Culture news
Venice opera house fires new music director after 'offensive' comments
Famous Venice opera house Teatro La Fenice has fired the incoming music director Beatrice Venezi after months of protests and following “repeated and serious public statements that were offensive and harmful” to the theater.
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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.
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.
