Entertainment News Round-Up: Taylor Swift, Bill Cosby, Mourners

Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs.

'Speak Now' - Taylor Swift sets off storm by getting political

Taylor Swift's decision to break her silence on politics triggered a storm on Monday, with fans and commentators divided over whether one of pop music's biggest stars should have spoken out. Swift, 28, has notably stayed out of the U.S. political fray in contrast to her more vocal peers, like Democratic supporters Katy Perry and Beyonce, and Republican backer Kid Rock.

Bill Cosby seeks new sexual assault trial, reduced prison sentence

Citing new evidence, Bill Cosby has asked the Pennsylvania judge who sent him to prison for up to 10 years for sexual assault to grant him a new trial, or to reduce his sentence because of alleged procedural errors. In court papers filed late on Friday, Cosby's lawyers said the judge abused his discretion by failing to adequately consider the 81-year-old entertainer's age and failing eyesight and should have recused himself from sentencing. Cosby's attorneys have previously taken issue with the judge's wife being a psychiatrist who works with sexual assault victims.

Mourners bid farewell to legendary Spanish soprano Montserrat Caballe

Spanish royalty, politicians and Catalan tenor Jose Carreras joined family and friends of legendary soprano singer Montserrat Caballe for her funeral on Monday, two days after her death at the age of 85. Caballe, famed for her powerful, soaring voice, enjoyed an international career spanning nearly six decades and was known not only for her great operatic performances. In 1987 she released the song "Barcelona", an anthem to her native city, with Freddie Mercury, lead singer of British rock group Queen.

Emmy-winning comedian Katt Williams arrested in Oregon assault

Emmy-winning comedian Katt Williams was arrested for allegedly assaulting a limousine driver at a Portland, Oregon airport in a confrontation over the transportation of the celebrity's dog, authorities said on Sunday. Airport police said Williams, 47, got into an argument late on Friday with the driver after Williams asked for a ride with his dog from a private aviation terminal to a performance centre in the city.

Box office: 'Venom' launches to $80 million, 'A Star Is Born' draws $42.6 million

The unlikely dynamic duo of "Venom" and "A Star Is Born" have livened up the fall moviegoing season with the best October weekend of all time in North America. Tom Hardy's superhero tale "Venom" grabbed $80 million at 4,250 sites for Sony and Marvel while the Lady Gaga-starring remake of "A Star Is Born" earned an estimated $42.6 million at 3,686 locations for Warner Bros. -- well above pre-weekend forecasts. "Venom" smashed the record for an October opening, topping the $55.8 million launch of "Gravity" by 43%.

(With inputs from agencies.)