Chumbawamba have told New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister to stop using their track ‘Tubthumping’ at rallies.Last weekend (March 17), New Zealand’s deputy prime minister Winston Peters –who leads the right-wing New Zealand First party which is part of the country’s coalition government – walked on stage to the British group’s 1997 hit song before giving his controversial “state of the nation” address.Per BBC, Peters reportedly discussed plans to remove gender and sexuality lessons from the school curriculum and said that NZ First and their supporters have a “real chance to take back our country”. He also used ‘Tubthumping’s song’s lyrics at the end of the address, telling the audience “we got knocked down, but we got up again.”“Chumbawamba wrote the song Tubthumping as a song of hope and positivity, so it seems entirely odd that the ‘I get knocked down…’ refrain is being used by New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters as he barks his divisive, small-minded, bigoted policies during his recent speeches,” said the band’s former lead guitarist Boff Whalley in a statement sent to BBC News.He continued: “Chumbawamba would like to make it clear that we did not give permission for Peters to use the song and would ask him to stop using it to try to shore up his misguided political views.“Chumbawamba does not share any of Peters’ ideas on race relations and would like to remind him that the song was written for and about ordinary people and their resilience.
‘Slave Play’ Black Out Performances Slammed by U.K. Prime Minister’s Office as ‘Wrong and Divisive’
01.03.2024 - 09:45 / variety.com
Naman Ramachandran Two proposed “Black Out” London West End performances of Jeremy O. Harris‘ “Slave Play” have come under fire from U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak‘s office.
The controversial play about race, identity and sexuality in 21st century America is set at the MacGregor Plantation, where the Old South is alive and well. It follows three interracial couples undergoing “Antebellum Sexual Performance Therapy” to reinvigorate their relationships. During the run of “Slave Play,” two Black Out nights on July 17 and Sept.
17 are planned, which are “the purposeful creation of an environment in which an all-Black-identifying audience can experience and discuss an event in the performing arts, film, athletic, and cultural spaces – free from the white gaze,” according to a statement from the production. “The Prime Minister is a big supporter of the arts and he believes that the arts should be inclusive and open to everyone, particularly where those arts venues are in receipt of public funding,” said a spokesperson for Sunak. “Obviously, these reports are concerning and further information is being sought.
But clearly, restricting audiences on the basis of race would be wrong and divisive.” “It’s a statement of principle that clearly the arts should be inclusive. And I think that particular taxpayers would particularly expect that to be the case when public funding is involved,” the spokesperson added. “Slave Play,” which is transferring from Broadway, will play June 29 – Sept.
MrBeast Reality Show to Award $5 Million Grand Prize — Biggest Payout in TV History — Greenlit at Prime Video
Todd Spangler NY Digital Editor MrBeast, the YouTuber known for big-money giveaways, is going bigger than ever with his new show on Amazon’s Prime Video. The mega-popular YouTube creator, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, announced a deal with Prime Video for “Beast Games,” a reality-competition show promising the winner a $5 million cash prize — believed to be the largest single payout ever in TV history.
Dancing on Ice's Greg Rutherford reveals horror moment 'everything went wrong' and painful injury cut him from final
Greg Rutherford has shared the moment he suffered a painful injury that saw him have to be cut from the Dancing on Ice final. The Olympian was due to perform last weekend alongside partner Vanessa James as the ITV skating competition came to an end.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak rules out May 2 general election
The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has ruled out holding a general election in May on the same day as the local elections.
Christian Slater, Lucas Hedges & John Cameron Mitchell In Industry Reading Cast For Will Arbery Play ‘You Hateful Things’
An invitation-only industry presentation of You Hateful Things, a new play by Will Arbery directed by Simon Stone, will be held this week in New York, with a cast including Christian Slater, Amandla Stenberg, Jakeem Powell, John Cameron Mitchell, Lucas Hedges and Myha’la.
"Absolutely not... don’t be so ridiculous": Right-wing MP Lee Anderson denies taking money to switch from Conservatives to Reform UK
Ex-Tory MP Lee Anderson has said he is no mercenary after joining Reform UK as he denied being paid to switch allegiances. Mr Anderson also told GB News the Conservative Party had not contacted him ahead of being unveiled as Reform’s first MP.
‘E1027 Eileen Gray and the House by the Sea,’ About the Pioneering Architect’s Battle With Le Corbusier, Boarded by Rise and Shine (EXCLUSIVE)
Lise Pedersen Berlin-based Rise and Shine World Sales has picked up the rights for “E.1027 – Eileen Gray and the House by the Sea,” which is vying for the top Dox:Award at Copenhagen’s CPH:DOX, one of Europe’s leading documentary festivals. Variety is debuting the trailer and poster, below.
Christina Applegate ‘blacked out’ at Emmys 2024 appearance: ‘I live kind of in hell’ with MS
in a teaser clip for an upcoming interview on “Good Morning America.” “I live kind of in hell. I’m not out a lot, so this is a little difficult, just for my system,” Applegate, 52, told “GMA” host Robin Roberts, 63, regarding her continued battle.“But of course, the support is wonderful and I’m really grateful.”The “Married … With Children” star, who was joined in the interview by Jamie-Lynn Sigler, also poked fun at her appearance on the January awards show.
Andy Cohen Slams Leah McSweeney's Lawsuit: Denies Allegations of Cocaine Use & Demands Retraction
Andy Cohen is firing back at the allegations made by Real Housewives’ Leah McSweeney in a lawsuit filed against him.
It's been a week since an election in Rochdale shook the country - tonight another vote takes place
A week ago Rochdale was at the centre of British news as voters took to the polls.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to announce Budget with National Insurance set to be cut
Jeremy Hunt will announce the Spring Budget today amid mounting speculation National Insurance will be cut in a boost for workers.
Taylor Swift’s deal to not play neighbouring countries “not unfriendly”, says Singapore prime minister
Taylor Swift doesn’t perform anywhere else in Southeast Asia as part of her current ‘Eras Tour’ is “not unfriendly”, according to the city-state’s prime minister.The ‘Midnights’ pop star has already played three of her six sold-out concerts at the 55,000-capacity National Stadium, with the remaining trio of dates scheduled for this week (March 7, 8, 9).It was reported last month that Singapore had struck a deal to prevent Swift from bringing her show to any other location within the Association Of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which comprises 10 countries.Thai prime minister Srettha Thavisin claimed he was told that the Singapore government had offered $2million to $3million (£1.6million to £2.4million) per gig in exchange for exclusivity. However, the exact figure has not been disclosed.“The Singapore government is astute,” Srettha said.
Korea Box Office: ‘Exhuma’ Expands in Second Week, Overshadows ‘Dune 2’ Debut
Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief “Exhuma,” a locally produced occult drama-thriller, expanded its domination of the South Korea box office on its second week of release. That left the newly-released “Dune 2” several sand dunes behind in second place. “Exhuma,” about two shaman, a feng shui master and a mortician who attempt to undo the mysterious events happening to a U.S.-based Korean family, earned $17.2 million between Friday and Sunday, representing a 69% share of the overall box office market.
‘Slave Play’ Author Has Message For UK Prime Minister Opposed To Black-Invited West End Performances: Go Kick Rocks
Special “Black Out” performances of Jeremy O. Harris‘ stage production Slave Play were well-received by the Broadway community in 2019 when producers of the controversial, acclaimed and emotionally complex play about race relations announced that they would set aside a relatively few performances to invite all-Black audiences, an effort to welcome a group traditionally marginalized or even excluded by Broadway.
Rishi Sunak hints at national insurance cut ahead of Jeremy Hunt's spring Budget
Rishi Sunak has hinted at further cuts to national insurance in next week's Spring Budget.
Rishi Sunak heads to Aberdeen as Labour calls for Scots to 'boot Tories out of power for good'
Rishi Sunak will head to Aberdeen today to rally Scottish Conservative members as his party continues to slide in the polls.
Government criticises black-only audiences at ‘Slave Play’
Slave Play for its decision to host some shows for black audiences only, saying the move was “wrong and divisive”.Two “Black Out” performances solely for an “all-black-identifying audience” are planned for the show, which is due to arrive on London’s West End this summer. This has happened before in the UK, with theatres in London holding such performances for Daddy, by Jeremy O Harris (who also wrote Slave Play) and Tambo & Bones, by Dave Harris.Slave Play is set on a plantation in the old American South and explores “race, identity and sexuality” according to a synopsis.
Kylie Jenner Sports All Black Outfit for Dinner at Giorgio Baldi with Friends
Kylie Jenner is stepping out for dinner.
Outlaw Music Festival Tour Returns With Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
Thania Garcia Willie Nelson and Family are set to play the 2024 Outlaw Music Festival Tour with headliners Bob Dylan, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, John Mellencamp, Brittney Spencer, Celisse and Southern Avenue. Billy Strings will also join the tour for one show at The Gorge in Seattle. In a statement, Nelson said, “This year’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour promises to be the biggest and best yet with this lineup of legendary artists.
Kit Harington To Appear In West End ‘Slave Play’; Author Jeremy O. Harris Says Star Casting Won’t Be “A Distraction”
Game of Thrones star Kit Harington will return to the London stage in the upcoming production of Jeremy O. Harris’ acclaimed and controversial Slave Play.