ANDREW DALTON Entertainment Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

Cardi B wins case filed by security guard who claimed rapper assaulted her

September 2, 2025

A jury has ruled in favor of Cardi B in a lawsuit where a security guard accused her of assault during the rapper’s first pregnancy. On Tuesday, the jury in Alhambra, California, deliberated for about an hour before finding Cardi not liable. Emani Ellis claimed Cardi cut her face with a fingernail and spat on her in a Beverly Hills doctor’s office in February 2018. Cardi admitted they argued but denied it turned physical. Ellis sought damages for medical expenses and emotional suffering. A receptionist supported Cardi’s account, and the jury sided with the rapper.

Cardi B testifies she didn’t touch security guard who’s suing her alleging assault

August 27, 2025

Cardi B has testified in a Los Angeles County court, denying allegations that she injured a security guard during her first pregnancy. The rapper says she didn’t touch Emani Ellis, who claims Cardi cut her face with a fingernail and spat on her. Cardi admitted to being angry during the heated argument because she believed Ellis was outing a pregnancy that was still a secret, but insisted it never turned physical. The incident occurred in February 2018 when Cardi was four months pregnant with her first child with rapper Offset. A receptionist from the doctor’s office supported Cardi’s account, saying she saw no physical fighting.

A new ‘Toxic Avenger’ emerges from the ooze

August 26, 2025

“The Toxic Avenger” is emerging from the muck. A reboot of the 1980s cult superhero franchise is getting a theatrical release two years after its festival premiere. It struggled to find a distributor, but will finally come to movie screens in all its gory glory Friday. Director Macon Blair says he always believed his take on the character would find a way to come out, and he was thrilled that it got the blockbuster treatment at San Diego Comic-Con in July. The film stars Peter Dinklage as the tutu-wearing, mop-wielding title character, and Kevin Bacon and Elijah Wood as its villains.

Lil Nas X jailed on suspicion of charging at police on LA street where he walked nearly naked

August 21, 2025

Police say rapper Lil Nas X has been jailed on suspicion of misdemeanor obstructing a police officer after a run-in with police in Los Angeles. Police say officers responding to reports of a naked man in the street found him walking on a busy boulevard early Thursday. They say he was arrested after charging at the officers. Suspecting a drug overdose, police took him to a hospital before booking him into jail. The 26-year-old Grammy nominee Lil Nas X is best known for his record-setting 2018 hit “Old Town Road.” The rapper’s representatives did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

Raymond Boodarian, charged with the fatal shooting of "American Idol" executive Robin Kaye and her husband Thomas Deluca, appears in court on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Man charged with killing an ‘American Idol’ exec and husband will undergo mental evaluation

August 20, 2025

A man accused of fatally shooting an “American Idol” music supervisor and her husband in Los Angeles will undergo a mental evaluation to determine if he’s fit to stand trial. A judge ruled Wednesday that 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian will be examined by a psychiatrist. Boodarian faces two counts of murder for the deaths of Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca, who investigators say were shot during a burglary on July 10. The judge will consider the evaluation to decide if Boodarian will proceed to trial or be placed in a state hospital. Boodarian’s attorney and the district attorney’s office have not commented.

Dr. Salvador Plasencia leaves federal court on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 in Los Angeles, after pleading guilty to giving ketamine to Matthew Perry, leading up to the actor's 2023 overdose death. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Learn about the 5 people charged in connection with Matthew Perry’s death

August 18, 2025

It has been one year since authorities announced that five people had been indicted for their alleged roles in the overdose deaths of “Friends” star Matthew Perry. All five have now agreed to plead guilty in deals with prosecutors. The most recent was Jasveen Sangha, who who prosecutors say was known as the “Ketamine Queen.” She admitted to selling Perry the lethal dose. Another defendant is Perry’s personal assistant who admitted to acting as a drug messenger and injecting Perry with the ketamine that killed him. Another is a doctor who admitted to illegally providing Perry with large amounts of ketamine in the weeks before his death.

Danielle Spencer, left, and Cheryl Pelt rest at home in Malibu, Calif. after Spencer's release from Santa Monica Hospital on Friday, Sept. 16, 1977. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

Danielle Spencer, who played little sister Dee on ‘What’s Happening!!,’ dies at 60

August 12, 2025

Known for her role as Dee Thomas on the 1970s sitcom “What’s Happening!!,” Danielle Spencer has died at age 60. A family spokesperson said Spencer died Monday after battling cancer for several years. As Dee, she was a deadpan, wisecracking younger sister with a memorable catchphrase, “Ooh, I’m gonna tell mama.” The show aired from 1976 to 1979 and was one of the first on TV to focus on Black teenagers. A major car accident that killed her stepfather left Spencer in a coma for weeks during production of the show. Spencer also appeared in the 1980s reboot “What’s Happening Now!!” and later became a veterinarian.

‘Ketamine Queen’ accused of selling Matthew Perry fatal dose gets September trial date

August 5, 2025

A woman charged with selling Matthew Perry the ketamine dose that killed him is headed for trial in September. Jasveen Sangha’s trial is the only one forthcoming over the “Friends” star’s death after four other defendants reached plea agreements and are cooperating with prosecutors. A federal judge set the trial date for September 23. Sangha, who prosecutors say was known to customers as “The Ketamine Queen,” faces five counts of ketamine distribution, including one resulting in death. She has pleaded not guilty. Sangha was a major target in the investigation, along with Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who pleaded guilty last month.

George Lucas tells Comic-Con crowd his new museum will be ‘a temple to the people’s art’

July 27, 2025

George Lucas has made his first appearance at Comic-Con in San Diego. The 81-year-old got a big ovation from thousands of fans when he took the stage. But he was quietly passionate during the panel on the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, which he co-founded with his wife, Mellody Hobson. The museum, set to open next year in Los Angeles, will feature its share of “Star Wars” art, but original comics art and populist paintings will also be essential to it along with many other historic pieces of culture. The panel included director Guillermo del Toro and was moderated by rapper and actor Queen Latifah.

Ryan Gosling and faceless alien named Rocky wow crowd at ‘Project Hail Mary’ Comic-Con panel

July 26, 2025

Comic-Con has been treated to a sneak peek of “Project: Hail Mary” and got a heavy dose of star Ryan Gosling. A rowdy crowd of thousands in the convention’s Hall went crazy for Gosling and the scenes they saw from the space adventure that’s heavy with science and comedy. Amazon MGM Studios showed the first five minutes and other unfinished scenes from the film, which is set for release in March. The movie features Gosling as a middle school teacher turned reluctant space hero. He partners with Rocky, a stone-shaped alien, on a universe-saving mission. The Comic-Con crowd got a glimpse of Rocky too.

Alec Baldwin talks his love for ‘Peanuts’ and the ‘immeasurable’ effects of his trial

July 25, 2025

Alec Baldwin says the year since his trial ended has been a lot better than the years before it. The actor spoke to The Associated Press at San Diego’s Comic-Con International, where he was part of a panel on 75 years of Charlie Brown and “Peanuts.” Baldwin says he still can’t believe what happened on the day when his trial for involuntary manslaughter in the shooting of a cinematographer fell apart and his case was dismissed. He says he’s become especially philosophical about the things he wants, and that many of them are embodied by Charlie Brown and “Peanuts.” The characters remain a big part of the actor’s life since he still has young children.

President Donald Trump visits the Federal Reserve, Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

‘South Park’ co-creator jokes he’s ‘terribly sorry’ over premiere that drew White House anger

July 25, 2025

“South Park” co-creator Trey Parker has briefly responded to anger from the White House over the season premiere of the animated series. The episode showed a naked President Donald Trump in bed with Satan. Parker said, “We’re terribly sorry,” followed by a long, deadpan-comic stare. Parker was asked for his reaction to the fracas as he sat on the stage at San Diego’s Comic-Con International on Thursday. Earlier in the day, a White House said in a statement that the show “hasn’t been relevant for 20 years” and is “desperate for attention.”

FKA Twigs agrees to settle lawsuit alleging abuse from Shia LaBeouf

July 22, 2025

FKA Twigs and Shia LaBeouf have agreed to settle her lawsuit alleging he was physically and emotionally abusive to her during their relationship. An attorney for the 37-year-old English singer and actor FKA Twigs filed a request Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court to dismiss her case against the 39-year-old American actor. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The two said in a joint statement that they are committed to forging a constructive path forward. The two met when she was cast in his 2018 autobiographical film “Honey Boy” and began a relationship.

Jane’s Addiction bandmates sue each other over onstage fight that ended tour

July 17, 2025

The members of alternative rock band Jane’s Addiction have filed dueling lawsuits after an onstage scuffle last year prompted the cancellation of the band’s tour. Guitarist Dave Navarro and two other members sued singer Perry Farrell in Los Angeles Superior Court. They say Farrell’s behavior on tour was unacceptable and that he punched Navarro both on stage and backstage at a Boston concert in September. Farrell sued in the same court Wednesday, alleging a “yearslong bullying campaign” against him by the other band members. The singer says he was blindsided by the other members’ decision to cancel the remaining 15 shows of the tour and break up.

Disney sues Hong Kong company it says is selling illegal Mickey Mouse jewelry

July 16, 2025

The Walt Disney Co. is suing a Hong Kong jewelry company it accuses of selling illegal Mickey Mouse jewelry. The international entertainment conglomerate filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against the Red Earth Group, which sells jewelry online under the name Satéur. Disney says the marketing and branding of the rings, necklaces and earrings in Satéur’s “Mickey 1928 Collection” violate its trademark rights. The lawsuit alleges the Hong Kong company is trying to fool customers into thinking the pieces are official merchandise. A message seeking comment from the Red Earth Group wasn’t immediately answered. Although the earliest version of Mickey Mouse entered the public domain last year, the company still holds trademarks to the character.

The Emmy nominations are here. ‘Severance,’ ‘The White Lotus’ and ‘Adolescence’ could have a big day

July 14, 2025

The Emmy nominations are nearly here, and “Severance” seems to be the show to beat. The Apple TV+ split-personality series is very likely to get nominations for best drama with lead acting nominations for stars Adam Scott and Britt Lower. “Severance” could get serious competition from fellow dramas “The Pitt” and “The White Lotus.” On the comedy side, another Apple show, Seth Rogen’s Hollywood satire “The Studio,” will vie for reconition with Emmy veterans “Hacks” and “The Bear.” And among limited series, Netflix’s acclaimed “Adolescence” seems likely to dominate both nominations and the awards when they’re handed out on CBS in September.

FILE - This undated photo combination provided by the Los Angeles Police Department shows Mei Haskell, left, and her parents, YanXiang Wang and Gaoshan Li. (Los Angeles Police Department via AP, File)

Los Angeles man dies in jail while awaiting trial for killing and dismemberment of wife, her parents

July 14, 2025

Authorities say a Los Angeles man accused of killing and dismembering his wife, her mother and her stepfather has died in jail while awaiting trial. The LA County district attorney says in a statement Monday that 37-year-old Samuel Bond Haskell was found dead Saturday in his cell in a downtown Los Angeles jail and died by suicide. Haskell is the son of Sam Haskell, a prominent television producer. He had pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder. Prosecutors say he killed the three family members in a house they all shared with his three children. They say Haskell dismembered the bodies and disposed of them in trash bags.

FILE - Former President Barack Obama speaks at the Obama Foundation Democracy Forum, Dec. 5, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)

Larry David teams with the Obamas for HBO US history sketch show for the nation’s 250th

July 10, 2025

Larry David will bring his grumbly sensibility to U.S. history in a team-up with Barack and Michelle Obama for an HBO sketch show. The network announced the new, not-yet-named limited series on Thursday. David, the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” creator and “Seinfeld” co-creator, will act as executive producer, writer and star of the limited series. It will consist of six half-hour episodes and be produced by the Obamas’ company, Higher Ground. David’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” showrunner Jeff Schaffer will co-write and direct episodes. HBO did not give a premiere date, but the show is meant to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary next year.

FILE - Attorney Tom Girardi smiles outside the Los Angeles courthouse, July 9, 2014. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

Former celebrity lawyer Tom Girardi gets 7 years in prison for stealing millions from clients

June 3, 2025

A federal judge sentenced disbarred celebrity lawyer Tom Girardi to seven years and three months in prison for embezzling tens of millions of dollars from his clients, including several with severe physical injuries and families of people killed in accidents. The judge also ordered the 86-year-old Girardi to pay a $35,000 fine and $2.3 million in restitution to former clients. A jury in August found him guilty of four counts of wire fraud. He could have been sentenced to up to 80 years. Girardi is the estranged husband of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Erika Jayne and appeared on the show himself dozens of times.

Marc Maron to end his ‘WTF’ podcast after 15 years of interviewing comics, actors, musicians, Obama

June 2, 2025

Comic and actor Marc Maron says he’s ending his popular and influential podcast “WTF with Marc Maron” after nearly 16 years. Maron said on the show released Monday that the final episode will drop in the fall. Maron says he and longtime producing partner Brendan McDonald are “burnt out” but “utterly satisfied with the work” they’ve done. Maron was a veteran standup comic who had dabbled in radio when he started the show in 2009. It stood out with its thoughtful, probing longform interviews of cultural figures and reached a peak when then-President Barack Obama visited Maron’s makeshift Los Angeles garage studio for an episode in 2015.

Alf Clausen, Emmy-winning composer who wrote music for ‘The Simpsons’ for 27 years, dies at 84

May 30, 2025

Al Clausen, the Emmy-winning composer who provided the music for “The Simpsons” for 27 years, has died at age 84. Clausen’s daughter says he died in Los Angeles on Thursday. Clausen began providing the music for the animated antics of “The Simpsons” in its second season in 1990, and wrote the scores for nearly 600 episodes. He won two Emmys and was nominated for 30. He also composed the music for the TV series “Moonlighting” and “Alf.” “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening once called Clausen “one of the unacknowledged treasures of the show.”

Jimmy Wayne Carwyle appears during an arraignment in Los Angeles, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, Pool)

Judge finds man charged with stalking Jennifer Aniston is mentally incompetent to stand trial

May 29, 2025

A man charged with stalking Jennifer Aniston and crashing his car through the front gate of her home has been found mentally incompetent to stand trial. A Los Angeles County judge made the ruling at a hearing Thursday. It came after a second doctor found 48-year-old Jimmy Wayne Carwyle not mentally fit to face charges of felony stalking and vandalism. Carwyle has pleaded not guilty. He’ll now undergo more comprehensive examinations to determine how and where he’ll be held and treated, and Aniston or her lawyer will be able to speak at a hearing in June. The incompetence finding is not permanent. A standard criminal process can resume later.

Man charged with stalking Jennifer Aniston found mentally incompetent for trial

May 22, 2025

A man charged with stalking Jennifer Aniston and crashing his car through the front gate of her home has been found mentally incompetent to stand trial, but he has demanded a second opinion at a court hearing. Jimmy Wayne Carwyle a 48-year-old from Mississippi, appeared at a Hollywood courthouse that specializes in mental health cases on Thursday. He had a long, gray beard and wore blue suicide-prevention jail clothing. He has pleaded not guilty to felony stalking and vandalism. His attorney told a judge that one psychiatrist found Carwyle incompetent, but he’s exercising his right to an evaluation from another doctor.

ANDREW DALTON Entertainment Writer.