Goldman Sachs CEO quits DJing due to “criticism that his hobby created a distraction from his work”

Emily Longeretta Great American Family‘s biggest time of the year is here. The network, run by former Hallmark CEO Bill Abbott, is leaning in to the holiday season big time, after seeing a year of massive growth. According to the year-over-year data, GAF is up 150% in total viewers in 2023 compared to 2022, and the success can be credited to multiple factors, Abbott tells Variety.

Todd Spangler NY Digital Editor Tech giant Meta‘s advertising business is roaring back, as the parent of Facebook and Instagram exceeded Wall Street’s third-quarter 2023 earnings forecasts. Meta reported Q3 revenue of $34.15 billion, up 23%, and net income more than doubling to $11.58 billion (or $4.39 per share). The results come after the company suffered year-over-year revenue declines in the last nine months of 2022, leading CEO Mark Zuckerberg to slash more than 21,000 jobs.

Thania Garcia Good energy, hopeful wishes and plant-based treats nourished the intimate crowd of invited guests at Support+Feed’s first-ever annual fundraiser and dinner in Los Angeles on Oct. 24.

Gene Maddaus Senior Media Writer The CEOs of four major entertainment companies offered SAG-AFTRA on Tuesday an improved bonus for the most-watched streaming shows, as well as higher increases in minimum rates. But the studios are still not offering a cut of total streaming revenue, which the actors union has made the centerpiece of its demands to end its 104-day strike. SAG-AFTRA is expected to deliver its response to the studios’ latest proposal today.

Anna Tingley If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission. Ever wanted to live in the universe of your favorite movie or T.V show, at least for a day or two? Now you can, thanks to Airbnb.

Karen Idelson This year’s AFI Fest is back in full glory, featuring a rich lineup of critical favorites plus a slate of five films curated by guest artistic director Greta Gerwig, whose latest film, “Barbie” has grossed $1.4 billion. Returning to Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre and screening films from October 25-29, the event will feature Gerwig’s curated list of films: “All That Jazz,” “An American in Paris,” “A Matter of Life and Death,” “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” and “Wings of Desire.” AFI Fest will also screen the U.S.

Brian Steinberg Senior TV Editor Endeavor Group, the parent of the WME talent agency and a significant shareholder in the new TKO combat-sports business, said it would launch a “strategic review” of its assets in a bid to find new ways to boost shareholder value. “Given the continued dislocation between Endeavor’s public market value and the intrinsic value of Endeavor’s underlying assets, we believe an evaluation of strategic alternatives is a prudent approach to ensure we are maximizing value for our shareholders,” said Ariel Emanuel, CEO of Endeavor, in a prepared statement.

The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan has shared a message praying for “peace and love” as he battles ongoing health issues.The iconic frontman has been dealing with health issues since last year. He was hospitalised in early December with an infection but was released home in time for his birthday on Christmas Day and for the New Year celebrations.He shared a message to his fans on December 3, 2022, saying: “Hi friends, I’m sitting here suffering from encephalitis.

System Of A Down drummer John Dolmayan has claimed he has lost friends as well as “hundreds of thousands of fans” due to his controversial opinions.Dolmayan first courted controversy for his opinions when he became a vocal supporter of Donald Trump before and while he was in the White House in stark contrast to the band’s frontman Serj Tankian, who staunchly crticised Trump and even called for his resignation. Dolmayan insisted, however, there was “no danger whatsoever” of him being fired from System Of A Down.He drew further ire for saying Black Lives Matter “never had legitimacy” and was a “propaganda tool” for the Democrat Party, and for arguing that the COVID-19 pandemic “has always been about money”.Now, Dolmayan has reflected on what his “unwillingness” to accept the “narratives” those close to him believed in have cost him in a new Instagram post.“I lost people that I thought were friends over the last few years primarily due to my unwillingness to accept the narratives they are now questioning the validity of,” he wrote.

Pep Guardiola says he made wholesale changes to his Manchester City side to keep his full squad involved during this busy period of the season.

Stunning pictures have given a first look of the ‘breathtaking’ views from a new Manchester skyscraper. The images taken by a construction worker show sweeping 360 degree views across the city centre from the top of the 51-storey Three60 building next to the Mancunian Way.

Strictly Come Dancing viewers are begging bosses for a 'rule change' after Amanda Abbington quit the BBC dance contest earlier this week. The Sherlock actress, 49, has left the competition ahead of Halloween week, which came after she was unable to perform with her partner Giovanni Pernice on last weekend's show due to 'medical reasons'.

It’s official: Hou Hsiao-hsien has retired from filmmaking. Deadline reports that the Taiwanese filmmaker’s family released a statement earlier this week that confirms he’s retiring after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

What’s Sean Baker have in store for audiences next? Variety has the scoop there, reporting that the “Red Rocket” director teams up with FilmNation Entertainment again for his upcoming film “Anora.” And the movie is already in post-production, although plot details remain under wraps. As for who stars in Baker’s latest, there’s one confirmed name: Mikey Madison, who audiences will recognize from “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood…” and “Scream 5.” READ MORE: Sean Baker Warns “Censorship” Could Be Coming To American Cinema As He Wraps Production On His Newest Film Baker shot his upcoming film in Brooklyn earlier this year.

What happens when historical figures meet, especially ones as legendary in their professions as Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis? “Freud’s Last Session” answers that question as the two men come together for a debate on God, their perceptions of God’s existence, and related religious concepts as World War II approaches.

For many years, Quentin Tarantino has promised he’ll retire after he directs his tenth feature film. And he’s already working on it, although production on “The Film Critic” will delayed as long as the SAG-AFTRA guild strike continues.

Dermot O'Leary, the host of This Morning, was told to "shut up" by viewers after he interrupted a guest's heartbreaking story about surviving a terrorist attack. The former X Factor presenter, 50, was hosting the popular ITV daytime show with Alison Hammond on Wednesday (October 25) when they interviewed Steven Gallant, one of the brave individuals who confronted a terrorist during the London Bridge stabbing incident in November 2019. Steven shared his experience of being at a networking event at Fishmonger's Hall in central London when the attack occurred.

A lad stole a Range Rover from a Manchester Airport car park before leading a police helicopter on a 150 mph chase. Sam Toms, 19, and another unknown man were seen on CCTV at the Terminal 2 multi-storey, messing with the back of the Range Rover Sport before driving it away.

Britney Spears gets real about one of her most infamous moments in The Woman In Me — the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards.

. In fact, the American singer is one of those icons capable of centralizing attention and writing pages of history in both music and fashion.For example, it’s impossible not to remember Spears’s much-talked-about, total denim couple look, sported with then-partner Justin Timberlake, which she wore for the 2001 American Music Awards.

Warner Bros. Discovery is restructuring its Global Brands, Franchises, and Experiences — overseeing worldwide consumer products, themed entertainment, franchise management and DC Comics businesses – following the departure of the division’s president Pam Lifford.

Stand-up comic Nate Bargatze, whose family-friendly routines have earned him the reputation as the Nicest Guy In Comedy, shows an entirely different side of himself in today’s Saturday Night Live promo.

EXCLUSIVE: Comedian Patricia “Ms. Pat” Williams is commanding the court on BET.

drug-induced robbery scheme that is alleged to have led to the deaths of two gay men in New York City last year has pleaded guilty to robbery, grand larceny, and identity theft charges, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.Eddie Ashley, 30, is alleged to have been part of a scheme that targeted at least 16 nightclub patrons from September 2021 to August 2022, resulting in the overdose-related deaths of 25-year-old social worker Julio Ramirez and 34-year-old John Umberger, a political consultant from Washington, D.C. Both Ramirez and Umberger were seen leaving gay bars with a group of other men, only to be found dead hours later.Part of the scheme involved the suspects drugging their victims with a substance that made them compliant and then using their incapacitated bodies and facial recognition technology to unlock their cell phones and access bank accounts to rob them.Ashley, who faced charges related to four separate incidents, including the drugging scheme, had previously pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.On Monday, he changed his plea to guilty.Terrence Grifferty, Ashley’s attorney, confirmed his client’s guilty plea, telling NBC News that Ashley is expected to be sentenced to nine years in state prison on November 20.He is currently being held at Rikers Island jail, but declined to comment further on the case or answer whether his client had accepted a plea deal.Umberger’s mother, Linda Clary — who has been critical of how the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has handled the case — said she was grateful that Ashley was willing to admit his guilt in the robbery scheme, adding that he should face consequences for his actions.

John Stamos is speaking out in response to his ex-girlfriend Teri Copley‘s reaction to his cheating accusation.

Biggs Chris and Summer Hawkins have reportedly split just weeks before they are due to welcome their first child together.

Holly Willoughby is reportedly planning a move abroad to provide some normalcy for her family.

Sainsbury's shoppers have been reminded that there's a major change coming to Nectar Cards set to come into effect this week.

Since first arriving on our screens back in March 2021, EastEnders star James Farrar has captured the heart of the nation with his portrayal of Zack Hudson in the iconic BBC soap. The 36 year old actor has delighted audiences at home with Zack’s antics over the years, which have included a selection of very rocky romances with everyone from Nancy Carter to Sam Mitchell, Janine Butcher and most recently Whitney Dean.

Emmerdale icon Sammy Winward is returning to TV, eight years after quitting the ITV soap to pursue a "normal" career. Sammy, 38, joined Emmerdale as Katie Sugden in 2001 when she was just 15 years old and was introduced as Andy Sugden’s first girlfriend. She was at the heart of some dramatic storylines over the years which saw her get married, have numerous affairs and suffer a miscarriage, as well as shattering her pelvis after a fall.

Caroline Brew editor Kasia Walicka Maimone first collaborated with Wes Anderson while designing costumes for his 2012 film “Moonrise Kingdom.” The film’s Boy Scout uniforms, Peter Pan collars and knee-high socks defined the film’s aesthetic and inspired Halloween costumes for years to come. The two reunited for Anderson’s series of Netflix shorts, creating a visual world to represent the Roald Dahl short stories from which they are adapted.

William Earl For the first time, Variety will host the Inclusion Gathering, presented by the Ruderman Family Foundation, a breakfast on November 2 in Los Angeles featuring conversations that explore how the entertainment industry is developing and producing storytelling that features characters with disabilities and storylines that tie into the disability community. The event will gather leaders in the entertainment industry to discuss how Hollywood can best advocate for the inclusion of the disabled creative community across all categories of entertainment.

Taking Back Sunday have shared new single ‘Keep Going’ – with vocalist Adam Lazzara and guitarist John Nolan talking to NME about embracing pop for their “shiny” new album ‘152’, not wanting to celebrate the past and the much-needed community that playing live offers.The band’s eighth studio album ‘152’ is out this Friday (October 27) and “feels different” to what’s come before, according to Lazzara. “Going into the record, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make sure everything was miles away from anything we’d done before.”“When you’ve been doing this for as long as we have, there’s a danger it’ll get to a point where nobody cares that you’re putting out new music,” continued Nolan.

Spotify have announced that less popular tracks won’t earn any royalties whatsoever, despite the company reporting better-than-expected third-quarter profits and subscriber gains.The Swedish streaming service gained an extra 6million paying subscribers from June to September, bringing its total to 226million. This exceeds its forecast that their paid subscriber levels would pass the 224million mark.Despite these gains, however, Billboard reports that Spotify is restructuring its royalty system and plans to de-monetize tracks that had previously received 0.5% of Spotify’s royalty pool.” The plans will reportedly be implemented early next year.The changes in the royalty system are set to benefit more established artists and labels, while the biggest difference from the old system is that a track will need to reach a minimum number of annual streams before it starts generating royalties.Spotify is reportedly also planning to crack down on “fraud” and will issue financial penalties against distributors and labels it deems guilty of this.

New internet safety laws that have been years in the making could come into force as soon as this week. The chief executive of Ofcom said she expects the Online Safety Bill to receive royal assent tomorrow.

The NHS ombudsman has warned that hospital failings are leading to too many deaths from sepsis. Errors include delays in diagnosing and treating the condition, poor communication between healthcare staff, sub-standard record keeping and missed opportunities for follow-up care.