Month: January 2023

Nike Sues Lululemon For Patent Infringement Over 4 Shoe Designs

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A legal team that isn’t getting any rest these days is the one working for Nike. The famed brand has taken several companies to court over the years, and according to CNBC, Lululemon is the latest to face a lawsuit. We recently reported that Nike was gearing up to face off against BAPE after it was alleged the latter company copied designs.

In its most recent lawsuit, the company claimed Lululemon is guilty of patent infringement in relation to its “Chargefeel Mid, Chargefeel Low, Blissfeel and Strongfeel shoes.”

Read More: Nike Sues Bape After Years Of Selling Bape Stas

Nike further alleged it has “suffered economic harm and irreparable injury” due to Lululemon selling similar styles of shoes. They detailed the alleged copied elements, including “knitted elements, webbed areas and tubular structures on the footwear.”

Meanwhile, Lululemon has issued a statement denying any wrongdoing.

“Nike’s claims are unjustified, and we look forward to proving our case in court,” a Lululemon spokesperson said.

Nike, Lululemon
HONG KONG, CHINA – 2021/08/18: The Canadian sportswear clothing band, Lululemon store in Hong Kong. (Photo by Budrul Chukrut/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Read More: Kyrie Irving Continues To Wear Nike, But With A Twist

This isn’t the first time Nike and Lululemon have been at odds. The swoosh company previously filed a lawsuit this time last year. They accused Lululemon of “infringing on six patents” related to its “at-home Mirror fitness device” along with apps.

That case is ongoing. Nike is seeking unspecified damages in this most recent case. Lululemon has faced a slew of backlash over the years related to its practices, controversial prints on shirts, or statement made by high-level executives.

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“The Batman Part II” Will See Robert Pattinson Return To The Big Screen In 2025

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Many were initially taken aback by Robert Pattinson landing the lead in the latest reboot of The Batman. Now that they’ve seen what he’s capable of in the suit, though, the world is eagerly awaiting the superhero film’s sequel.

A follow-up to the Matt Reeves-directed project was greenlit last April, and earlier this week, a release date was shared. As Variety reports, the earliest fans can expect to see the Twilight alum back in character alongside Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman will be in late 2025.

Robert Pattinson and Zoë Kravitz attend “The Batman” World Premiere on March 01, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/FilmMagic)

The sequel’s synopsis remains under wraps for the time being. However, we do know it’s a part of DC’s new “Elseworlds” category. James Gunn previously announced that any film or television series that doesn’t fall in the main DC Universe will be a part of this realm, similar to their DC Comics section.

Other upcoming projects on the same roster include Joker: Folie à Deux via Todd Phillips. Starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, that movie is expected to arrive on October 4th, 2024. Additionally, there’s the ongoing animated series, Teen Titans Go! and a separate Superman film written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and produced by J.J. Abrams.

The latter of the two first made headlines in 2021 and has remained in active development since. At this time, executives are excitedly awaiting the arrival of a screenplay draft to review.

Pattinson and Reeves plan to continue their work with the DC Elseworlds Batman franchise. However, that doesn’t mean we won’t see someone else conquer the role in the DC Universe. Variety notes that a Batman & Robin movie is on the way for that category. It’s specifically based on “The Brave and Bold” comics.

For his part, the director also has another big project on his mind – Colin Farrell’s Penguin character spinoff series. Earlier this month, Reeves confirmed his plans to meet with Gunn to ensure that the “BatVerse” and the larger DC Universe don’t collide. Instead, he hopes the two stories are able to support each other.

Upon its debut, The Batman grossed $770 million worldwide at the box office. It’s currently available for streaming on HBO Max, or on Crave in Canada.

Are you excited for the sequel? Sound off in the comments, and check back later for more pop culture news.

[Via]

Marilyn Manson Sued For Allegedly Sexually Assaulting Minor In 1990s: Report

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A woman only known as Jane Doe claims Marilyn Manson “groomed and sexually assaulted” her several times in the 1990s. Rolling Stone reported on the allegations that were listed in Doe’s lawsuit against the shock rocker. This is the latest controversy plaguing Manson, as he has been accused of rape, abuse, and assault for years.

This is reportedly the first sexual assault lawsuit from the early days of Manson’s fame. Doe, who also names Nothing Records and Interscope in her suit, says she met the singer in 1995 when she was 16. She was with her friends when she claims she waited to meet Manson outside his tour bus.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 04: Lindsay Usich (L) and Marilyn Manson arrive at the Art Of Elysium’s 13th Annual Celebration – Heaven on January 04, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Read More: Marilyn Manson’s Sexual Assault Case Submitted To L.A. District Attorney

The woman alleges Manson invited her “and one of the other younger girls” onto the bus and exchanged information.

“While on the tour bus, Defendant Warner performed various acts of criminal sexual conduct upon Plaintiff, who was a virgin at the time, including but not limited to forced copulation and vaginal penetration,” the lawsuit claims.

“One of the band members watched Defendant Warner sexually assault Plaintiff,” the suit adds. “Plaintiff was in pain, scared, upset, humiliated and confused. After he was done, Defendant Warner laughed at her. … Then Defendant Warner demanded Plaintiff to ‘get the f*ck off of my bus’ and threatened Plaintiff that, if she told anyone, he would kill her and her family.”

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 09: Marilyn Manson attends the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 09, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/VF20/Getty Images for Vanity Fair)
Read More: Marilyn Manson Unlikely To Be Charged In Sexual Assault Investigation: Report

The accuser asserts she “began using drugs and alcohol shortly after,” continuing on for years. She also maintained a relationship with Manson, who she says asked “for explicit photos of her and her friends.”

It was also alleged that Manson’s record labels were well aware of his alleged behaviors. Manson issued a statement to Rolling Stone via his attorney, Howard King.

He claims the singer “does not know this individual and has no recollection of ever having met her 28 years ago. He certainly was never intimate with her.”

King further called Doe’s story a “fabricated tale,“ adding, “even the most minimal amount of scrutiny reveals the obvious discrepancies in her ever-shifting stories as well as her extensive collusion with other false accusers … Brian will not submit to this shakedown – and the courts won’t fall for it either.”

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R. Kelly’s Rep Responds After Prosecutor Drops Sex Abuse Charges

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R Kelly isn’t relieved, despite prosecutors dropping sex abuse charges.

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx said she wants to dismiss sex abuse charges against R Kelly, though this news isn’t necessarily a relief to the embattled singer.

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 30: R. Kelly performs onstage during R. Kelly, New Edition and The Jacksons at the 2013 BET Experience at Staples Center on June 30, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for BET)

Per TMZ, the singer’s rep, Jennifer Bonjean, said she spoke to him following Foxx’s decision. Though she praised the State’s Attorney’s move, she said Kelly continues to face the reality of remaining behind bars for the rest of his life.

Foxx revealed that her decision to reel back from pursuing these charges against Kelly were due to numerous factors, including the cost. Additionally, she said that the federal court already convicted him on two similar counts. “[R. Kelly] is looking at the possibility of never walking out of prison again,” she said. “We believe justice has been served,” she added.

Though the sex abuse charges aren’t necessarily weighing on Kelly’s shoulders, there’s still a good chance he won’t be free anytime soon. “There is no real sense of relief. He is still fighting for his life. He is facing decades in prison,” Bonjean said, adding that Foxx made “the right move” to drop the charges.

CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 17: Singer R. Kelly appears during a hearing at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse on September 17, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Kelly is facing multiple sexual assault charges and is being held without bail. (Photo by Antonio Perez – Pool via Getty Images)

Prosecutors accused Kelly of sexually abusing four people, three of which were minors at the time.

During his New York trial, a judge sentenced Kelly to 30 years behind bars. However, his sentencing in Illinois takes place in February and could lead to an additional 10 to 90 years behind bars. Sexual abuse charges or not, Kelly won’t be coming home anytime soon. 

[Via]

Latto’s Leopard Panties Were Removed From Ebay After The Auction Reached Close To $100K

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latto caresha please
Getty Image

Ever since social media has given fans more access to their favorite stars than ever, the dark side of fandom has been counterbalanced by a silver lining — artists can clap back, often in clever, hilarious, and sometimes downright profitable ways.

After a troll online called out Latto for allegedly wearing the same pair of leopard-print panties two days twice in a row, the Atlanta rapper’s response not only put the peanut gallery in its place, it also nearly netted her $100,000 when she put the underwear in question up for auction on eBay (after providing photographic evidence that like Albert Einstein, she has a drawer full of identical pairs from Target).

Unfortunately for Latto, eBay pulled the listing for violating its “used clothing policy” according to TMZ. According to the policy: “Used underwear and socks are not allowed, even if they are clean.” I guess if Latto’s really serious about profiting from her pantaloons, she’ll have to try one of the (many, many) other platforms where such things aren’t just allowed, but encouraged (seriously, there are so many).

Look, fam, no kink-shaming here… but where are y’all getting the money for this? In this economy!?

Anyway, Latto likely doesn’t need the extra income. She’ll be honored as one of Billboard‘s Women In Music in March, which will undoubtedly lead to more lucrative opportunities. She was also Billboard‘s top new artist in 2022, thanks in large part to her hit “Big Energy,” which peaked at No. 3 on the Hot 100 and stuck around for 51 weeks.

Michael Jackson’s Nephew To Portray Him In Biopic + 5 Other Relatives Of Late Legends Who Could Play Them In Films

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Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson’s nephew Jafaar Jackson was cast to play his uncle in a new film. It begs the question, are there relatives of other late musical icons that could believably play them in a film? News broke that Jafaar Jackson – nephew of the late, great Michael Jackson – has been cast to play his […]

The post Michael Jackson’s Nephew To Portray Him In Biopic + 5 Other Relatives Of Late Legends Who Could Play Them In Films appeared first on SOHH.com.

James Gunn Says Ezra Miller’s “The Flash” Is “One Of The Greatest Superhero Movies Ever”

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James Gunn says that Ezra Miller’s upcoming movie, The Flash, is “one of the greatest superhero movies ever made.” Additionally, his DC co-head, Peter Safran, says that the studio is “fully supportive” of Miller’s recovery. The two addressed the status of the film after the recent DC Universe slate presentation at the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, California.

“Ezra is completely committed to their recovery,” Safran said during the presentation. “We are fully supportive of that journey that they’re on right now. When the time is right, when they feel like they’re ready to have the discussion, we’ll all figure out what the best path forward is. But right now, they are completely focused on their recovery, and after our conversations with them over the last couple of months, it feels like they’re making enormous progress.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 04: Ezra Miller attends the ‘Justice League’ photocall at The College on November 4, 2017 in London. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)

Gunn added: “I also think it’s important to point out that thousands of people worked on The Flash. These people dedicated the past few years of their lives to making something really special. Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, Christina Hodson, Michael Keaton and all of the other people that you know. To start making it as if a movie depends on this one person can be frustrating as a filmmaker.”

Miller has been making headlines for numerous erratic social media rants, arrests, and court appearances over the last many months. They’ve been accused of throwing a chair at a woman, grooming minors, and more. Regardless, the film is still scheduled to hit theaters on June 16.

Of what to expect, Gunn said: “I will say here that Flash is probably one of the greatest superhero movies ever made.”

[Via]

Latto Connects With bLAck pARty To Remix “BOMB” New Joint Single

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The past few months have seen Latto more booked and busy than ever before. Aside from getting hate for wearing the same pair of underwear twice (and subsequently listing them for sale on eBay as a joke), the 777 artist has been in her musical bag as of late too.

Near the end of December, she officially dropped a previously leaked title, “Another Nasty Song.” Before that, she joined GloRilla and the late Gangsta Boo on “FTCU” and blew audiences away alongside Chloe Bailey with “For the Night.” Today (January 31), she’s appearing on her first single of 2023 – bLAck pARty’s “BOMB” remix.

Latto attends the Harper’s BAZAAR and Bloomingdale’s Fête Celebrating Harper’s BAZAAR Global ICONS Portfolio and Bloomingdale’s 150th Anniversary at Bloomingdale’s 59th Street Store on September 09, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Udo Salters/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

The song originally appeared on the 31-year-old’s Hummingbird album last August. It came complete with a feature from Kari Faux. Clearly, though, BP was in the mood to switch things up in the new year.

“Y’all can have the summer / Top-down in the winter with it / Might cop a crib with a pool in it / Just to have your favourite model skinny-dipping,” bLAck pARty rhymes early on.

Later in the song, Latto takes over with her braggadocious flow, riding the beat like a master.

Other popular songs to come from the Arkansas native’s last project are “Hotline” and “I Love You More Than You Know.” The latter boasts an appearance from Childish Gambino. Additionally, he worked with names like Saba, Jean Deaux, and Gwen Bunn on various other titles.

Stream bLAck pARty’s “BOMB” remix featuring Latto on Spotify or Apple Music below. Afterward, revisit the multi-talents Hummingbird album here.

Quotable Lyrics:

Y’all can have the summer
Top-down in the winter with it
Might cop a crib with a pool in it
Just to have your favourite model skinny-dipping