Reuters Entertainment News Summary

Three days after Baldwin's trial began, New Mexico district court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer threw out the case as the actors' lawyers alleged a "cover up" by prosecutors who have been plagued by missteps since first filing charges 18 months ago. Alec Baldwin lawyer blasts police probe of 'Rust' shooting A lawyer for Alec Baldwin on Thursday rigorously questioned a police technician over her investigation of the "Rust" shooting that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, suggesting agents were more interested in prosecuting Baldwin than finding the source of a live round that killed the film's cinematographer.

Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs.

Gabelli asks Paramount for details on National Amusements valuation

Billionaire investor Mario Gabelli's investment firm is seeking more details about the valuation of National Amusements assets, the investor told Reuters on Friday, signaling the firm may challenge a landmark entertainment industry deal inked this week. Skydance Media and Paramount Global agreed on Sunday to merge, in a deal that would entail Skydance acquiring the Redstone family's holding company, National Amusements, which owns a controlling stake in Paramount.

Jailed in Italy, Malian singer Rokia Traore appeals to EU court

Renowned Malian singer Rokia Traore, arrested in Italy more than three weeks ago over an international child custody dispute, has appealed to European Union judges to resist an extradition request from Belgium, her lawyer told Reuters on Friday. Traore, 50, is one of Africa's best-known vocalists and a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations' refugee agency UNHCR.

'Deadpool & Wolverine' celebrates friendship, Ryan Reynolds says

The global promotional tour for "Deadpool & Wolverine" touched down in London on Thursday, with stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman bringing their bromance to the movie's UK sneak peek event. The two have entertained fans with their humorous, high-energy appearances at previous stops in Shanghai, Seoul and Berlin.

Alec Baldwin "Rust" shooting case dismissed over withheld evidence

A New Mexico judge dismissed involuntary manslaughter charges against Alec Baldwin on Friday, agreeing with his lawyers that prosecutors and police withheld evidence on the source of the live round that killed "Rust" cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021. Three days after Baldwin's trial began, New Mexico district court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer threw out the case as the actors' lawyers alleged a "cover up" by prosecutors who have been plagued by missteps since first filing charges 18 months ago.

Alec Baldwin lawyer blasts police probe of 'Rust' shooting

A lawyer for Alec Baldwin on Thursday rigorously questioned a police technician over her investigation of the "Rust" shooting that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, suggesting agents were more interested in prosecuting Baldwin than finding the source of a live round that killed the film's cinematographer. On day two of Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter trial, his lawyer Alex Spiro grilled a New Mexico crime scene technician over the search of prop supplier PDQ Arm & Prop that the attorney alleged could have supplied six live rounds found on the Western movie set.

Beastie Boys sue Chili's owner over 'Sabotage' ads

The Beastie Boys have sued restaurant owner Brinker International in New York federal court, saying Brinker used the legendary rap trio's 1994 song "Sabotage" to promote the Chili's chain without their permission. The group said in its complaint filed on Wednesday that Brinker unlawfully used "Sabotage" in Chili's social-media ads, falsely implying that the Beastie Boys endorsed the casual-dining restaurants.