Reese Witherspoon responds to AI video backlash
Reese Witherspoon has responded to backlash over a social media video in which she appeared to support learning about artificial intelligence (AI). Taking to her Instagram Stories, she clarified that no one is paying her to speak about AI and described herself as “just a curious human.” She said her intention was to highlight how AI is being used across industries and encouraged people to learn about it, especially as younger generations are already using such tools. Witherspoon acknowledged public concerns, including job displacement, environmental impact, and the rise of advanced AI systems, saying these worries are “valid.” She stressed that she does not believe computers should replace humans and plans to educate herself further on the technology. In her original video, she urged people to understand AI basics so they do not fall behind, noting that many people still lack familiarity with it despite its growing presence in daily life. (IANS)
Kanye West’s upcoming gig in Italy triggers uproar
Kanye West is facing fresh controversy as his planned performance at Italy’s Hellwag Festival on July 18 draws criticism over his past antisemitic remarks. The concert in Reggio Emilia, expected to host up to 103,000 people, follows cancellations of his shows across the UK, France, Switzerland, and Poland. Jewish groups, anti-fascist organisations, unions, and politicians are calling for the event to be scrapped. European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno urged the Italian government to act, citing previous cancellations in other countries. Reggio Emilia’s mayor has distanced the city from West’s statements but said approval rests with Italy’s Interior Ministry. The backlash is linked to West’s history of offensive remarks and social media activity, which has repeatedly sparked global condemnation. (IANS)
Twinkle: ‘Mat kar’ is Akshay’s only input to her writing career
Author Twinkle Khanna has said that husband Akshay Kumar’s “only contribution” to her writing career is telling her “mat karna” (don’t do it) when she discusses ideas for her columns. She joked that his constant caution against certain topics is his biggest input in her creative process. Speaking on World Book Day, Twinkle reflected on her writing journey, saying she uses her work to challenge social conditioning and highlight often-overlooked realities. She noted that her experiences in films and growing up in a literary family shaped her perspective and love for language. The author, known for books like Mrs Funnybones and The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad, also shared her admiration for writers such as Arundhati Roy, Haruki Murakami, and Jhumpa Lahiri, and revealed she still struggles to finish a book she started at 18. (IANS)
Jon Favreau admits he was wrong about Iron Man’s Endgame death
Filmmaker Jon Favreau has admitted he was wrong in initially opposing the decision to kill Tony Stark in Avengers: Endgame. Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Favreau said he had warned directors Anthony and Joe Russo that fans might react negatively to Iron Man’s death, as the character had a deep emotional connection with audiences. However, he ultimately praised the execution, calling the performances by Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow “wonderful” and saying the ending added real poignancy. Favreau, who launched the MCU with Iron Man (2008), said he became emotional while watching the film. He also noted that Downey’s legacy continues as he returns to the MCU as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, adding that he is excited to see it. (IANS)
