Australia bans AI-generated music from charts after Madonna cover controversy

Michael Jackson’s estate has secured a significant legal victory in a lawsuit filed by four siblings who accused the late pop icon of sexually abusing and trafficking them when they were minors. The case was brought earlier this year by siblings Edward, Dominic, Marie-Nicole and Aldo Cascio against the estate of Jackson, who died in 2009 at the age of 50. The siblings claimed that the singer had groomed and brainwashed them during their childhood and alleged that they were subjected to sexual abuse and trafficking. The Cascio siblings had a close relationship with Jackson while growing up and have previously described themselves as part of his “second family.” Their connection with the singer became the focus of legal proceedings after they made allegations against him and subsequently reached a settlement with his estate. In 2019, Jackson’s estate agreed to pay the siblings $3.5 million as part of a settlement. The agreement did not include any admission of wrongdoing by the estate or acknowledge the allegations made against the late singer. The siblings later attempted to challenge the settlement, arguing that the agreement should be declared invalid and unenforceable. They claimed they had been pressured or coerced into signing the deal and sought to pursue their allegations through the court system. However, their effort to bring the dispute before a public trial has now been rejected. On Wednesday, August 12, Judge Hernán D. Vera ruled that the legal dispute must be resolved through confidential arbitration instead of proceeding as a public court case. The decision represents a major victory for Jackson’s estate, as arbitration generally keeps legal proceedings private and limits the matter from moving forward through a public trial. According to court papers obtained by Billboard, Judge Vera acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations but concluded that the existing agreement required the dispute to be handled through arbitration. “Although the allegations are horrific, the court is without discretion to do aught but enforce the language of the arbitration clause,” the court stated. The ruling does not determine whether the allegations made by the Cascio siblings are true or false. Instead, it focuses on the legal terms of the 2019 settlement and whether the dispute must follow the arbitration provision contained in that agreement. The siblings’ allegations have nevertheless brought renewed attention to Jackson’s relationships with children and families who were close to him during his lifetime. Jackson, one of the most influential entertainers in music history, faced allegations of sexual misconduct during his career, though he consistently denied wrongdoing. The latest ruling means that the Cascio siblings’ dispute with Jackson’s estate will now continue, if at all, through a private arbitration process rather than a public courtroom trial. The outcome of that process could determine whether their challenge to the 2019 settlement has any further legal consequences.

Ariana Grande has finally addressed the timing behind her decision to step away from the spotlight. She brought it up herself during a stop on her Eternal Sunshine Tour in Chicago on Monday, August 3. Speaking to the crowd, the 33-year-old singer and actress made it clear the choice was not made overnight. “The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing,” she said. She added that it was a decision she had made quietly, well before it became public. Grande also pushed back against claims that online criticism had pushed her into this choice. She said the decision came from a confident and thoughtful place, not from outside pressure. According to her, more than one thing can be true at once. People can need boundaries. People can need rest. And this chapter of her career can still be one of the best she has ever had. Before wrapping up, she turned her attention to her fans. She said no amount of online noise could ever compete with the bond she shares with them. To her, that connection remains the most real thing in the picture. Her remarks followed a statement from her representative, shared with Deadline just a day earlier. The statement confirmed that Grande plans to step back from public life once her tour ends. Her team said she wants to finish the tour on a high note before taking time away from the spotlight, following months of intense public scrutiny. The break is not limited to music. Grande has also dropped out of the upcoming West End revival of Sunday in the Park with George. The role would have reunited her with Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey. This news comes shortly after the release of her eighth studio album, Petal. The 12-track project arrived alongside a music video for its lead single. That video sparked fresh concern among fans, many of whom commented on how different she looked. Grande kicked off the Eternal Sunshine Tour back in June, playing her first show on June 6 in Oakland, California. The tour is set to run for 41 dates total, wrapping up at London’s O2 Arena on September 1.

Veteran actor Vincent Pastore, best known for portraying Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in the acclaimed crime drama The Sopranos, has died at the age of 80. Pastore was found dead at his home in the Bronx on Saturday, August 1, after a neighbor checked on him. According to reports, those close to the actor had been unable to reach him for several days before he was discovered. It was also reported that he had spoken with his driver by phone the previous evening. The actor’s official cause of death has not yet been confirmed, and authorities have not released further details as investigations continue. Born on July 14, 1946, Vincent Pastore built a long and successful career in film and television. While he appeared in dozens of productions over the years, he became a household name through his unforgettable performance as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in HBO’s groundbreaking series The Sopranos. His portrayal of the complex mobster earned widespread praise and helped establish him as one of the show’s most memorable cast members. Beyond The Sopranos, Pastore enjoyed a diverse acting career spanning several decades. His film credits included Mickey Blue Eyes, Two Family House, Riding in Cars with Boys, Witness to the Mob, Deuces Wild, Mafia!, Serving Sara, This Thing of Ours, Shark Tale, Bachelor Party Vegas, Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn, and Guy Ritchie’s Revolver. His television résumé was equally extensive, featuring appearances in popular series such as Law & Order, The Adventures of Pete & Pete, Gotti, Witness to the Mob, Hollywood Squares, Son of the Beach, For Your Love, Cyberchase, General Hospital, and The Curse. Throughout his career, Pastore became known for bringing authenticity, charisma, and humor to a wide range of characters. Following news of his death, many of Pastore’s former The Sopranos castmates shared emotional tributes, remembering both his talent and his warm personality. Edie Falco, who played Carmela Soprano, described his passing as a heartbreaking loss. She said it was completely unexpected and remembered Pastore as someone who was always full of life and energy. Michael Imperioli, known for portraying Christopher Moltisanti, reflected on their long friendship in a heartfelt message. He said it felt as though he had known Pastore forever and described him as a kind-hearted man who deeply loved his family and friends. Imperioli added that he would always miss him. Lorraine Bracco also honored her late co-star with a touching tribute, remembering him as a funny, charming, and beautiful soul. She expressed her sadness over the loss, calling the news absolutely heartbreaking. Dominic Chianese, who portrayed Corrado “Junior” Soprano, shared a simple but emotional message, saying they had lost a dear friend. He paid tribute to Pastore’s memory and described him as a true gem. Vincent Pastore leaves behind a lasting legacy through his memorable performances and the impact he made on audiences and colleagues alike. His work, particularly in The Sopranos, continues to be celebrated as part of television history. As fans and fellow actors mourn his passing, many are remembering not only his remarkable talent but also the kindness and generosity that defined him off-screen. The cause of Vincent Pastore’s death has not yet been officially determined.

Kristen Stewart has looked back on her early days filming the Twilight franchise with a mix of humour, embarrassment and affection, admitting that she and former co-star Robert Pattinson took the romantic vampire story far more seriously than they probably needed to. During an appearance on In Your Dreams With Owen Thiele, released on August 14, the 36-year-old actress and filmmaker reflected on playing Bella Swan in the first Twilight film, which was released in 2008. Stewart joked about her younger self, describing herself as a “pretentious little loser” while remembering how intensely she approached the role at the time. Stewart was only 17 when production began, and she explained that both she and Pattinson had a very serious, teenage approach to the material. Rather than simply playing their characters naturally, they wanted to make the story feel meaningful and authentic. According to Stewart, she and Pattinson often felt that they needed to elevate the material and make every moment feel extremely important. Looking back now, however, she finds that attitude amusing and recognises just how young they were. The actress also recalled feeling frustrated because she wanted the relationship between Bella and Edward to feel completely genuine. At the time, she worried that the circumstances surrounding the production made that difficult. Years later, she realised that the sincerity she and Pattinson brought to the performances was actually one of the things that made the films connect with audiences. Despite the passage of more than a decade, Stewart said she does not mind continuing to discuss Twilight. She has also expressed openness to returning to the franchise if the right opportunity ever came along. Pattinson has similarly spoken positively about his experience with the series. In an April 2026 interview with Vogue, the actor said he would not change his performance in the original film. He explained that the cast and filmmakers approached the story with complete seriousness, without deliberately making fun of its unusual premise. Pattinson noted that everyone involved treated the vampire romance as something genuine, even though the concept itself was fantastical. He suggested that the earnestness of the performances was an important part of what made the movie distinctive. Stewart and Pattinson’s professional relationship eventually developed into a real-life romance. The pair began dating in 2009 after meeting during the production of Twilight and remained together for several years before separating in 2013. Their relationship faced intense public attention, particularly in 2012 when Stewart was photographed with Rupert Sanders, the married director of Snow White and the Huntsman. Stewart later publicly apologised for what she described as a brief indiscretion. Both stars have since moved on with their personal lives. Stewart married writer and director Dylan Meyer in April 2025, while Pattinson became engaged to Suki Waterhouse in December 2023 after several years together. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in March 2024. Although their Twilight era is now more than a decade behind them, Stewart and Pattinson’s memories of the franchise continue to attract attention, particularly as both actors have come to appreciate the sincerity they brought to their iconic roles.