Smokey Robinson, the 85-year-old Motown legend, has been accused of sexual assault by four former employees in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on May 6. The women allege sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender-based violence, and maintaining a hostile work environment.

According to documents cited by People magazine, the plaintiffs claim the alleged misconduct was intentional and showed blatant disregard for their rights and well-being. The lawsuit also names Robinson’s wife, Frances Robinson, with one accuser—identified as Jane Doe 1—stating that Frances was aware of her husband’s prior alleged misconduct but failed to intervene, even after previous settlements with other women.

Jane Doe 1 alleges multiple incidents of sexual harassment and assault beginning in March 2023. Jane Doe 2 said she was forced to quit in 2020 after enduring repeated harassment and assaults that began in 2016. Jane Doe 3, a housekeeper from 2012 to 2024, claims she was raped from behind at least 20 times and eventually resigned. A fourth woman, also a housekeeper who began working in 2006, says she quit last year due to similar repeated abuse.

The plaintiffs are seeking over US$50 million in damages. As of now, Robinson has not publicly responded to the allegations. In a separate recent interview with The Guardian, Robinson spoke about love and relationships, stating that people are capable of loving more than one person at a time, though society has stigmatized the idea. He said, “It’s not about someone being unworthy—it’s about feelings,” and suggested that if people could control love, they wouldn't risk emotional vulnerability.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Instagram/Smokey Robinson.

Hulk Hogan is launching a new wrestling company called Real American Freestyle in collaboration with fellow WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff, with whom he previously worked during their time at WCW in the mid-90s. The company, described as an “unscripted freestyle wrestling league,” was announced via a press release highlighting the duo's ambition to revolutionize the world of wrestling by combining innovation, entertainment, and a focus on one of the world’s most popular styles of the sport.

Hogan, who will serve as commissioner of RAF, expressed his enthusiasm by stating that American freestyle wrestlers are among the most disciplined and skilled athletes, yet haven’t had a proper professional platform to shine. He added that he and Eric know how to generate the kind of excitement that draws fans in, promising that Real American Freestyle will become essential viewing for wrestling enthusiasts.

The promotion is backed by venture firm Left Lane Capital and plans to host its first event in August. The league will feature eight weight classes, with eight men’s matches and four for women on each card. Bischoff, acting as Chief Media Officer, emphasized his deep respect for the athletes and pointed out that freestyle wrestling has long deserved broader recognition. He noted that the league aims not only to entertain but also to elevate the entire sport through compelling storytelling and top-tier performances.

This project marks the first time Hogan and Bischoff have officially worked together since WCW’s closure in 2000. Unlike WWE, which is centered around sports entertainment, RAF appears to focus more on athletic competition, with storytelling elements used to highlight the wrestlers and their journeys.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Instagram/Hulk Hogan.

Mckenna Grace has been cast in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, where she will play Maysilee Donner, a fellow District 12 Tribute alongside Haymitch Abernathy. The 18-year-old actress joins Joseph Zada, who will portray Haymitch, and Whitney Peak, who will play his girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird. The role of Maysilee Donner was highly coveted, as it was seen as the closest character to Katniss Everdeen, the role that made Jennifer Lawrence a star in the original Hunger Games films.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is based on Suzanne Collins' upcoming 2025 novel, which is the second installment in her prequel trilogy. The story takes place 24 years before the events of the first Hunger Games book and focuses on Haymitch Abernathy, who becomes a tribute in the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

Directed by Francis Lawrence, with a screenplay by Billy Ray, the film will be produced by Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson of Color Force, with Cameron MacConomy serving as executive producer. The movie is set to release in theaters in November 2026. On April 23, it was revealed that Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak had joined the cast, with Zada playing Haymitch Abernathy, a role previously portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the original films. Erin Westerman, Co-President of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, praised their performances, highlighting their talent and emotional depth.

Westerman stated, "Haymitch has always been a fan favorite, and his origin story is highly anticipated. His relationship with Lenore Dove is central to Panem’s emotional history." Producer Nina Jacobson also emphasized the extensive search to find the right actors for the roles of young Haymitch and Lenore Dove. "Jo prepared extensively and stole our hearts, while Whitney took our breath away as Lenore Dove," Jacobson added. "When we saw them together, we knew we had found the perfect match."
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Instagram/Mckenna Grace.

Following the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, which triggered widespread public outrage and calls for a boycott, songs from the upcoming film Abir Gulaal, featuring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, have been taken down from YouTube. The tracks, titled “Khudaaya Ishq” and “Angrezi Rangrasiya,” were removed in response to mounting criticism over the involvement of both Indian and Pakistani artists in the project.

Released earlier this month, the songs were deleted from the official YouTube channel of A Richer Lens Entertainment and Saregama’s platform by April 25. This move came amid growing backlash on social media, where many voiced anger over the cross-border collaboration. Earlier in the week, the filmmakers had announced a new song, “Tain Tain,” but it has not yet been released online. In response to the attack, India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has reportedly banned the release of Abir Gulaal, which was originally scheduled to hit theatres on May 9. The film, directed by Aarti S Bagdi, also stars Lisa Haydon, Riddhi Dogra, Farida Jalal, Soni Razdan, and Parmeet Sethi.

Following the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district — which claimed 26 lives and injured many more — actors Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor expressed their grief on social media. Fawad called the attack “heinous” and extended prayers for the victims’ families, while Vaani described feeling “numb” and “devastated” by the tragedy.

In the aftermath, India responded with strict measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post, revocation of SAARC Visa Exemptions, cancellation of Pakistani visas, and a ban on Pakistan’s official X account within India. Pakistani citizens in India were also asked to leave within 48 hours. Pakistan condemned India’s actions, labeling the water treaty vital for its 240 million citizens. In retaliation, Pakistan halted all trade with India and warned of suspending the 1971 Simla Agreement — a key diplomatic framework between the two nations.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.

Douglas Tseng, editor at 8days, collaborates with Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin to discuss and recommend the most exciting movies and TV shows to watch over the weekend, offering insights into what’s worth your time and attention.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

In ‘Culture Club,’ Melanie Oliveiro interviews actors from WICKED the musical, currently playing at MBS’ Sands Theatre. Simon Burke discusses his role as The Wizard, revealing the character’s hidden complexities. Paul Hanlon shares insights on playing Dr. Dillamond, a talking goat and professor at Shiz University. Hanlon also serves as The Wizard’s understudy, while Burke reflects on key moments from his 51-year career in entertainment.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA News.