A MOVIE theater in the southeast-ern U.S. state of Tennessee has decided to discontinue its annual screening of “Gone With the Wind” after receiving complaints over the fi lm’s racial content, local media has reported.

The Orpheum Theater in Mem-phis said that the 1939 classic romance fi lm will not be shown during its summer series in 2018.

The theater’s recent screening of the fi lm Aug. 11, one day ahead of a rally by white nationalists in Charlottesville, Virginia, generated a number of online complaints.

Some patrons and commenters criticized the fi lm’s depiction of black people as a glorifi cation of slavery in America’s southern plantations.

“As an organization whose stated mission is to ‘entertain, educate and enlighten the communities it serves,’ the Orpheum cannot show a fi lm that is insensitive to a large segment of its local population,” said Brett Batterson, president of the Orpheum Theater Group, in a statement.

The cancellation has prompted a mixed response, with fans of the Oscar-winning fi lm decrying the decision as “censorship” and others voicing support and under-standing.

At the 12th Academy Awards in 1940, “Gone With the Wind” set a record for Academy Award wins and nominations.

(Xinhua)

TAYLOR SWIFT’S vengeful new music video “Look What You Made Me Do,” is smashing records on YouTube, garnering more than 43 million views in its fi rst 24 hours of release.

YouTube said Tuesday it was the big-gest debut of any video in YouTube his-tory, beating the 36 million mark set by South Korean singer Psy’s “Gentleman” for that time frame in 2013.

“Look What You Made Me Do,” in which Swift takes aim at those who have attacked her professionally and person-ally in the last 10 years, has been heavily scrutinized by fans and entertainment media since it was premiered at the MTV Video Music Awards show Sunday.

YouTube said the video averaged over

30,000 views per minute in its fi rst 24 hours, with hourly views reaching over 3 million. The rapping, techno-beat single is the fi rst from a new Swift album due for release in November called “Reputation.”

Swift has some way to go before breaking the all-time YouTube music video, which is held by Luis Fonsi’s 2017 global hit “Despacito,” which surpassed the 3 bil-lion mark in early August. (SD-Agencies)

SURVIVING members of Lynyrd Sky-nyrd won a permanent injunction block-ing the production and distribution of a movie depicting the 1977 plane crash that killed the rock band’s lead singer, Ronnie Van Zant.

In a decision made public Monday, U.S. District Judge Robert Sweet in Manhattan said “Street Survivors: The True Story of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash,” based on recollections of former drummer Artimus Pyle, violated a 1988 consent order governing the use of the Lynyrd Skynyrd name.

The lawsuit had been brought against Pyle and co-defendant Cleopa-

tra Records Inc. by lead guitarist Gary Rossington, lead singer and Van Zant’s brother, Johnny Van Zant, and heirs of Ronnie Van Zant and the late guitarists

Steve Gaines and Allen Collins.Sweet issued his 64-page decision

after a non-jury trial July 11-12. Law-yers for Cleopatra and the plaintiffs did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Pyle could not be reached for comment, and, according to court records, did not hire a lawyer.

Lynyrd Skynyrd is known for such songs as “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird,” which were recorded before its touring plane crashed in Mississippi on Oct. 20, 1977. The crash killed Ronnie Van Zant, Gaines and four others. Twenty people, including Pyle, survived. (SD-Agencies)

16 x ENtertainmentCONTACT US AT: 8351-9409, YWENNSONG@HOTMAIL.COM

Thursday August 31, 2017

BEYONCE has pledged to “help as many” victims of Hurricane Harvey as she can, as her home city of Houston, Texas, braces

itself for more rainfall.“I remain in constant prayer for those

affected and for the rescuers who have been so brave and determined to do so much to help,” the star said.

She added that she was working with her charity and her pastor “to implement a plan to help.”

Houston in the United States has been hit by unprecedented levels of rain, with more set to come.

Offi cials estimate that more than 30,000 residents need shelter. At least nine have died in the Houston area.

Other stars including Kim Kardashian West and Kevin Hart have also vowed to help.

Beyonce, who grew up in the city’s his-toric Third Ward, is famously proud of her Texan roots, referencing Houston in multiple songs, including “Run the World (Girls),” “Formation” and “Flawless.” She fi lmed the video for “Blow” in the city’s

Funplex roller skating rink — where she had one of her fi rst dates.

On Monday, she posted an Instagram tribute to Houston, telling residents they were in her prayers, while posing with a Texas fl ag.

The star’s BeyGOOD foundation was established in 2013 and partners with global charities to provide housing, food and medical assistance to those in need.

Meanwhile, West said she and her sisters and their mother were donating US$500,000 to the Red Cross and Sal-vation Army, writing: “Houston we are praying for you!”

Country star Chris Young pledged US$100,000 to relief efforts, while come-dian Kevin Hart donated US$25,000 and urged others to follow his lead.

Other artists including Drake and Travis Scott have sent direct aid and messages of support to Texas since the storm began.

Coldplay, who had to postpone a con-cert in Houston last week because of the hurricane, has also written a song for those affected by the fl oods.

(SD-Agencies)

Beyonce offers aid to Houston flood victims

Judge blocks new movie about Lynyrd Skynyrd

Taylor Swift’s new music video makes biggest YouTube debut ever

US theater cancels ‘Gone With the Wind’ as racially insensitive

A scene from the music video “Look What You Made Me Do.” SD-Agencies

Members of Lynyrd Skynyrd after performing in Los Angeles on Feb. 13, 2005. File photo

Beyonce