Culture news
Italian Culture Minister shuns Venice Biennale due to Russian pavilion
Moscow has not participated in the Biennale since 2022. This year, it received the approval of the president of the Biennale Foundation, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco. The decision caused tensions within the Italian government and Brussels.
Cinema
'Michael' breaks global box office records despite heavy criticism
International sales are strong, as 'Michael' has collected a $217.4 million global opening - a new high for a music biopic. The film has defied a rocky production, negative reviews, as well as accusations of whitewashing the troubling legacy of the King of Pop.
Culture news
Kanye West's Portugal gig to go ahead despite wave of EU cancellations
Kanye West is scheduled to perform at the Algarve Stadium on 7 August. However, with the cancellation of several shows across Europe, doubts have been growing as to whether the concert will take place. The organisation guarantees that the event will go ahead and points to concerns about sales alone.
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Culture news
Hollywood reacts as shareholders approve Paramount takeover of Warner
The $111 billion deal that would see Paramount Skydance take over Warner Bros. Discovery took another step closer to reality after WBD shareholders voted in favour of the merger. This has only amplified the opposition to the controversial deal...
Cinema
A family affair? Michael Jackson family defend 'Michael' biopic
It could be the film to beat for the title of 2026's most soulless release... But (most of) the Jackson family are defending the MJ biopic 'Michael', which could beat box office records this weekend despite overwhelmingly negative reviews.
Culture news
Under pressure: Will Italy allow Kanye 'Ye' West to perform in July?
The European leg of controversial rapper’s 2026 tour has so far been derailed by several cancellations over his past antisemitic remarks. Gigs in UK, France, Poland and Switzerland have already been axed, and his upcoming Italian concert is now under pressure from trade unions and politicians.
Culture news
Top Russian publisher rejects accusations in 'LGBT extremism' probe
The Kremlin has for years been hardening repressive laws against the LGBTQ community as part of what President Vladimir Putin touts as a drive to promote 'traditional values', including cracking down on films, books, art and culture.
Culture news
Literary controversy: 115 authors exit French publishing house Grasset
More than a hundred writers have announced their departure from the Grasset publishing house following the announcement of the dismissal of its chairman Olivier Nora. They denounce an "ideological war"... Here's everything you need to know.
Culture news
Content warfare and AI 80s French hits: Is Iran out-trolling Trump?
Iran has been turning Donald Trump’s own communication tactics against him with a series of AI-generated videos which have taken the internet by storm. A recent example features a cover of a French hit from the 80s and has raked up more than 8 million views since its publication...
