Reuters Entertainment News Summary
Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs.
Special prosecutor to review actor Jussie Smollett's case: judge
A judge in Chicago on Friday named a special prosecutor to probe the case involving former "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett's allegation that he was the victim of a racist attack, which authorities have ruled a hoax. Cook County Judge Michael Toomin appointed former U.S. Attorney Dan Webb to investigate the case.
Five people killed in stampede at Algiers rap concert
At least five people were killed in a stampede at a packed rap concert in the Algerian capital on Thursday night, a hospital source said. Thousands had gathered at the concert of local rap star Abderraouf Derradji, known as "Soolking", in a stadium in Algiers.
Rockin 'n' rollin on Mars: Rolling Stones have space rock named after them
The Rolling Stones have rocked stages around the world in their more than 50-year career. But now their influence has gone into space after NASA's Mars InSight Mission named a rock on the planet after the band. Slightly larger than a golf ball, the "Rolling Stones Rock" is said to have rolled some 3 feet (1 meter), spurred by the InSight spacecraft's thrusters during touchdown on Mars in November, NASA said.
Ewan McGregor to return as Obi-Wan in new 'Star Wars' streaming TV series
Ewan McGregor will reprise his "Star Wars" role as Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi in a series for the upcoming Disney+ streaming service, the actor announced to fans of the beloved movie franchise on Friday. McGregor surprised the crowd at Walt Disney Co's D23 Expo fan convention, walking on stage to loud cheers and applause. The Scottish actor said he was relieved that he could finally reveal he would return to the role.
Harvey Weinstein to be arraigned again ahead of criminal trial
Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday morning on an indictment in connection with his upcoming criminal trial, a spokesman for the Manhattan district attorney said on Thursday. The contents of the indictment could not immediately be determined. The spokesman for Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance declined to comment on the substance of the indictment.
Twerking hillbilly? Yes. Cheater and liar? No, says Miley Cyrus
Pop star Miley Cyrus on Thursday said she was no angel, but angrily denied rumors she had cheated on her estranged husband, actor Liam Hemsworth. In a series of postings on Twitter a day after Hemsworth filed for divorce after just seven months of marriage, the 26-year-old singer said she had nothing to hide.
