New this week: Shania, 'Princess Power' and Pamela Anderson
This week’s new entertainment releases include a fresh album from Shania Twain, the megahit film “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” lands on Disney+ and a new PBS “Frontline” documentary delves into Russian President Vladimir Putin’s interaction with the last five U.S. presidents.
EXPLAINER: Why Spaniards are rioting over rapper's jailing
Rap singer Pablo Hasl is detained by police officers at the University of Lleida, Spain, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Joan Mateu)MADRID – Riots broke out in many Spanish cities this week during freedom of speech protests over the jailing of a little-known rapper for insulting the Spanish monarchy and praising terrorism. Up to a few weeks ago, Hasél, 32, was not quite a household name in Spain. Besides his tweets and lyrics, he has also been charged for assault, obstructing justice and breaking and entry. The law has been used against other rappers and tweeters — even puppeteers.
Spain: Protests erupt after rapper's insults lead to prison
Rap singer Pablo Hasl is detained by police officers at the University of Lleida, Spain, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. A 24-hour standoff between police and Spanish rapper Pablo Hasél ended Tuesday when anti-riot officers arrested the artist shortly after dawn and escorted him out of Lleida University’s rectorate building. He and more than 50 supporters locked themselves inside the university in Spain’s northeastern Catalonia region at midday on Monday. Hasél was sent to prison, where he's set to serve a 9-month sentence for insulting the monarchy and glorifying terrorism. The rapper had refused last week to voluntarily respond to a summons to show up for prison.
Spanish rapper rejects imprisonment, draws focus to gag law
Rap singer Pablo Hasl sits inside the University of Lleida, Spain, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. The case of Pablo Hasél, 32, has drawn increasing attention in Spain and has been linked to the government's sudden announcement to change a national law that is deemed to curtail freedom of expression. Over 200 artists, including film director Pedro Almodóvar and actor Javier Bardem, signed a petition last week in support of the rapper. On Monday, accompanied by some 50 supporters, Hasél barricaded himself inside the rectoral building of Lleida University, in the northeastern Catalonia region. The Spanish branch of Amnesty International has also defended Hasél and urged the government to introduce legal changes.
Awkwafina Dances Around Rumors She's Joining 'Little Mermaid': 'I Would Be More
Is Awkwafina the latest to join The Little Mermaid? Rumored to be playing the role of Scuttle in Disney's anticipated live-action adaptation of the 1989 classic, Awkwafina played coy about her involvement in the upcoming Little Mermaid adaptation, which will star Halle Bailey as Ariel. Original Little Mermaid composer Alan Menken will return to rework the songs from the 1989 film, alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda. On Saturday, Awkwafina shared a little more insight into the new Disney movie she was at D23 to promote. RELATED CONTENT:Harry Styles Reportedly Turns Down Role of Prince Eric in Live-Action 'The Little Mermaid'Halle Bailey Says Playing Ariel in 'Little Mermaid' Live-Action Is a 'Dream Come True' (Exclusive)Javier Bardem in Talks for Disney's Live-Action 'The Little Mermaid': Who He Would PlayMelissa McCarthy in Early Talks to Play Ursula in Live-Action 'Little Mermaid''Little Mermaid' Live-Action Film Casts Halle Bailey as Ariel
Asher Angel Says He Auditioned for Role of Prince Eric In 'The Little Mermaid' Live-Action
Is Asher Angel in the running to play Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid? 's home entertainment release -- on Thursday that he tried out for the lead male role in the upcoming live-action Disney film. Angel did, however, express that it would mean "so much to me" to nab the highly coveted Prince Eric part. For more on The Little Mermaid casting, watch below. RELATED CONTENT:Javier Bardem in Talks for Disney's Live-Action 'The Little Mermaid': Who He Would PlayHarry Styles in Early Talks to Play Prince Eric in 'Little Mermaid''Little Mermaid' Live-Action Film Casts Halle Bailey as Ariel
Javier Bardem in Talks for Disney's Live-Action 'The Little Mermaid': Who He Would
Javier Bardem is in negotiations to join Disney's live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, according to multiple outlets. Hes up for the role of King Triton, the father of Ariel, who will be played by Halle Bailey. Earlier this month, Terry Crews started a social media campaign to express his interest in tackling the role of King Triton. The Little Mermaid is expected to go into production in early 2020. RELATED CONTENT:Harry Styles in Early Talks to Play Prince Eric in 'Little Mermaid'Denzel Dion Talks 'The Little Mermaid' Casting (Exclusive)Terry Crews Wants to Play King Triton in 'The Little Mermaid'