A key development has emerged in the high-profile murder case involving Nick Reiner, the son of Hollywood director Rob Reiner, after his lead defence lawyer formally withdrew from representing him in court.

Alan Jackson, a prominent attorney known for handling major celebrity cases, removed himself from the case during a brief hearing at Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday. Although no detailed explanation was provided, Jackson later stated that his decision was driven by circumstances beyond the control of both himself and his client.

“Circumstances beyond my control, but more importantly circumstances beyond Nick’s control, have made it impossible for us to continue our representation,” Jackson told reporters outside the courthouse. He added that he was “legally and ethically prohibited” from explaining the specific reasons behind the withdrawal. Despite stepping aside, Jackson emphasised that he believed Reiner was innocent of the charges.

Nick Reiner, 32, is accused of the first-degree murders of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. He did not enter a plea during the court appearance, which was procedural in nature and lasted only a short time. Following Jackson’s withdrawal, the court confirmed that Reiner will now be represented by a public defender as the case moves forward.

The charges stem from the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner, who were found with stab wounds in the bedroom of their Brentwood home in Los Angeles on 14 December. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the prominence of the family and the seriousness of the allegations.

While the defence has maintained Reiner’s innocence, prosecutors struck a firm tone after the hearing. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the prosecution remained confident in its case. “We are fully confident that a jury will convict Nick Reiner beyond a reasonable doubt of the brutal murder of his parents,” Hochman told reporters.

Despite the starkly opposing positions of the defence and prosecution, legal experts note that a change in representation does not alter the presumption of innocence afforded to the accused. The appointment of a public defender ensures continuity in the legal process and allows the case to proceed without delay.

Sean “Diddy” Combs, the imprisoned rapper and music mogul, is expected to face more than 10 additional civil lawsuits in the coming days, according to attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents multiple accusers.

Buzbee made the announcement while filing a fresh lawsuit in New York on behalf of an unnamed 23-year-old male accuser. The plaintiff alleges he was drugged and sexually assaulted by Combs in 2015 after performing at a nightclub event the rapper attended. According to the lawsuit, the young performer was hoping to secure a deal with Combs’ record label, Bad Boy Records, when he was invited to an afterparty. He claims he was given a drink that left him disoriented and later woke up to being assaulted.

Combs, who is already facing more than 30 civil lawsuits over similar allegations, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He is also awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty. His legal team has not yet responded to the latest allegations.

Buzbee, a high-profile Texas attorney, has been instrumental in multiple cases against Combs over the past year. He stated that he intends to file more than 10 additional lawsuits before the March 1 deadline for New York’s special law, which temporarily allows victims of past sexual abuse to file civil claims regardless of expired statutes of limitations.

Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, best known for her role in the iconic 2001 drama Meteor Garden, has passed away at the age of 48 due to pneumonia, local media report.

Hsu, one of the most recognized stars in the Mandarin-speaking entertainment industry, gained widespread fame across Asia, with Meteor Garden captivating audiences in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand, where it was dubbed into local languages.

The news of her passing has left fans devastated, with millions expressing their shock online. “I can’t believe it,” wrote one Weibo user, echoing the sentiments of many.

Hsu reportedly fell ill while visiting Japan, where she was vacationing with her family during Lunar New Year. Her sister, Dee Hsu, confirmed the news to Taiwan’s TVBS News on Monday.

“During the Lunar New Year, our family came to Japan for vacation. My dearest sister Barbie has unfortunately left us after getting pneumonia, triggered by influenza,” Dee Hsu shared in a statement through her manager.

Barbie Hsu had a history of epilepsy and heart disease, and she had been hospitalized previously due to seizures.

She leaves behind her husband, South Korean singer DJ Koo, as well as two children from her previous marriage to Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei, whom she divorced in 2021 after ten years of marriage.

Hsu’s passing marks a heartbreaking loss for the Asian entertainment industry, with fans and colleagues mourning the end of an era for a star who helped define a generation of television romance.