Entertainment News Roundup: Kanye West teases new music ahead of 'Donda' album release; Sugary treats in hand, TV's 'Ted Lasso' takes the field again and more

The judging line-up for the 78th edition of the festival held in the Italian lagoon city will also include "Widows" and "Harriet" actress Cynthia Erivo and filmmaker Alexander Nanau, a nominee at this year's Oscars for documentary "Colectiv". 'Cinderella' musical in London won't open due to COVID rules Musical theatre impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber on Monday cancelled the opening of his new London production of "Cinderella" and said he had no idea when it would go ahead, blaming "impossible conditions" imposed by the British government.

Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs.

Brands cut ties with Chinese-Canadian star after rape accusation

At least 12 brands including international names Bvlgari and Porsche said they had cut ties with Kris Wu after a 19-year-old Chinese student publicly accused the Chinese-Canadian singer-actor of date rape. The student, Du Meizhu, told Chinese media on Sunday that the 30-year-old star had raped her when she was 17 after plying her with drinks.

Amy Winehouse remembered in new film marking 10 years since death

Amy Winehouse's family and friends look back on her life in a new documentary marking 10 years since the singer's death, with harrowing accounts of her rise to global fame and struggles with addiction. Narrated by her mother Janis Winehouse-Collins, "Reclaiming Amy" features home footage, family pictures and interviews with close friends who recall the six-time Grammy Award winner's happier as well as darker times.

Kanye West teases new music ahead of 'Donda' album release

Kanye West will release his 10th solo studio album "Donda" on Friday, teasing his new music in an advert during the NBA Finals featuring U.S. sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, who missed out on the Olympics after being suspended for a positive cannabis test. The 44-year-old rapper will premiere the record on Thursday at a listening event in Atlanta, which will be streamed live.

Sugary treats in hand, TV's 'Ted Lasso' takes the field again

"Ted Lasso," a heartwarming TV series about an American football coach trying to rally a struggling British soccer team, returns Friday with players and staff searching for a winning formula on the field and navigating personal challenges off of it. Star and co-creator Jason Sudeikis said the second season on Apple Inc's Apple TV+ delves deep into the "heads, hearts and souls" of the AFC Richmond crew around a theme of "sometimes the best way to help others is to help yourself."

Chloe Zhao joins fellow Oscar winner Bong Joon-ho on Venice festival jury

"Nomadland" director Chloe Zhao will join fellow Oscar-winning filmmaker Bong Joon-ho on the main jury at this year's Venice International Film Festival, organisers said on Wednesday. The judging line-up for the 78th edition of the festival held in the Italian lagoon city will also include "Widows" and "Harriet" actress Cynthia Erivo and filmmaker Alexander Nanau, a nominee at this year's Oscars for documentary "Colectiv".

'Cinderella' musical in London won't open due to COVID rules

Musical theatre impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber on Monday cancelled the opening of his new London production of "Cinderella" and said he had no idea when it would go ahead, blaming "impossible conditions" imposed by the British government. Lloyd Webber said one person in the cast had tested positive for coronavirus, but the rules around quarantine and isolation for the remainder of the actors - all testing negative - meant the show could not open as planned on Tuesday.

Harvey Weinstein pleads not guilty ahead of rape trial in Los Angeles

Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to charges of rape and sexual assault involving five women in Los Angeles ahead of a second trial. Weinstein, 69, arrived at Los Angeles Superior Court for his first appearance there in a wheelchair, wearing a brown jail uniform, after being extradited from New York on Tuesday where he was serving 23 years in prison for rape and other sexual offenses.

Royal Albert Hall back at capacity, but London landmark left in debt

Prestigious London performance and events venue the Royal Albert Hall opened at full capacity on Monday for the first time since March 2020, but the concert hall says the pandemic has been financially devastating. From Monday, the British government's main COVID-19 restrictions in England ended, meaning concert venues and theatres can sell all available seats.

(With inputs from agencies.)