“Elvis” actor <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/celebrities">Austin Butler</a> recently discussed the dramatic turn of events after filming the award-winning biographical film.
The 31-year-old said portraying <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/music">rock and roll</a> legend Elvis Presley was the “greatest ride” of his life, but he also experienced a health scare at the conclusion of filming. Butler was scheduled to start working on another project immediately but wound up in the hospital instead.
&#8220;I had a week of downtime, where I actually ended up in the hospital,&#8221; he told <a href="https://people.com/movies/sag-awards-2023-austin-butler-recalls-emergency-room-trip-day-after-elvis-filming-wrapped/">People</a> while walking the red carpet at the 2023 <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/hollywood">SAG Awards</a> on Sunday. “I didn’t get sick the entire time I filmed, but the day that I finished, I ended up in the emergency room. So I spent a week in bed and then I went to this other job.&#8221; 
The Golden Globe award winner also discussed the incident during a 2022 <a href="https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/austin-butler-interview-2022">interview</a> with GQ. Butler recalled waking up at 4 in the morning with “excruciating pain&#8221; and being &#8220;rushed to hospital.&#8221;
&#8220;My body just started shutting down the day after I finished ‘Elvis,’&#8221; he explained. The actor had gotten sick with a virus that mimicked the symptoms of appendicitis. 
And that incident wasn’t the only time Butler experienced health complications during his turn as the King of Rock and Roll. As Butler worked to look and sound just like Elvis, he also lost his voice while performing the hit song, “Never Been to Spain.”
&#8220;We did so many takes. And at a certain point, I just lost my voice,&#8221; the actor said. &#8220;So then I went on vocal rest for a couple days, and I was able to come back.&#8221;
Butler was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role at the SAG Awards but did not take home the prize. He did win the Golden Globe for Best Actor in January and the BAFTA for Best Actor in February.
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“Elvis,” directed by Baz Luhrmann, currently has a 94% audience score and is rated 77% fresh on <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/elvis">Rotten Tomatoes</a>. Though it’s been criticized for taking liberties with historical events, it was generally well-received as a biopic. Fans were especially impressed with Butler’s dedication to transforming into the legendary rock star.
The 2022 historical drama has been nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor. 

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‘Elvis’ Star Recalls Being Rushed To ER When Filming Wrapped, ‘Body Just Started Shutting Down’

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The trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs on Tuesday included testimony from a former hotel security guard claiming he was paid $100,000 to destroy footage of the rapper assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in 2016.
The footage went viral after being released by CNN in May 2024, a full year before Combs’ trial began. Eddie Garcia told the jury that he was approached by the rapper’s chief of staff, Kristina Khorrum, with an offer to exchange cash for destroying the video and all copies of it.
Garcia described an alleged phone call he had with Combs during which the rapper said he had “a little too much” to drink preceding the assault, saying “it could ruin him” if the video got out. “You know how it is with women,” Combs reportedly said.
The former security guard said it was promised that he would be taken care of, per <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/03/arts/music/sean-combs-diddy-trial-cassie-hotel.html">The New York Times</a>.
The witness said he turned down the rapper’s request at first, but eventually agreed. “He was excited, said ‘Eddy, my angel, I knew you could help. I knew you could do it,’” Garcia said of Combs.
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Garcia said he and his supervisor handed over the USB drive during a meeting at a high rise apartment building. &#8220;I was very nervous and my voice kept cracking,&#8221; the security guard said of the meeting. Garcia testified that he signed a non-disclosure agreement asserting that there were &#8220;no duplicates, backups, stored drives&#8221; containing the video and then was given $100,000 in cash in a paper bag.
The security guard said he was told “not to make any big purchases” because “it would draw attention.”
It’s not clear how the security footage wound up on CNN, as the outlet noted.
Ventura testified earlier during the trial, providing the jury with graphic details of alleged physical, sexual, and psychological abuse during her decade-long relationship with the Bad Boy Records founder. The defense claims that Combs had an unconventional sex life, but is not guilty of the criminal activities he’s been charged with.
Combs pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.

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Diddy Trial: Security Guard Claims He Was Paid $100K To Destroy Hotel Assault Footage

The Kennedy Center has issued a response to the “fake news” article which was published in The Washington Post on Tuesday asserting that subscriptions dropped dramatically compared to the previous year.
“Your comparison isn’t accurate because of several factors,” the statement from Kim Cooper, Senior Vice President of Marketing, began. “We strategically launched later this year vs. last year. Our renewal campaign is just kicking off and our hard-copy season brochures have not yet hit homes.”
The statement goes on to explain how patrons often wait for the hard copy brochures to arrive before renewing.
“Also, earlier this year, and for the first time ever in Kennedy Center history, we launched a brand new option that lets subscribers mix and match genres within a single subscription,” Cooper continued. “It is a highly requested feature we’re proud to deliver as part of our commitment to giving people more choice and flexibility. It also expands our ability to reach new audiences.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Here’s our response to the fake news: <a href="https://t.co/3DSfTByY9C">pic.twitter.com/3DSfTByY9C</a>
&mdash; The Kennedy Center (@kencen) <a href="https://twitter.com/kencen/status/1929951415058751786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
The statement teased upcoming announcements and new genres that will have a “strong appeal” to audiences of all ages.
This response came after the Post <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater/2025/06/03/kennedy-center-subscription-sales-decline/">article</a> claimed subscriptions were down $1.6 million, or 36%, compared to the year before. The anonymous staffer blamed the drop on “mismanagement by the new leadership.”
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President Trump made waves earlier this year when he promised to reform the Kennedy Center, which began when he replaced its board and was elected chairman. Trump also tapped Special Envoy Richard Grenell to serve as the Center’s president.
“At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., GREAT AGAIN,” Trump wrote in February. “Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP.”
Ever since, the Center has been pivoting to family friendly content, which has been successful thus far. Most recently, they sold out two showings of the bible-based film “The King of Kings.” It fits in with the Center’s new leadership being focused on offering high-quality entertainment that’s free from radical progressive messaging.
And so far it’s been successful. The Center broke their all-time attendance record in March of this year when 11,000 visitors showed up to see the EARTH to SPACE: Arts Breaking the Sky fireworks show, as The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/kennedy-center-breaks-all-time-attendance-record-after-lib-meltdown-over-trump?author=Amanda+Harding&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Kennedy+Center+Breaks+All-Time+Attendance+Record+After+Lib+Meltdown+Over+Trump">reported</a>. A majority of those attending were visiting the venue for the first time ever.

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Kennedy Center Issues Response To ‘Fake News’ WaPo Report About Subscription Sales Falling

According to a Reuters <a href="https://archive.is/lUgfe">report</a>, Disney is preparing to conduct mass layoffs that will affect hundreds of employees across various departments, including film and TV, publicity, casting, development, and corporate finance.
Reps for the entertainment company have declined to comment, and no exact numbers have been released yet.
This is just the latest in a series of layoffs over recent years. Disney laid off nearly 200 television and ABC News operations employees earlier this year after cutting ABC News and local station staff in October. In September 2024, an additional 300 people were let go, per <a href="https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/disney-mass-layoffs-tv-film-finance-departments-1236415786/">Variety</a>.
Disney cut 7,000 jobs in 2023 alone as it tried to save $5.5 billion in costs, Reuters reported.
During layoffs in 2023, company CEO Bob Iger said, “There will no doubt be challenges ahead as we continue building the structures and functions that will enable us to be successful moving forward.”
“In tough moments, we must always do what is required to ensure Disney can continue delivering exceptional entertainment to audiences and guests around the world, now, and long into the future,” he <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/disney-will-begin-mass-layoffs-this-week-ceo-announces">continued</a>.
Critics are quick to point out that Disney has had several big-budget flops recently, including the latest disaster, “Snow White.” The live-action remake is estimated to have cost the company approximately $115 million, based on a $410 million budget, including marketing, but it only earned a worldwide box office gross of $194.7 million. 
The film had multiple controversies, including a total change to the storyline and controversial statements made by Rachel Zegler, the actress playing the titular role. 
Many fans blame Disney’s downfall on increasingly leftist messaging, which Iger addressed during a shareholder meeting last April. When asked about Disney&#8217;s &#8220;wokeness,&#8221; the exec <a href="https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/disney-bob-iger-slams-ron-desantis-disney-florida-1235571743/">replied</a>, &#8220;I&#8217;m sensitive to that.&#8221;
&#8220;Our primary mission needs to be to entertain and then through our entertainment to continue to have a positive impact on the world. And I&#8217;m very serious about that. It should not be agenda-driven,&#8221; Iger added.

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Disney Layoffs Will Affect Hundreds Of Employees In TV, Film, Corporate Finance: Report

The Kennedy Center kicked off June by continuing on their mission of offering family friendly content for visitors of all ages. The Washington, D.C.-based entertainment venue debuted the Angel Studios hit film, “The King of Kings,” on June 1.
“This animated film is the perfect family experience, and we are thrilled to bring a special viewing to the Kennedy Center,&#8221; Ambassador Richard Grenell, President of The John F. Kennedy Center, said in a <a href="https://www.angel.com/press/release/the-kennedy-center-to-host-free-screening-of-the-animated-film-the-king-of">press release</a>. “When I saw the advertising campaign for ‘The King of Kings,’ I immediately knew we needed to have it come to the Kennedy Center. Coincidentally, I was asked to be on a panel with the CEO of Angel Studios, so I cornered him. This is family-friendly programming that we will be doing more of in the future.”
Jordan Harmon, President of Angel distribution company, added, “The success of the film proves that when you give the audience the power to choose, they’ll elevate stories that matter and that will amplify light to families around the globe. The Kennedy Center has the pulse on art and entertainment that is impacting our culture, and to see this film celebrated there is a victory for faith, family, and the future of storytelling.”
Both shows were completely sold out and the on-site prayer wall was totally full, a rep from the Center confirmed with The Daily Wire. The theater included people of all ages and from all backgrounds applauding the animated film about the life of Jesus.
As of May 22, “The King of Kings” has grossed a total of $66.9 million worldwide, making it one of the most successful bible-based films in history.
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A synopsis of the film says, “A father tells his son the greatest story ever told, and what begins as a bedtime tale becomes a life-changing journey. Through vivid imagination, the boy walks alongside Jesus, witnessing His miracles, facing His trials, and understanding His ultimate sacrifice. The King of Kings invites us to rediscover the enduring power of hope, love, and redemption through the eyes of a child.”
Film critics and theatergoers were both effusive with their praise of the film. It currently has a 97% audience score on <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_king_of_kings">Rotten Tomatoes</a>.
Trump made headlines earlier this year when he promised to reform the Kennedy Center, which began when he replaced its board and was elected chairman. Trump also tapped Special Envoy Richard Grenell to serve as the Center’s president.
“At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., GREAT AGAIN,” Trump wrote in February. “Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP.”

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The Kennedy Center Kicks Off June With Sold Out Showings Of ‘The King Of Kings’

Voice actor Jonathan Joss, best known for portraying the voice of John Redcorn on the long-running animated comedy “King of the Hill,” died from a fatal gunshot wound in San Antonio on Sunday night. He was 59 at the time of his death.
According to early reports, Joss died after getting into a fight with his neighbor, who allegedly then pulled out a gun and shot him several times, per <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2025/06/02/king-of-the-hill-jonathan-joss-dead-shot-san-antonio-texas-voice-actor/">TMZ</a>. The gunman is then reported to have gotten into a vehicle and fled the scene.
San Antonio police confirmed that the suspect was captured a block from the scene of the accident. Officers detained 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Cejam, who has been booked for murder. The investigation is ongoing.
The paramedics responded and tried to revive Joss, but they were ultimately unsuccessful, the outlet noted.
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The actor’s death occurred just two days after he attended the 2025 ATX TV Festival in Austin, Texas, with other “King of the Hill” cast members. Joss last shared an Instagram post of himself walking around Austin and noting how the show’s “reboot is up and moving,” as People <a href="https://people.com/king-of-the-hill-voice-actor-jonathan-joss-dies-at-59-after-being-fatally-shot-police-11746467">noted</a>.
Joss took over for the original actor, Victor Arron, for season 3 of the series after Arron died in a car accident in 1996.
The “King of the Hill” reboot is slated to premiere on Hulu in August and had already started recording, the outlet noted.
Joss also appeared in other popular shows such as “Parks and Recreation,” “Tulsa King,” “Ray Donovan,” “True Grit,” “The Magnificent Seven,” and others.

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‘King Of The Hill’ Voice Actor Shot, Killed Following Dispute With Neighbor

A man who exceeded the weight limit for a water slide at Walt Disney World is now suing the park, citing injuries he sustained during his visit to the amusement park.
Eugene Strickland filed the complaint on May 29, per <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/06/02/us-news/334-pound-man-sues-walt-disney-world-over-injuries-sustained-on-waterslide-that-allegedly-didnt-support-his-weight/">the New York Post</a>, and is seeking $50,000 in monetary damages.
The plaintiff claimed he suffered “catastrophic” injuries after riding the Downhill Double Dipper at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Waterpark in July 2021. It says he “became momentarily airborne&#8221; and hit “exhilarating speeds,” which caused “permanent catastrophic injuries as a result.”
He claims this caused his inner tube to come out from underneath him and made him “land with force onto the hard plastic surface of the slide.&#8221;
Strickland claims he weighed 334 pounds at the time of the incident, but the weight limit for the ride was 300 pounds. It’s not clear based on the lawsuit whether he was aware of the weight restrictions when he got onto the ride.
The Disney World website describes the attraction as “side-by-side high-speed slides.”
“A retractable starting gate is all that stands between you and victory. Anticipation builds as you and your opponent wait on inner tubes at the top of twin enclosed waterslides. Suddenly, the gates retract—and you’re off,” the ride description says. “Disappear into a black hole and plummet 50 feet downhill at exhilarating speeds. Hurtle through darkness, then emerge just in time for the big splashdown.”
The plaintiff claims to have “suffered serious bodily injury and resulting pain and suffering, disability, scarring, disfigurement, mental anguish, [and] loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life” that he still grapples with today.&#8221;
Strickland also claims Disney World is negligent for failing to establish safe premises, which resulted in his injuries.
In a <a href="https://people.com/man-suing-disney-world-over-alleged-water-slide-injury-11746095">statement</a> to People on behalf of Strickland, Morgan &amp; Morgan founder John Morgan and attorney Alberto Oliveri said, “Our client was severely injured on a ride at Disney’s Blizzard Beach. He has filed a lawsuit alleging that it was the defendant’s lax safety measures and oversight that contributed to those injuries. We are pursuing justice for him and working to hold Disney accountable for their alleged negligence.”
This isn’t the only water park-related lawsuit <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/04/26/us-news/long-island-mom-scarred-at-disney-by-mammoth-wave-lawsuit/">pending</a> against Walt Disney World. A Long Island mother is seeking $2 million for injuries she allegedly sustained from a “mammoth” wave at Typhoon Lagoon.

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Man Sues Disney For Water Slide Injury, Says He Exceeded Weight Limit And Hit ‘Exhilarating Speeds’

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‘Elvis’ Star Recalls Being Rushed To ER When Filming Wrapped, ‘Body Just Started Shutting Down’

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