Entertainment
Actors Strike Against AI Use in Video Games
Hollywood performers are poised to strike against major video game companies like Activision, Warner Bros, and Walt Disney over concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) usage in gaming. This action follows a year and a half of negotiations between the companies and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), which represents over 2,500 video game performers.
While both parties have reached agreements on key issues such as wages and job safety, the use of AI technology remains a significant point of contention. SAG-AFTRA, which previously initiated a strike that paralyzed Hollywood last year, is now challenging the gaming industry. The union fears that studios might use generative AI to replicate performers’ voices and physical appearances to animate video game characters without fair compensation.
SAG-AFTRA expressed concerns, stating, “Although agreements have been reached on many issues… the employers refuse to plainly affirm, in clear and enforceable language, that they will protect all performers covered by this contract in their AI language.” The union added, “We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our members.”
In response, video game studios assert that they have made significant concessions. Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the 10 video game producers involved in negotiations with SAG-AFTRA, said, “We are disappointed the union has chosen to walk away when we are so close to a deal. Our offer is directly responsive to SAG-AFTRA’s concerns and extends meaningful AI protections that include requiring consent and fair compensation to all performers working under the [Interactive Media Agreement].”
The Interactive Media Agreement covers artists who provide voiceover services and on-camera work for video game characters. The previous agreement, which lacked AI protections, was set to expire in November 2022 but has been extended monthly as negotiations continue.
Last year, SAG-AFTRA organized a strike that secured $1 billion in new pay and benefits, along with AI safeguards, for TV and film actors in the US. The 118-day shutdown marked the longest in the union’s 90-year history.
Entertainment
BTS Triumph at American Music Awards as Black Eyed Peas Reunite
BTS dominated the American Music Awards, taking home some of the night’s biggest honours as Black Eyed Peas reunited during the ceremony.
The K-pop superstars secured the event’s top award, further cementing their global success following their return from a nearly four-year hiatus earlier this year and a world tour reportedly worth around $1bn.
BTS also won song of the summer for their single Swim and were named best male K-pop artist.
Their label partners Katseye picked up the new artist of the year award.
Meanwhile, Golden — the breakout track from the animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters — was named song of the year.
Sabrina Carpenter enjoyed a successful evening after winning album of the year for Man’s Best Friend. She also claimed awards for best female pop artist and best pop album.
Justin Bieber was named best male pop artist.
BTS beat a strong field in the top artist category, including Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga.
The group also overcame competition from artists such as Harry Styles, Tame Impala and PinkPantheress in the song category.
Despite entering the awards with eight nominations, Taylor Swift — the artist with the most AMA wins in history — left the ceremony without an award.
Entertainment
Madonna, Shakira and BTS to Headline Historic World Cup Final Half-Time Show
Global music stars Madonna, Shakira and BTS are set to headline the first-ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final this summer.
The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will conclude with the final in MetLife Stadium on 19 July.
The performance is expected to last around 11 minutes, despite speculation the show could extend beyond the standard 15-minute half-time interval allowed under the laws of football.
The introduction of a Super Bowl-style performance marks a major shift for FIFA, with elaborate pre-match entertainment already common at events such as the UEFA Champions League Final.
Last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup final in the US between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain featured a half-time show lasting more than 24 minutes.
Shakira’s involvement comes shortly after the announcement of her official World Cup anthem Dai Dai, which also features Nigerian music star Burna Boy.
The Colombian singer previously delivered one of football’s most iconic tournament songs with Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Madonna — often referred to as the “Queen of Pop” — is preparing to release her 15th studio album, Confessions II, on 3 July.
The 67-year-old recently made a surprise appearance during Sabrina Carpenter’s set at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where the pair performed Vogue and Like a Prayer together.
BTS, regarded as the best-selling music act in South Korean history with more than 45 million albums sold, are also preparing for a major comeback after a three-year hiatus during which members completed mandatory military service.
The group previously collaborated with Coldplay on the hit single My Universe.
The half-time show is being curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100m for children around the world.
Gianni Infantino previously described the event as “a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup, befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.”
Entertainment
Coroner Says Investigation Into Liam Payne’s Death Still Awaiting Evidence From Argentina
A coroner overseeing the inquest into the death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne has said authorities in the UK are still waiting for additional evidence from Argentina as investigations there continue.
During a pre-inquest review hearing held at Beaconsfield Coroner’s Court on Thursday, senior coroner Crispin Butler said there had been no significant updates since a previous hearing in January 2025.
“We have had no further disclosure of evidence from Argentina via the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office,” Butler told the court.
Payne, who was 31, died in October 2024 after falling from a balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires.
A post-mortem examination found the singer died from multiple traumas and “internal and external haemorrhage” after falling from the hotel’s third-floor balcony.
The coroner said documentation already received from Argentina had undergone translation and confirmed that relevant material would be shared with Payne’s family, who were not present at the hearing.
Butler added that his understanding was that investigations by authorities in Argentina were still ongoing.
In February last year, an Argentine court dropped criminal negligence charges against three of the five people initially charged in connection with Payne’s death.
Payne rose to global fame as a member of One Direction before launching a successful solo career following the band’s hiatus. He released his debut solo album, LP1, in December 2019.
The inquest proceedings in the UK have now been adjourned until a further pre-inquest review scheduled for 1 December.
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