TikTok confirms plans to shut down unless the Supreme Court delays its US ban.
Unarguably one of the most used social media platforms, TikTok faces a potential shutdown in the U.S. as a new law requires its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the platform. The law, passed with bipartisan support and signed by President Biden, cites national security concerns, alleging that the Chinese government could access user data or influence content. TikTok denies these claims, arguing that the law violates free speech rights. The case has now reached the Supreme Court, where arguments are being heard. TikTok announced it will cease U.S. operations by January 19 unless the Court delays or overturns the ban. The deadline adds urgency, with analysts warning that even a brief interruption could cost the platform a third of its U.S. users and significant ad revenue. As the Court’s decision looms, content creators fear disruption to their livelihoods. This landmark case highlights the tension between national security and free speech, with far-reaching implications.
TikTok confirms it will shut down in the United States on January 19th unless the Supreme Court strikes down or postpones law requiring it to be sold. pic.twitter.com/gcZGhMiwRZ
— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 9, 2025
Megan Thee Stallion granted a 5-year restraining order against Tory Lanez.
American rapper, Megan Thee Stallion has secured a five-year restraining order against Tory Lanez, who is serving a 10-year prison sentence for shooting her in July 2020. The order, effective until January 9, 2030, bars Lanez from harassing, intimidating, or threatening Megan and requires him to stay at least 100 yards away from her. During a court hearing in Los Angeles, Megan testified via Zoom about the ongoing emotional toll of Lanez’s alleged harassment, which she claims has continued from prison. She accused Lanez of paying bloggers to spread false information and undermine her credibility, citing payments to a blogger she is suing for cyberstalking and emotional distress. Megan described struggling with anxiety, isolation, and fear for her safety, stating, “Even from behind bars, he keeps showing me that he can get to me.” Lanez’s lawyer criticized the ruling as an infringement on free speech.
Megan Thee Stallion has been granted a five-year restraining order against Tory Lanez, she says she fears for her safety upon his release:
“I feel like maybe he’ll shoot me again, and maybe this time I won’t make it.” pic.twitter.com/9pV6bXVymv
— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 10, 2025
Swae Lee set to be featured on Shallipopi’s upcoming project.
Nigerian artist Shallipopi is set to release his highly anticipated third studio album in 2025, with a major surprise collaboration featuring multi-platinum rapper Swae Lee. This marks a significant milestone in Shallipopi’s career as his first major international collaboration. The news was confirmed during a video call between the two artists, with a circulating screenshot sparking widespread excitement among fans. Music enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting this partnership, as Swae Lee’s unique blend of rap and melody is expected to complement Shallipopi’s innovative take on Afrobeats. Known for his vibrant sound and creative lyrics, Shallipopi’s collaboration with Swae Lee promises a genre-blending masterpiece that could broaden his international appeal. This exciting announcement has heightened anticipation for Shallipopi’s upcoming album, positioning it as one of the most eagerly awaited projects of the year. Fans are ready for the global impact this duo may deliver.
Swae Lee will feature on Shallipopi’s forthcoming album, expected for release this year. 💽 pic.twitter.com/9Z1pgweqRa
— 49th. (@the49thstreet) January 9, 2025
Netflix acquires rights to adapt Ana Huang’s romance novel, Twisted Love.
According to new reports, Netflix has secured the rights to adapt Ana Huang’s bestselling romance novel Twisted Love and its sequels into a TV series through a seven-figure option deal. The series will explore the lives of four best friends and their brooding love interests as they navigate dark secrets and emotional barriers to find love. No cast has been announced yet, but if greenlit, the adaptation would join Netflix’s successful romance adaptations like Bridgerton and Virgin River. Huang’s Twisted series, which includes Twisted Love, Twisted Games, Twisted Hate, and Twisted Lies, has sold over 12 million copies worldwide. The debut novel spent 60 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and has been translated into 34 languages. Popular on TikTok’s “BookTok” community, Twisted has amassed over 2 billion views under #TwistedSeries. Huang’s growing catalog includes 13 books and more releases planned for 2025.
Netflix will officially adapt Anna Huang’s bestselling series ‘TWISTED LOVE’ into a TV series.
Follows the lives of four best friends & their brooding love interests, riddled with dark secrets from their pasts, as they overcome the obstacles keeping them apart to fall in love. pic.twitter.com/ZQXd2fFyQq
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) January 9, 2025
The first official trailer of A Working Man has been released.
Amazon MGM Studios has released the first trailer for A Working Man, an action thriller starring Jason Statham and directed by David Ayer, reuniting them after their collaboration on The Beekeeper. Statham plays Levon Cade, a former black ops soldier who has chosen a quiet life in construction. However, when his boss’s daughter is kidnapped by human traffickers, Levon embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue her, uncovering a deeper world of corruption. The film also stars David Harbour, Jason Flemyng, Michael Peña, and others. Based on Chuck Dixon’s 2014 novel Levon’s Trade, the screenplay is adapted by Ayer and Sylvester Stallone. Produced by Ayer, Statham, and Stallone, A Working Man will hit cinemas on March 28.
First trailer for David Ayer’s ‘A WORKING MAN’, a new action thriller starring Jason Statham & written by Sylvester Stallone.
In theaters on March 28. pic.twitter.com/GLzJozOFpe
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) January 9, 2025
