Fashion industry sets new guidelines to fight sexual misconduct

Model Bella Hadid presents a creation from the Ralph Lauren Spring/Summer 2018 collection in a show that was presented in Lauren's private garage for New York Fashion Week in Manhattan, New York, US, September 12, 2017. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/Files

 

NEW YORK: Ahead of the New York Fashion Week (NYFW), the industry is unveiling new professional guidelines to combat the kind of sexual harassment and assault allegations plaguing some of the world's most renowned fashion photographers.

Designers, show producers, and photographers are asked to provide spaces "where models can change in privacy" at runway shows, according to recommendations sent by Council of Fashion Designers of America president Diane von Furstenberg.

Released Thursday, the text referred those who have "in any way felt threatened or unsafe" to resources compiled by the Model Alliance, which combats sexual harassment.

"The current climate has been marked by brave women and men and their revelations about an unacceptable culture in politics, sports, and entertainment, as well as in fashion," von Furstenberg said in a message accompanying the guidelines.

The CFDA's move ahead of Monday's Fashion Week kick-off comes amid the #MeToo movement and the wave of sexual misconduct accusations that have accompanied it, targeting fashion figures including photographers Terry Richardson, Bruce Weber, and Mario Testino.

All three once widely celebrated photographers are now barred from collaborating with Vogue and Vanity Fair publisher Conde Nast.

Conde Nast recently unveiled a "Code of Conduct" that seeks to "safeguard the dignity and well-being" of workers.

It has namely banned the use of unaccompanied models younger than 18, and all shoots involving nudity or sexually suggestive poses must be approved by the subject in advance. Alcohol and illegal drugs also have been barred.

The group extended the policy to its entire stable of publications around the world.

Malaysia bans Bollywood film 'Padmaavat' over negative portrayal of Muslim ruler

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has barred controversial Bollywood film Padmaavat from being screened in theatres, the home ministry said on Friday, citing the movie's negative portrayal of a Muslim ruler.

The film has already attracted protests in India after groups critical of the project accused Sanjay Leela Bhansali — its director — of distorting history by portraying the Muslim ruler as the "lover" of Queen Padmavati of the Hindu Rajput warrior clan.

Last month, India's top court allowed the film to be screened nationwide, despite moves to ban it in two states.

But in Muslim-majority Malaysia, authorities have instead rejected the portrayal of Sultan Alauddin Khilji and banned the film.

"He is portrayed as a Sultan who is arrogant, cruel, inhumane, devious with all kinds of trickery, unreliable and who does not fully practice Islamic teachings," the ministry said in a statement.

Malaysia's Film Censorship Board ruled that the movie was "not approved for screening", while an appeal lodged by the film's distributors was rejected on Tuesday, the ministry said.

Bollywood films are popular in Malaysia, where ethnic Indians make up seven percent of the country's 32 million people.

Malaysia has previously blocked the release of Hollywood movies deemed religiously insensitive, such as 1998's The Prince of Egypt, which depicted the Biblical story of Moses, and 1995's Babe, which featured a pig as the main character. Muslims consider pigs unclean.

Last May, the release of Walt Disney's Beauty and the Beast was held up over a "gay moment" in the film.

Trailer of Pakistani animated adventure movie ‘Tick Tock’ released

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KARACHI: The trailer of upcoming Pakistani animated adventure movie 'Tick Tock', with voice-overs by artistes Ahsan Khan, Aly Khan and others, has been released.

The trailer-launch ceremony took place at a private hotel here on Friday, wherein the main voice-over artistes of the movie were also present.

The animated adventure movie is written by Omair Alavi and directed by Omer Hassan, a well-known name in the entertainment industry.

The movie, produced by Sana Tauseef, features history buffs Hassan and Daanya, who embark upon a time-travel adventure along with their teacher KK. The anti-hero, Gobo, wants to change history for his own benefit.

The story evolves into a fun-filled adventure as the character meet the greatest heroes in Pakistani history and how our heroes overcome all the negative forces to keep the timeline intact.

Adventurous twists and turns packed with fun and action make the movie a spellbinding and unique experience for Pakistani audience.

Moreover, the story has a subliminal educational message.

Wedding bells? Sonam Kapoor to tie the knot with boyfriend Anand Ahuja

Sonam Kapoor with her boyfriend Anand Ahuja

After the buzz and glamour of Anushka Sharma's marriage to Virat Kohli, another Bollywood wedding seems to be on the cards, and this time it's the gorgeous Sonam Kapoor.

According to the latest in the rumour mill, the Bollywood diva is all set to tie the knot with her longtime boyfriend Anand Ahuja this summer.

Sonam and her boyfriend Anand Ahuja are planning a June wedding, Filmfare reported, quoting a source close to the couple.

The couple, all smiles 

"Sonam is very sure of her feelings for Anand. He's a very sorted boy and cares deeply for her. Although Anil was initially unsure about Anand, like all fathers are about their daughters' boyfriends, over time, Anil and his wife Sunita have accepted Anand as part of their family," the source revealed.

The source added: "Sonam's brother Harshvardhan is also very comfortable in his company. It may be a destination wedding or a big fat Punjabi Delhi wedding. The two families are still to decide."

Sonam pictured with Anand

All that is left to do now is wait for an official announcement from the lovebirds, which may be coming anytime soon.

Justin Timberlake says Janet not part of Super Bowl show

Super Bowl half-time entertainer Justin Timberlake gives a news conference about his upcoming performance in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US, February 1, 2018. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

 

LONDON: Justin Timberlake caused a national controversy when he performed the Super Bowl halftime show with Janet Jackson in 2004, and the pop singer said on Thursday not to expect his partner in crime to appear this time around.

Timberlake on Sunday will return to America's biggest stage 14 years after a "wardrobe malfunction" overshadowed his last gig at the National Football League's championship game.

"To be honest I had a ton of grand ideas about special guests. There's a whole list. I think Vegas has a lot of odds on it. From NSYNC to (Jay-Z) to Chris Stapleton to Janet," Timberlake told a news conference in Minneapolis.

"But this year... my band, the Tennessee Kids, I feel like they are my special guests and I am excited this year to rock the stage and it's going to be a lot of fun."

Timberlake infamously ripped off part of Jackson's garment during their halftime show performance in Houston and briefly bared her breast. The incident coined the phrase "wardrobe malfunction."

The Parents Television Council published an open letter to Timberlake on Thursday asking the 10-times Grammy winner to keep his performance — which is estimated to draw more than 100 million viewers — friendly and safe for children.

"The fallout of your performance during Super Bowl XXXVIII has left an indelible mark. You really threw us – and millions of parents who were watching with their kids," the group wrote.

"The now-infamous wardrobe malfunction was the biggest news story for weeks, even at a time when the nation had launched into war in Iraq."

The letter continued, "We ask you to keep the halftime show friendly and safe for the children watching, and who may be hoping to emulate you one day."

New elements

Timberlake did not reveal too many details of his upcoming performance but did say his "Can't Stop The Feeling" hit song from the movie "Trolls" will be included along with plenty of dancing, while also promising something new.

"Without giving too much away we are doing a few things with this halftime show that they have never quite done before," said Timberlake, whose new album Man of the Woods comes out on Friday.

"I always like to push, to be able to do something like that. But also, on a more serious note, it's a moment where you have the opportunity to bring so many people together through what I think is the greatest art form, which is music."

Timberlake will have around 13 minutes to perform at halftime of the game between the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles in Minneapolis.

Timberlake, who turned 37 on Wednesday and was serenaded to "Happy Birthday" by some of the attending media, took many light-hearted questions but also stressed how grateful he was to be able to share his passion for writing and performing music.

"We want everyone to have a ton of fun, that's my main objective with the halftime show," said Timberlake. "I like to make dance music so I hope everyone's dancing. I think that's the greatest thing anyone can do to express joy."

Lawsuit claims Wiz Khalifa copied other rapper's song

Musician Wiz Khalifa arrives at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala in New York City, US, May 1, 2017. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/Files

 

NEW YORK: The rapper Wiz Khalifa was accused in a lawsuit on Thursday of copying much of his 2016 song "Most of Us," from another rapper's song with the same title from six years earlier.

Khalifa's version "unmistakably copies the essential elements" of the song by Cymple Man, according to a complaint filed in Manhattan federal court against Khalifa and his record labels, including Warner Music Group's Atlantic Records.

A spokeswoman for Khalifa did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Atlantic Records had no immediate comment.

Cymple Man, whose given name is Dustin Bennett, said he had given Khalifa a demo of his song "Most of Us" in April 2012 at Salt Lake City International Airport, while both were travelling to performances, so Khalifa could decide whether they should collaborate.

Khalifa never followed up, but he incorporated some lyrics, the refrain and the chorus of the plaintiff's song into his own song without permission or paying royalties, the complaint said.

"Moreover, Khalifa utilizes the term 'most of us' to introduce the audience to the same theme of sinful behaviour with the same expression" in a manner "distinctively original to Bennett's work," the complaint said.

The plaintiff, who lives in southeastern Georgia, said he had copyrighted his song in March 2010, and that the defendants have refused to enter any licensing or royalty agreement.

He is seeking unspecified damages, including profits from the alleged infringement.

Khalifa — whose given name is Cameron Thomaz — included "Most of Us" on the 2016 album Khalifa, which peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 list of popular US albums.

The song has also received more than 30 million views on Google's YouTube.

Model Kate Upton accuses Guess exec of sexual harassment

 Supermodel Kate Upton has accused fashion giant Guess' co-founder Paul Marciano of sexually harassing women.

WASHINGTON: Supermodel Kate Upton has accused fashion giant Guess' co-founder Paul Marciano of sexually harassing women.

Upton, 25, did not cite a specific incident in her criticism Wednesday of Guess co-founder and creative director Marciano, who is 65.

Upton, who was once the face of Guess, became the latest star to add her voice to the global #MeToo campaign against sexual misconduct, that kicked off following accusations against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein.

"It´s disappointing that such an iconic women´s brand @Guess is still empowering Paul Marciano as their creative director #me too," Upton wrote on Twitter.

She repeated this on Instagram and added: "He shouldn´t be allowed to use his power in the industry to sexually and emotionally harass women #metoo."

Marciano co-founded Guess in 1981 and has been its executive chairman and chief creative officer since 2015.

Upton is married to star Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander, and is known for appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated swimsuit editions. She has also done some acting.

She became a celebrity spokesmodel for Guess in 2011. Other models holding that position have included Claudia Schiffer and Cindy Crawford, and more recently Gigi Hadid.