LOS ANGELES — Britney Spears and her father Jamie Spears have reached a compromise to resolve the ongoing concerns in the judicial conservatorship that has governed her life and financial choices for almost 14 years. This settlement will prevent a potentially lengthy, unpleasant, and revealing trial.

A scheduled hearing regarding these matters, which included Jamie Spears’ request for a comprehensive ruling to dismiss them, was removed from the court calendar after the judge authorized the settlement on Friday.

Britney And Jamie Spears Settlement Avoids Long, Potentially Ugly And Revealing Trial

Britney Spears was emancipated from the conservatorship in November 2021, following two speeches she delivered to a judge that effectively shifted the prevailing public opinion against it, ultimately becoming a prominent movement identified by the hashtag #FreeBritney.

However, several components persisted and prolonged the legal proceedings, including the ultimate disbursements to the lawyers who assisted in managing the conservatorship. Attorney Mathew Rosengart, representing Spears, also aimed to publicly address the alleged financial misconduct by Jamie Spears and the claims of extensive surveillance of Spears.

All of those matters will now be eliminated in the settlement, the details of which were not revealed in a series of legal documents filed last week. One of the files stated that Jamie Spears has been completely and permanently relieved of his duties as the Former Conservator of the Estate.

Britney And Jamie Spears Settlement Avoids Long, Potentially Ugly And Revealing Trial

“While the conservatorship was officially ended in November 2021, her desire for liberation is now fully realized,” stated Rosengart. As per her wishes, her independence now includes the fact that she will no longer be required to appear, participate in court, or be caught up in legal actions related to this issue. We have had the esteemed opportunity to represent, safeguard, and advocate for Britney Spears.

The trial was scheduled to commence next month.

The attorney representing Jamie Spears, Alex Weingarten, stated that the settlement was kept quiet at her lawyer’s insistence.

“Jamie is completely transparent and willing to reveal all details regarding every aspect of the conservatorship in order to provide the public with the genuine truth,” stated Weingarten to The Associated Press on Monday. “Jamie harbors deep affection for his daughter and has consistently exerted maximum effort to safeguard her.”

In her recently published memoir, “The Woman in Me,” Britney Spears candidly expressed her belief that her father consistently prioritized financial gain over all else.

Britney And Jamie Spears Settlement Avoids Long, Potentially Ugly And Revealing Trial

After the conservatorship ended, she married her long-term lover, Sam Asghari. However, Asghari initiated divorce proceedings slightly more than a year later. The divorce is still pending, and the two individuals are legally married.

Although she has experimented with music, including a duet with Elton John in 2022, she firmly denied reports of a new album in January and solemnly committed to never reenter the music industry.

SOURCE – (AP)

New York: On Tuesday, Donald Trump was found in contempt of court and was imposed a fine of $9,000 for persistently disregarding a gag order that prohibited him from publicly discussing anybody involved in his New York hush money case, including witnesses and jurors. The judge cautioned that he may face imprisonment if he repeats the offense.

New York Judge Juan M. Merchan determined that there were nine infractions, although prosecutors had initially claimed there were ten. Trump gazed downward at the table before him while the judge pronounced the ruling, displaying a faint frown.

The verdict served as a strong criticism of the Republican former president’s claim that he was using his freedom of expression, and as a reminder that he is a defendant in a criminal case and must adhere to the strict procedures of a trial. The judge’s implicit warning to incarcerate a former president indicated that Trump’s already tenuous legal position could deteriorate further based on his conduct throughout the trial.

Judge Holds Trump In Contempt, Fines Him $9,000 And Raises Threat Of Jail In Hush Money Trial

Merchan expressed a strong awareness and defense of Trump’s First Amendment rights, especially considering his campaign for the presidency.

“Preserving the defendant’s lawful freedom of speech is of utmost significance. It is imperative that he is allowed to actively engage in campaigning for the office he aspires to, and that he has the opportunity to counter and protect himself from political assaults,” expressed Merchan.

However, he cautioned that the court would not tolerate deliberate breaches of its legal directives and that, if deemed necessary and suitable given the circumstances, it would impose a punitive measure involving imprisonment.

By making that statement, the court brought the possibility of Trump being the first former president of the United States to be imprisoned closer.

Trump is accustomed to having uninterrupted access to his social media platform to criticize opponents and express his thoughts. Following his ban from Twitter in the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, Capitol incident, Trump established his platform to ensure that his messages would not be subject to blocking or restrictions.

The Trump campaign was already soliciting donations based on the breaches. He has consistently attempted to disassociate himself from problematic comments that he has shared with his large number of followers by claiming that they are only “retweets.”

However, he does possess prior knowledge and familiarity with gag orders, as they were previously enforced during his civil fraud prosecution. Upon being discovered to have breached those directives, he remitted fines exceeding $15,000.

The ruling was issued on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the second week of testimony in the landmark case. Manhattan prosecutors contend that Trump and his allies engaged in an illicit plot to manipulate the 2016 presidential campaign by buying and subsequently suppressing unfavorable reports. He has entered a plea of not guilty.

Trump was instructed to remit the penalty by the end of Friday’s working day. Merchan also decreed that he must delete seven objectionable posts from his Truth Social account and two from his campaign website by 2:15 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, as stated by Merchan. The judge is considering more purported breaches of Trump’s gag order and will listen to arguments on Thursday.

Out of the 10 posts, the one that Merchan had authority over and was not considered a violation was made on April 10. This particular post referred to witnesses Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels as “sleaze bags.” Merchan expressed that Trump’s claim of responding to previous posts by Cohen gives him enough reason to hesitate and question whether the post was a violation.

Merchan determined that Trump’s statement, in which he quoted Fox News commentator Jesse Watters’ assertion that liberal activists were dishonestly joining the jury, clearly breached the gag order. Merchan observed that the statements in Trump’s post on April 17 in quotation marks inaccurately represented what Watters truly said.

Judge Holds Trump In Contempt, Fines Him $9,000 And Raises Threat Of Jail In Hush Money Trial

“Therefore, according to the court’s perspective, this post represents the defendant’s own words,” Merchan wrote.

Merchan warned against the misuse of the gag order, emphasizing that it should not be employed as a weapon rather than a defense by possible witnesses. He further stated that if individuals, such as Cohen, who are safeguarded by the order, persist in attacking Trump, it becomes evident that they no longer require the protection provided by the gag order. Cohen has stated his intention to abstain from making any remarks about Trump until he gives testimony during the trial.

Testimony continued on Tuesday with Gary Farro, a banker who assisted Cohen, Trump’s previous lawyer, in establishing accounts, including one that Cohen utilized to purchase the confidentiality of adult entertainer Stormy Daniels. She claimed to have had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, an allegation that he denies. Farro testified on Friday, recounting how Cohen requested the establishment of two accounts, but one was never officially opened.

Shortly after establishing a second account under Essential Consultants LLC in October 2016, Michael Cohen transferred $130,000 from his home equity loan to this account. Within the same day, he wired the exact amount of $130,000 to Keith Davidson, who was, as evidenced by the paperwork, an attorney representing Daniels at the time. The 2016 presidential election took place on November 8.

Farro stated that Cohen suggested the transaction was connected to a real estate deal rather than being associated with a political candidate, an adult film star, or the acquisition of a possible media story.

“That could be perceived as a reputational risk,” he stated.

Thus far, the jurors have been presented with testimony from two additional witnesses. Rhona Graff, Trump’s former executive assistant, remembered seeing Daniels at Trump’s office suite in Trump Tower and assumed she was a prospective candidate for one of Trump’s “Apprentice” shows.

Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker disclosed his agreement to act as the Trump campaign’s informant, responsible for suppressing unfavorable rumors and allegations against Trump and women. Pecker detailed his payment of $180,000 to acquire and withhold reports from a doorman and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, but he did not participate in the payment to Daniels.

Judge Holds Trump In Contempt, Fines Him $9,000 And Raises Threat Of Jail In Hush Money Trial

Trump asserts that all of the stories bought were untrue. The defense lawyers employed cross-examination to imply that Trump’s true intention was to safeguard his reputation and his family rather than to manipulate the presidential election result.

Trump is facing 34 criminal charges for manipulating corporate documents about the hush money payments. He has refuted any misconduct and entered a plea of not guilty.

The comprehensive evidence regarding corporate transactions and bank accounts prepares the groundwork for Cohen’s testimony. Cohen, who was incarcerated following his guilty plea in 2018 for campaign finance violations and other offenses, will provide his story. The timing of his testimony remains uncertain.

The trial, the first of Trump’s four criminal matters to be presented to a jury, is anticipated to continue for at least another month. As Trump spends more time in court, his frustration intensifies as the November election draws nearer.

Trump has been engaging in campaign activities during his free time. However, he is obligated to attend court sessions four days a week. On Tuesday, he again expressed his disapproval of the matter outside the courtroom.

“This is a case that should never have been initiated,” he stated.

SOURCE – (AP)

The following information is from a news article published by the Associated Press: Dua Lipa is levitating above the water, with the sun just starting to descend in the background. She appears robust and calm, except for the imminent danger posed by a colossal shark, whose fin barely breaks the surface just a few feet from her.

The picture is the front cover of her upcoming third album, titled “Radical Optimism,” which will be released on Friday. The album is a fitting visual depiction of seeking and safeguarding inner tranquility in difficult circumstances. This is a thematic evolution for the acclaimed pop artist, who has consistently characterized her music as a fusion of dance and emotional expression.

The word “cheeky” accurately represents the lively and celebratory nature of her most popular pop songs, but “Radical Optimism,” with its blend of psychedelic and electro-pop elements, adds complexity to this characterization.

She recently told The Associated Press, “There is undoubtedly a more cathartic element that accompanies the third album.”

Dua Lipa Is All About ‘Radical Optimism,’ In Her Music And Other Pursuits

“‘Future Nostalgia’ provided me with the opportunity to create a meticulously crafted pop-dance-disco album,” she explains, referring to her second release in 2020. “Radical Optimism,” on the other hand, was shaped by the knowledge she has acquired from her global tours in recent years. It incorporates elements from trip hop and Britpop, as well as a fresh fascination with live instruments.

“The creative process for her latest album was characterized by a greater sense of freedom and fluidity,” she remarks. Although it lacked a specific formula, I consistently kept a pop sensibility in my subconscious.” My intention was solely to engage in experimentation and endeavor to generate something innovative. This record has always been the exact album I have desired to create.

From multiple perspectives: Regarding her initial album, Lipa expressed her desire to collaborate with Kevin Parker from Tame Impala, particularly on her third album. The manifestation was successful, resulting in his being an essential participant in the project “Radical Optimism.”

“It felt as if an innate intuition within me was indicating that it was a result of my efforts,” she states. “I envisioned the opportunity to collaborate with a highly inspiring creative individual and gain valuable knowledge from him over a period of time.”

Regarding the title of the album, she describes it as being ecstatic and representing a sense of unity.

“Dance music has a rich history of establishing a secure and protected environment.” “And I simply want to personify that,” she continues.

She has exerted significant effort to reach that point. Lipa, currently 28 years old, commenced her professional journey at 15. She successfully persuaded her family to let her relocate from Kosovo, her birthplace, to London to pursue a career in the pop music industry. She attended school and worked as a model. In 2017, she published her self-titled first album, which included the highly successful dance-pop songs “New Rules” and “One Kiss.” Next, the nu-disco electropop of “Future Nostalgia” in 2020 established her as one of the most prominent figures in pop music. Impressive for a distinctive vocal style in the age of streaming, where attracting and maintaining the interest of a large audience has become increasingly difficult.

Dua Lipa Is All About ‘Radical Optimism,’ In Her Music And Other Pursuits

In 2024, her pop songs exhibit a form of acquired flexibility. Lipa incorporates unconventional synth sounds, layers melodies, showcases an expanded vocal range (especially evident in the track “Falling Forever”), and draws inspiration from U.K. rave culture and genre-defying artists like Primal Scream and Massive Attack. These are all aspects that Lipa admits she would have needed more audacity to explore on her previous album. That collaboration involved Parker, producer Danny L Harle, songwriter Tobias Jesso Jr. (noted for his work with Harry Styles and Adele), and Lipa’s frequent collaborator Caroline Ailin.

“She possesses the ability to effectively manage a multitude of viewpoints in the room, including her own,” Jesso informs the AP. “She does not prioritize her own values over others’, but rather selects the ones that are most effective in accomplishing her goals.”

“We were a musical ensemble,” Lipa states of the collective. On the initial day, they penned the word “Illusion.” On the second day, the song’s title is “Happy for You.” “I had never composed a song of that nature previously,” she highlights. “I cherished that particular manifestation of my identity.” On the third day, the music genre known as post-disco pop is included in the song “Whatcha Doing.” They meticulously perfected Lipa’s most ambitious and euphoric-sounding record in bright and spacious facilities in London and Malibu.

Lipa’s many activities also demonstrate a consistent use of experimentation. She has taken on more juvenile roles, as she describes with a smile, following her portrayal of Mermaid Barbie in the highly successful film “Barbie” (where she also provided the widely recognized, Grammy-nominated song “Dance the Night” for the soundtrack) and her portrayal of LaGrange, a seductive spy, in “Argylle” (a brief performance that AP film critic Jake Coyle praised as the movie’s standout few minutes).

In 2022, she established a newsletter called Service95, which she considers an expansion of her childhood blog, to share stories from other global perspectives rather than just a Western viewpoint. It has evolved into a website, podcast, and book club: “It is simply another one of my hobbies that I have successfully transformed into a profession, which is truly wonderful,” she says, beaming.

My passion for the music profession requires me to constantly connect online due to my day job. “Currently, I am no longer engaging in doomscrolling on Twitter,” she states, referring to her media enterprise. “By engaging in this activity, I am acquiring fresh knowledge about the world.” I enjoy experiencing such contradictions in my life.

Dua Lipa Is All About ‘Radical Optimism,’ In Her Music And Other Pursuits

It is a dichotomy driven by curiosity, exemplified by Lipa’s act of confronting Apple CEO Tim Cook during an interview on her podcast over allegations of child labor in the Democratic Republic of Congo mining cobalt for iPhones, which garnered significant media attention.

“That was both frightening and highly exhilarating,” she states. “The outcome of an interview is always uncertain.”

Shortly after she visits the AP’s New York headquarters, Lipa attends a public high school on the Upper East Side of Manhattan to engage in a talk with kids. Drew Barrymore chairs the discussion.

Shortly after her arrival, Lipa departs with equal swiftness. An enduring sense of optimism fills the atmosphere. She previously mentioned to the AP that she aims to be intensely pleased in her personal life and pursuits.

“Occasionally, one must compel oneself to experience that sensation,” she remarks. Maintaining gratitude is undoubtedly a skill that requires regular practice.

She has composed the exercise soundtrack for “Radical Optimism.”

SOURCE – (AP)