine O’Hara, a comedy icon whose distinctive performances shaped film and television for decades, has passed away at the age of 71.

According to her agency, O’Hara died peacefully at her Los Angeles home on Friday following a short illness. News of her passing quickly spread across the industry, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from collaborators, fans, and admirers who grew up watching her bring warmth, wit, and unforgettable eccentricity to the screen.

O’Hara first rose to prominence through Canadian sketch comedy, helping shape the iconic series “Second City Television.” She went on to appear in a string of now-classic movies such as “After Hours,” “Beetlejuice,” and the early “Home Alone” films, where she played the frantic yet devoted mother of Kevin McCallister.

In later years, O’Hara experienced a celebrated resurgence with the hit series “Schitt’s Creek,” earning new accolades and introducing her singular comedic style to a new generation of viewers.

Among the most personal tributes came from Macaulay Culkin, who shared a heartfelt message honoring the woman who played his on-screen mother and remained a close friend off-camera.

“Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you but I had so much more to say. I love you. I’ll see you later,” wrote Culkin.

Luigi Mangione absolved of death penalty

A federal judge has ruled that prosecutors can no longer seek the death penalty against Luigi Mangione in the high-profile case tied to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, significantly reshaping the path forward for the prosecution.

In a written order issued Friday, U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett dismissed two charges that made Mangione eligible for capital punishment, including a count of murder involving the use of a firearm and an associated weapons charge.

Garnett said binding Supreme Court precedent left the court with little choice, explaining that the dismissed counts were legally incompatible with the stalking charges that remain in the case.

“This case will proceed to trial on counts one and two, which charge the defendant with causing Brian Thompson’s death under two federal stalking laws,” Garnett wrote, noting that each count still carries a potential sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

She further explained that while the government had filed notice of its intent to seek the death penalty under the now-dismissed murder charge, the court’s decision “foreclose[s] the death penalty as an available punishment to be considered by the jury.”

Mangione, 27, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His legal team previously moved to have the capital-eligible count thrown out, arguing it was legally flawed. With Friday’s ruling, the most severe punishment he now faces is life imprisonment.

Justice Department releases new batch of the Epstein files

A new batch of documents has brought renewed attention to the life and controversies of Jeffrey Epstein, revealing previously unseen details about his final years and the network of figures tied to him.

The files delve into his time in prison, including a psychological assessment prepared during his incarceration, as well as official records surrounding his death while in custody.

The materials also shed light on the investigation into Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s close associate who was later convicted for assisting in the trafficking of underaged girls. Investigative records outline her connection to Epstein and the role authorities said she played in enabling his criminal activities.

Adding to the intrigue are email exchanges between Epstein and several high-profile individuals. Many of these messages date back more than a decade, painting a picture of his relationships and social reach even as he faced mounting legal pressure.

The documents revisit Epstein’s 2008 conviction in Florida for soliciting sex from a 14-year-old girl, a case that ended in a plea agreement widely criticized for its leniency. That episode marked a turning point in his public downfall.

Epstein’s story ultimately ended in August 2019, when he was found dead in jail while awaiting trial on sweeping federal sex trafficking charges, leaving behind unanswered questions that continue to fuel public scrutiny.

ICYMI:

• Destiny’s Child alum Michelle Williams gave a nod to rising girl group KATSEYE during a Grammys red carpet interview, highlighting the six-member act as one to watch. “There’s a group, it’s like six girls, it’s KATSEYE,” she said, adding that she’s looking forward to “picking up where we left off.”

• During her acceptance speech for Song of the Year at the Grammys, Billie Eilish made a bold political statement, condemning U.S. immigration enforcement. “No one is illegal on stolen land [...] F*ck ICE,” Eilish declared, using her platform to speak out against the agency and highlight her stance on immigration issues.

• Bad Bunny used his acceptance speech for Best Música Urbana Album to deliver a fiery political message. The Puerto Rican star opened his speech by saying, “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say: ICE out,” calling for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency to be removed and emphasizing the shared humanity of immigrants. “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens — we are humans and we are Americans,”

— Bea Bertuldo

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