Warner Bros likely to reject nearly $140b Paramount bid, back Netflix in bidding war, sources say
Warner Bros Discovery’s board could announce a decision as early as Dec 17 on Paramount Skydance’s US$108.4 billion (S$139.7 billion) takeover bid, with the board likely to advise shareholders to vote against the offer, according to sources familiar with the matter, Reuters reported.
The decision to recommit to Netflix’s buyout offer would mark the latest twist in the race for assets that include Warner Bros’ storied film and TV studio, and its extensive film and television library.
Its portfolio includes classics from Casablanca and Citizen Kane to contemporary favourites like Harry Potter and Friends, HBO and the HBO Max streaming service, according to Reuters.
Carey to sing at Winter Olympics opening ceremony
American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey will perform at the opening ceremony of next year's Winter Olympics, BBC reported.
The five-time Grammy award winner will be one of the "leading performers" for the event at Milan's San Siro stadium - the home of football clubs Inter and AC Milan - on Friday, 6 February.
The Games in Milan and Cortina run from 6-22 February.
Athletes will be able to participate in the ceremony from other venues in Milan, Cortina, Valtellina and Val di Fiemme, according to BBC.
Hollywood director Rob Reiner and wife Michele found dead in LA home
Legendary Hollywood film-maker and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele have been found dead in their Los Angeles home, BBC reported.
Authorities are investigating the incident as an apparent homicide after police and firefighters were called to the couple's house on Sunday afternoon in an upmarket neighbourhood of LA.
Reiner is known for directing classic films including The Princess Bride, This is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally, Misery and A Few Good Men, according to BBC.
Arjun Rampal gets engaged
Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal announced his engagement to long-term partner, model and actress Gabriella Demetriades, following six years of dating. The couple shared the news with fans after a candid conversation with actor Rhea Chakraborty, in which Demetriades clarified they are “not married now,” and Rampal confirmed they are “engaged.”
Rampal and Demetriades, who began dating in 2019, are parents to two sons, Arik and Arav. Gabriella, a South African model and actress, has worked on major fashion runways and high-profile campaigns while also pursuing acting projects. They have shared the glimpse of their life online with pictures. The engagement has seen an amazing support and celebratory messages, marking the next chapter in their life together.
