Reuters Entertainment News Summary

Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs.

Catherine Deneuve to part with Saint Laurent gowns at auction

A beaded dress worn by Catherine Deneuve when she first met Alfred Hitchcock in 1969 are among dozens of glamorous gowns up for auction next week in Paris, where the French actress is due to part with her Yves Saint Laurent collection. Close to 130 one-of-a-kind styles crafted by the late designer for Deneuve, a close friend, will go on sale at Christie's on Jan. 24. They include red carpet looks like a shimmering gold number worn by Deneuve to the Oscars, which is expected to fetch between 2,000 to 3,000 euros ($3,400).

Singer Mariah Carey sues former executive assistant

Singer Mariah Carey on Wednesday sued her former assistant for breaking a nondisclosure agreement, negligence and theft, according to court documents. Carey, one of the world's best-selling singers with 200 million records sold and hits including "We Belong Together," is seeking at least $3 million in damages from Lianna Azarian and a restraining order to keep her former assistant from further breaking the nondisclosure agreement, according to papers filed in New York State Supreme Court.

'Better than ever,' Paris Jackson dismisses treatment report

Paris Jackson, the only daughter of late singer Michael Jackson, on Wednesday played down reports that she is undergoing treatment, saying she is "happy, healthy, and better than ever." Jackson, 20, said in an Instagram post that she had taken a break from work and social media. But she said, "The media is exaggerating" when it reported earlier this week that she had checked herself into a treatment facility for her "emotional and physical health."

Gladys Knight defends decision to sing U.S. anthem at Super Bowl

Singer Gladys Knight has defended her decision to perform the U.S. national anthem after receiving criticism from supporters of former quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who used the pre-game tradition to protest racial injustice. Knight, a 74-year-old native of Atlanta, where the game will be played, agreed to sing "the Star Spangled Banner." Her decision was blasted on social media by supporters of the "take a knee" stance championed by NFL players who kneel during the anthem to protest racial injustice. U.S. President Donald Trump and other conservatives have called the players unpatriotic.

Netflix movie 'Bird Box' draws 80 million viewers; no data for 'Roma'

Netflix Inc on Thursday said more than 80 million member households will have watched its thriller movie "Bird Box" in its first four weeks, but the streaming giant gave no viewing data for Oscar hopeful "Roma." "Bird Box," starring Sandra Bullock and set in a post-apocalyptic society where survivors must wear blindfolds, was released on Netflix on Dec. 21 and triggered a viral sensation when fans posted their own blindfolded "Bird Box Challenges" on social media.

Sony's RCA parts ways with R. Kelly after abuse uproar: media reports

R. Kelly has parted ways with the Sony Music-owned RCA record label, Billboard magazine and Variety reported on Friday, and he no longer appears on the roster of artists on RCA's website. The reported split follows decades of allegations of sexual and physical abuse by the Grammy-winning singer, which were the subject of a new six-hour television documentary aired earlier this month. Kelly's attorney has denied the allegations.

Supermodel Bundchen responds to Brazil's farm minister in Amazon spat

A high-profile dispute between supermodel Gisele Bundchen and Brazil's agriculture minister over deforestation escalated this week, coming as activists worry about new President Jair Bolsonaro's environmental policies. The Brazilian model replied to criticism from Agriculture Minister Tereza Cristina Dias by arguing that despite the existence of preserved areas, deforestation in the Amazon rainforest is on the rise.

Beyonce drops lawsuit over 'Feyonce' items

A lawsuit brought by Beyonce over the sale of "Feyonce" items to engaged couples has been dismissed at the singer's request, court documents showed on Wednesday. The pop superstar had complained in a 2016 lawsuit that the shirts, hoodies and other items sold to engaged couples by a Texas company under the name Feyonce infringed on her trademark rights and would confuse customers.

Luxury leader LVMH planning fashion brand with Rihanna: report

Louis Vuitton parent owner LVMH is developing a luxury brand with singer Rihanna, in a rare move by the acquisitive group towards building a new fashion label from scratch, industry news site WWD reported on Wednesday. Paris-based LVMH - also the owner of Christian Dior and Givenchy, among a host of other luxury brands also spanning champagne and cosmetics labels - declined to comment.

BritBox streaming service grows by catering to U.S. women over 45

BritBox, a streaming service that brings British television to the United States, has attracted more than 500,000 subscribers thanks to growing interest from women over 45 in cities across the country, the company said on Thursday. A joint venture between Britain's BBC Studios and ITV Plc, BritBox is one of dozens of niche streaming services trying to lure customers alongside Netflix Inc and Hulu that aim for broad audiences.