Dark Horse Direct Celebrates Hellboy’s 30th Anniversary with New Vinyl Figure Inspired By Mike Mignola’s Seed of Destruction: "2024 marks the 30th anniversary of Mike Mignola’s legendary Hellboy Universe. Dark Horse Direct is celebrating three decades of Big Red saving the world from frog monsters, Rasputin, and countless mythical creatures with a Deluxe Vinyl Hellboy Figure, intricately crafted by artists Mike Bonanno and Hector Arce to bring Hellboy from the page to life in glorious detail.
Dark Horse Direct exclusive Hellboy 30th Anniversary Deluxe Vinyl Figure stands at 12.5” tall and comes complete with the famed corpse, Tam O'Clannie, ready to be laid to rest in a proper grave; a removable B.P.R.D. logo shirt; swappable weapon hands and gun holster; and an interchangeable Anung Un Rama alternate head with a flaming crown.
The 30th Anniversary Deluxe Vinyl Figure is 5.8” wide, 5” deep, and 12.5” tall (15” tall with crown...
Dark Horse Direct exclusive Hellboy 30th Anniversary Deluxe Vinyl Figure stands at 12.5” tall and comes complete with the famed corpse, Tam O'Clannie, ready to be laid to rest in a proper grave; a removable B.P.R.D. logo shirt; swappable weapon hands and gun holster; and an interchangeable Anung Un Rama alternate head with a flaming crown.
The 30th Anniversary Deluxe Vinyl Figure is 5.8” wide, 5” deep, and 12.5” tall (15” tall with crown...
- 5/1/2024
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Nearly nine months after a judge dismissed a case involving the stars of 1968’s Romeo and Juliet — who claimed they were sexually exploited by Paramount and the film’s director — both Leonard Whiting (Romeo) and Olivia Hussey (Juliet) are again suing the studio, this time alongside boutique label The Criterion Collection, who released the Shakespeare adaptation last year.
The lawsuit (via EW), like the failed one, seeks to stop exploitation and distribution of images of the actors in Romeo and Juliet, as it contains footage of both — who were teenagers at the time of filming — in partial nudity. They, too, maintain that profits are being made off of their images in a modern format, something they could not consent to due to their age and technology at the time. According to the claim, “Among other things, the digital photos rendered, in extremely high-definition detail, the contents of several analog color...
The lawsuit (via EW), like the failed one, seeks to stop exploitation and distribution of images of the actors in Romeo and Juliet, as it contains footage of both — who were teenagers at the time of filming — in partial nudity. They, too, maintain that profits are being made off of their images in a modern format, something they could not consent to due to their age and technology at the time. According to the claim, “Among other things, the digital photos rendered, in extremely high-definition detail, the contents of several analog color...
- 2/16/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Warning: contains spoilers for Ghosts series 4 (but none for series 5)
For Ghosts’ first four series – or for 400 years in the world of the show – Button House was home to Mary. Played by Katy Wix, Mary was a 16th century peasant woman who’d been killed in a witch trial and would give off a smell of burning to any “livings” who passed through her (“Tis a most noxious stinks”).
A devotee of watching both Loose Women and Button House resident Mike in the bathroom, Mary’s superstitions, nonsensical grammar, wobbly voice and basket-weaving expertise made her a fan-favourite. And then in the opening minutes of 2022 episode ‘Gone Gone’, Mary ascended up to the mysterious next phase of the afterlife – or to use the official Ghosts parlance, she was sucked off.
A touching episode followed in which Mary’s fellow ghosts dealt with their grief, and two instalments later, the series wrapped up.
For Ghosts’ first four series – or for 400 years in the world of the show – Button House was home to Mary. Played by Katy Wix, Mary was a 16th century peasant woman who’d been killed in a witch trial and would give off a smell of burning to any “livings” who passed through her (“Tis a most noxious stinks”).
A devotee of watching both Loose Women and Button House resident Mike in the bathroom, Mary’s superstitions, nonsensical grammar, wobbly voice and basket-weaving expertise made her a fan-favourite. And then in the opening minutes of 2022 episode ‘Gone Gone’, Mary ascended up to the mysterious next phase of the afterlife – or to use the official Ghosts parlance, she was sucked off.
A touching episode followed in which Mary’s fellow ghosts dealt with their grief, and two instalments later, the series wrapped up.
- 10/6/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
The story of Riley Keough and Gina Gammell’s War Pony, which traces the lives of members of the Oglala Lakota tribe on the Pine Ridge Reservation, starts on the set of another film. As she awaited filming a scene in Andrea Arnold’s American Honey, Keough struck up a friendship with extras Bill Reddy and Franklin Sioux Bob from Pine Ridge. She would later visit them at the reservation with Gammell, her producing partner, and the quartet’s energy began funneling the energy of their friendship into a cinematic form.
“The spirit of that summer informed War Pony,” Keough admits. Just as American Honey’s egalitarian end credits don’t attribute hierarchical titles to the artists involved in the film, so, too, does War Pony embody a spirit of collaborative creativity. In conjunction with the wider Pine Ridge community, Bill and Franklin’s experiences and stories of growing up...
“The spirit of that summer informed War Pony,” Keough admits. Just as American Honey’s egalitarian end credits don’t attribute hierarchical titles to the artists involved in the film, so, too, does War Pony embody a spirit of collaborative creativity. In conjunction with the wider Pine Ridge community, Bill and Franklin’s experiences and stories of growing up...
- 7/29/2023
- by Marshall Shaffer
- Slant Magazine
A judge has put a dagger in the heart of the lawsuit involving the stars of 1968’s Romeo and Juliet, siding with Paramount Pictures in deciding that its use of underage nudity actually falls under the First Amendment and that the stars “had not complied with the provisions of a California law that temporarily suspended the statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims.”
In her statement regarding her decision in the Romeo and Juliet lawsuit, judge Alison Mackenzie said, “Plaintiffs have not put forth any authority showing the film here can be deemed to be sufficiently sexually suggestive as a matter of law to be held to be conclusively illegal…Plaintiffs’ argument on the subject is limited to cherry-picked language from federal and state statutes without offering any authority regarding the interpretation or application of those statutory provisions to purported works of artistic merit, such as the award-winning film at issue here.
In her statement regarding her decision in the Romeo and Juliet lawsuit, judge Alison Mackenzie said, “Plaintiffs have not put forth any authority showing the film here can be deemed to be sufficiently sexually suggestive as a matter of law to be held to be conclusively illegal…Plaintiffs’ argument on the subject is limited to cherry-picked language from federal and state statutes without offering any authority regarding the interpretation or application of those statutory provisions to purported works of artistic merit, such as the award-winning film at issue here.
- 5/28/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Los Angeles County judge Alison Mackenzie confirmed she would grant Paramount Pictures’ motion to throw out a lawsuit over a nude scene in the 1968 film Romeo and Juliet, citing the First Amendment.
Earlier this year, lead actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting sued Paramount for sexual exploitation and child abuse over the use of nude footage in the movie, which was captured when they were 15 and 16, respectively. In the suit, the actors claimed that their consent was violated by the film’s director Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019.
In January...
Earlier this year, lead actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting sued Paramount for sexual exploitation and child abuse over the use of nude footage in the movie, which was captured when they were 15 and 16, respectively. In the suit, the actors claimed that their consent was violated by the film’s director Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019.
In January...
- 5/26/2023
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
‘Romeo & Juliet’ $100M Sex Abuse Suit Is “Gross Mischaracterization” & Will Be Dismissed, Judge Says
“Thus with a kiss I die,” wrote William Shakespeare in Romeo & Juliet, and thus echoed a Los Angeles judge today over the alleged sexual abuse and negligence lawsuit from the stars of Franco Zeffirelli Oscar-nominated 1968 adaptation of the doomed lovers play.
Stating that the $100 million in damages action against Paramount Pictures from Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting contains a “gross mischaracterization” of the bedroom scenes in question from the film and citing the First Amendment, Judge Alison Mackenzie put forth a tentative ruling to dismiss the case.
“Defendant’s special motion to strike Plaintiffs’ entire Complaint …is Granted as each cause of action asserted therein arises from protected activity and Plaintiffs have failed to show a probability of success on the merits of those claims,” she wrote Thursday of Paramount’s (successful) attempt to have the matter tossed under California’s anti-slapp laws.
Simultaneously, making short work of the...
Stating that the $100 million in damages action against Paramount Pictures from Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting contains a “gross mischaracterization” of the bedroom scenes in question from the film and citing the First Amendment, Judge Alison Mackenzie put forth a tentative ruling to dismiss the case.
“Defendant’s special motion to strike Plaintiffs’ entire Complaint …is Granted as each cause of action asserted therein arises from protected activity and Plaintiffs have failed to show a probability of success on the merits of those claims,” she wrote Thursday of Paramount’s (successful) attempt to have the matter tossed under California’s anti-slapp laws.
Simultaneously, making short work of the...
- 5/25/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount won’t have to face a lawsuit accusing the studio of sexual abuse over a nude scene in the 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Alison Mackenzie signaled on Thursday that she’ll dismiss the suit, finding claims that the movie depicts sexual acts are a “gross mischaracterization” of the scene. She said in a tentative ruling that the claims “arise from protected activity” under the First Amendment.
Actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, 16 and 17 respectively when the film was shot, starred in the movie directed by Franco Zeffirelli. The suit seeking $500 million, which was filed under a California law that suspends the window to file a complaint for childhood sexual assault, revolves around a bedroom scene that briefly shows Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts. The actors accused Zeffirelli of pressuring them into performing nude scenes despite previously telling them that they...
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Alison Mackenzie signaled on Thursday that she’ll dismiss the suit, finding claims that the movie depicts sexual acts are a “gross mischaracterization” of the scene. She said in a tentative ruling that the claims “arise from protected activity” under the First Amendment.
Actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, 16 and 17 respectively when the film was shot, starred in the movie directed by Franco Zeffirelli. The suit seeking $500 million, which was filed under a California law that suspends the window to file a complaint for childhood sexual assault, revolves around a bedroom scene that briefly shows Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts. The actors accused Zeffirelli of pressuring them into performing nude scenes despite previously telling them that they...
- 5/25/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A judge on Thursday said she will throw out a lawsuit over a nude scene in the 1968 version of “Romeo and Juliet,” after finding that the film is protected by the First Amendment.
The stars of the film, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, filed the suit in December, alleging that they were coerced by director Franco Zeffirelli into performing nude in the film’s bedroom scene. Hussey was 16 at the time of filming; Whiting was 17.
Judge Alison Mackenzie granted Paramount’s motion to throw out the suit, finding that the plaintiffs had not complied with the provisions of a California law that temporarily suspended the statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims.
Mackenzie also rejected the plaintiffs’ argument that the nude scene amounted to “child pornography.”
“Plaintiffs have not put forth any authority showing the film here can be deemed to be sufficiently sexually suggestive as a matter of...
The stars of the film, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, filed the suit in December, alleging that they were coerced by director Franco Zeffirelli into performing nude in the film’s bedroom scene. Hussey was 16 at the time of filming; Whiting was 17.
Judge Alison Mackenzie granted Paramount’s motion to throw out the suit, finding that the plaintiffs had not complied with the provisions of a California law that temporarily suspended the statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims.
Mackenzie also rejected the plaintiffs’ argument that the nude scene amounted to “child pornography.”
“Plaintiffs have not put forth any authority showing the film here can be deemed to be sufficiently sexually suggestive as a matter of...
- 5/25/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount has filed a motion to throw out a lawsuit over the 1968 version of “Romeo and Juliet,” arguing that a nude scene with underage actors does not amount to “childhood sexual assault.”
Actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were 16 and 17 when they starred in the movie, which was directed by Franco Zeffirelli. The film’s famous bedroom scene includes a lingering shot of Whiting’s buttocks and a brief glimpse of Hussey’s breasts.
The actors, now in their 70s, filed a $500 million suit in December, alleging that Zeffirelli pressured them into performing in the nude. They accused Paramount, the distributor, of profiting from their sexual exploitation.
Paramount’s lawyers filed a motion on Monday, arguing that the suit is doomed to fail for a host of reasons. Among other things, the suit argues that the actors cannot file suit under a California law that suspends the statute of limitations for child sexual assault,...
Actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were 16 and 17 when they starred in the movie, which was directed by Franco Zeffirelli. The film’s famous bedroom scene includes a lingering shot of Whiting’s buttocks and a brief glimpse of Hussey’s breasts.
The actors, now in their 70s, filed a $500 million suit in December, alleging that Zeffirelli pressured them into performing in the nude. They accused Paramount, the distributor, of profiting from their sexual exploitation.
Paramount’s lawyers filed a motion on Monday, arguing that the suit is doomed to fail for a host of reasons. Among other things, the suit argues that the actors cannot file suit under a California law that suspends the statute of limitations for child sexual assault,...
- 5/5/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
We had to get one more episode with Detective Whiting, right?
The recurring guest-star farewell tour continued on NCIS: Los Angeles Season 14 Episode 15.
It was the consistently abrasive Whiting this time out. And for once, Whiting asked for Deeks' help, not the other way around.
Whiting's surprise appearance at the Deeks/Blye residence saved Rosa from an endless round of good parent/bad parent as she prepared to go out on "not a date."
We had to get this obligatory scene of the new parents interrogating their teen daughter while attempting to do so with a light touch.
Kensi and Deeks don't want to be "those parents," but really, did they have a choice?
Whiting's late-night arrival may have saved Rosa from her parents' questioning, but it caused her non-date to be canceled, apparently with no explanation. Not cool!
Whiting's reputation almost got this case derailed before it ever started.
The recurring guest-star farewell tour continued on NCIS: Los Angeles Season 14 Episode 15.
It was the consistently abrasive Whiting this time out. And for once, Whiting asked for Deeks' help, not the other way around.
Whiting's surprise appearance at the Deeks/Blye residence saved Rosa from an endless round of good parent/bad parent as she prepared to go out on "not a date."
We had to get this obligatory scene of the new parents interrogating their teen daughter while attempting to do so with a light touch.
Kensi and Deeks don't want to be "those parents," but really, did they have a choice?
Whiting's late-night arrival may have saved Rosa from her parents' questioning, but it caused her non-date to be canceled, apparently with no explanation. Not cool!
Whiting's reputation almost got this case derailed before it ever started.
- 3/20/2023
- by Dale McGarrigle
- TVfanatic
Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey rewrote a piece of film history on Dec. 30, when they filed a lawsuit alleging they were sexually exploited in the 1968 film version of “Romeo and Juliet.”
The actors, now 72 and 71, accuse the late director Franco Zeffirelli of coercing them into performing a bedroom scene in the nude, after first promising that they could wear flesh-colored underwear. They also claim that Zeffirelli lied to them when he said that nude images would not be shown.
In fact, the camera lingers on Whiting’s buttocks, and there is a brief glimpse of Hussey’s breasts. She was 16 and he was 17 at the time. (Their complaint misstated their ages as 15 and 16.)
A studio would never film such a scene today with underage actors, several industry experts say, though doing so is not explicitly forbidden by laws or union rules.
“No studio would touch this with a 10-foot pole,...
The actors, now 72 and 71, accuse the late director Franco Zeffirelli of coercing them into performing a bedroom scene in the nude, after first promising that they could wear flesh-colored underwear. They also claim that Zeffirelli lied to them when he said that nude images would not be shown.
In fact, the camera lingers on Whiting’s buttocks, and there is a brief glimpse of Hussey’s breasts. She was 16 and he was 17 at the time. (Their complaint misstated their ages as 15 and 16.)
A studio would never film such a scene today with underage actors, several industry experts say, though doing so is not explicitly forbidden by laws or union rules.
“No studio would touch this with a 10-foot pole,...
- 1/11/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Pippo Zeffirelli, the son of the late Italian director Franco Zeffirelli, has publicly criticized the two lead actors of his father’s 1968 Shakespeare adaptation Romeo and Juliet for their decision to sue the film’s producer, Paramount Pictures, for child abuse over a nude scene in the movie.
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, who were 15 and 16, respectively, when they shot the film, allege that Zeffirelli coerced them into doing a bedroom scene in the nude after they had originally agreed to wear flesh-colored body suits. The scene, which included images of Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts, was highly controversial at the time.
Hussey and Whiting, both now in their 70s, recently filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children. They claim the director, who died in 2019, warned them that “the film would fail” if...
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, who were 15 and 16, respectively, when they shot the film, allege that Zeffirelli coerced them into doing a bedroom scene in the nude after they had originally agreed to wear flesh-colored body suits. The scene, which included images of Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts, was highly controversial at the time.
Hussey and Whiting, both now in their 70s, recently filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children. They claim the director, who died in 2019, warned them that “the film would fail” if...
- 1/9/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A lawsuit filed by “Romeo and Juliet” actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them as teenagers starring in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film, is drawing ire from Italy’s Franco Zeffirelli Foundation.
The foundation’s president, Pippo Zeffirelli, who is the late director’s adoptive son, over the weekend reacted with disdain to the suit filed in a Santa Monica court last week, which claims that Zeffirelli tricked the actors while shooting a bedroom scene that includes images of Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts. The “Romeo and Juliet” actors at the time were, respectively, 16 and 15 years old. The film was a hit and nominated for four Academy Awards.
“It is embarrassing to hear that, today, 55 years after filming, two elderly actors who owe their notoriety essentially to this film wake up to declare that they have suffered an abuse that has caused them...
The foundation’s president, Pippo Zeffirelli, who is the late director’s adoptive son, over the weekend reacted with disdain to the suit filed in a Santa Monica court last week, which claims that Zeffirelli tricked the actors while shooting a bedroom scene that includes images of Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts. The “Romeo and Juliet” actors at the time were, respectively, 16 and 15 years old. The film was a hit and nominated for four Academy Awards.
“It is embarrassing to hear that, today, 55 years after filming, two elderly actors who owe their notoriety essentially to this film wake up to declare that they have suffered an abuse that has caused them...
- 1/9/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Franco Zeffirelli’s son Pippo has hit out at the sexual exploitation lawsuit filed by Romeo and Juliet actors Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey.
The lawsuit filed against Paramount accuses the production company of sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
It stems from a Romeo and Juliet nude scene involving Whiting and Hussey, allegedly filmed while they were minors.
The complaint also alleges that late director Franco told the lead actors that the 1968 film wouldn’t include nudity, but ended up going back on his word.
In an interview with The Guardian, Zeffirelli’s son Pippo called the lawsuit “embarrassing” and said that the nude scene at the center of the complaint is “far from pornographic”.
“It is embarrassing to hear that today, 55 years after filming, two elderly actors who owe their notoriety essentially to this film wake up to declare that they have suffered...
The lawsuit filed against Paramount accuses the production company of sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
It stems from a Romeo and Juliet nude scene involving Whiting and Hussey, allegedly filmed while they were minors.
The complaint also alleges that late director Franco told the lead actors that the 1968 film wouldn’t include nudity, but ended up going back on his word.
In an interview with The Guardian, Zeffirelli’s son Pippo called the lawsuit “embarrassing” and said that the nude scene at the center of the complaint is “far from pornographic”.
“It is embarrassing to hear that today, 55 years after filming, two elderly actors who owe their notoriety essentially to this film wake up to declare that they have suffered...
- 1/9/2023
- by Peony Hirwani
- The Independent - Film
Pippo Zeffirelli, son of Romeo and Juliet director Franco Zeffirelli, is criticizing the lawsuit brought by that film’s stars, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting.
Related Story Paramount Hit With 100M Sexual Abuse Suit By Stars Of 1968‘s ’Romeo & Juliet' Movie Related Story 'Election' Sequel 'Tracy Flick Can't Win' In Works For Paramount+; Reese Witherspoon To Produce And Return As Title Character, With Alexander Payne Directing Related Story 'Top Gun: Maverick's Jerry Bruckheimer, Joseph Kosinski, Miles Teller & Jennifer Connelly On Training And Shooting "Everything For Real" – Contenders L.A.
The actors are alleging sexual exploitation and child abuse in a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures over a famous nude scene in the 1968 Zeffirelli film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play.
Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, earlier this week filed suit against Paramount. They alleged that Franco Zeffirelli violated their consent by filming them nude without their knowledge. Hussey...
Related Story Paramount Hit With 100M Sexual Abuse Suit By Stars Of 1968‘s ’Romeo & Juliet' Movie Related Story 'Election' Sequel 'Tracy Flick Can't Win' In Works For Paramount+; Reese Witherspoon To Produce And Return As Title Character, With Alexander Payne Directing Related Story 'Top Gun: Maverick's Jerry Bruckheimer, Joseph Kosinski, Miles Teller & Jennifer Connelly On Training And Shooting "Everything For Real" – Contenders L.A.
The actors are alleging sexual exploitation and child abuse in a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures over a famous nude scene in the 1968 Zeffirelli film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play.
Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, earlier this week filed suit against Paramount. They alleged that Franco Zeffirelli violated their consent by filming them nude without their knowledge. Hussey...
- 1/8/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
The son of Romeo and Juliet director Franco Zeffirelli has criticized that film’s stars Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting after the actors filed a sexual exploitation and child abuse lawsuit against Paramount Pictures over a nude scene in the 1968 big screen adaptation.
Earlier this week, Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, sued Paramount, claiming that Zeffirelli — who died in 2019 — violated their consent by filming them nude without their knowledge; Hussey and Whiting were 15 and 16 years old at the time of shooting.
“What they were told and what went on were two different things,...
Earlier this week, Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, sued Paramount, claiming that Zeffirelli — who died in 2019 — violated their consent by filming them nude without their knowledge; Hussey and Whiting were 15 and 16 years old at the time of shooting.
“What they were told and what went on were two different things,...
- 1/8/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
55 later, Romeo and Juliet are suing Paramount. To put it clearer, actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting are attempting to collect damages in the hundreds of millions after the filming of a nude scene that apparently wrecked their reputation. There’s likely more to this story than many are hearing, but one thing is certain, this nude scene lasts for a matter of seconds. Unless one wants to count Whiting showing his naked backside for nearly a minute or so, Hussey’s big nude scene lasted a few seconds at best. This likely doesn’t matter to those that are sounding the
55 Years Later, Romeo and Juliet are Suing Paramount...
55 Years Later, Romeo and Juliet are Suing Paramount...
- 1/5/2023
- by Tom Foster
- TVovermind.com
Two former child movie stars are seeking closure and not “vengeance” in a 500,000 lawsuit for nude scenes they say they were forced to perform by celebrated director Franco Zeffirelli, their manager has claimed.
Olivia Hussey, was just 15, and Leonard Whiting 16, back in 1968 when they featured in Romeo and Juliet, directed by the late Italian filmmaker, and distributed by Paramount Pictures.
In a lawsuit alleging they were the unknowing victims of sexual abuse, sexual harassment and fraud, the British pair claim Zeffirelli told them they would wear flesh-colored undergarments in scenes set in a bedroom.
But on the morning of filming, the young actors were told they would be protected only by flesh-coloured make up, though the film would be shot from such an angle as not to reveal their nudity.
“Defendants were dishonest and secretly filmed the nude or partially nude minor children without their knowledge, in violation of the...
Olivia Hussey, was just 15, and Leonard Whiting 16, back in 1968 when they featured in Romeo and Juliet, directed by the late Italian filmmaker, and distributed by Paramount Pictures.
In a lawsuit alleging they were the unknowing victims of sexual abuse, sexual harassment and fraud, the British pair claim Zeffirelli told them they would wear flesh-colored undergarments in scenes set in a bedroom.
But on the morning of filming, the young actors were told they would be protected only by flesh-coloured make up, though the film would be shot from such an angle as not to reveal their nudity.
“Defendants were dishonest and secretly filmed the nude or partially nude minor children without their knowledge, in violation of the...
- 1/4/2023
- by Andrew Buncombe
- The Independent - Film
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting are suing over their experience making 1968’s “Romeo and Juliet”.
The actors, who starred as teenagers in the Oscar-winning Shakespeare adaptation, have filed a suit against Paramount Pictures over a nude scene in the film, the Entertainment Weekly reported.
Read More: Judge Dismisses Defamation Lawsuit Against Phoebe Bridgers
In the suit, Hussey and Whiting, who were 15 and 16 when the movie was shot, accused the studio of exploitation, sexual abuse, negligence, distributing nude images of children and more.
“Paramount owed a duty to protect their minor children employees from child and sexual exploitation,” the lawsuit says.
The suit also claims damages are “believed to be in excess of 500 million.”
Both actors, now in their 70s, claim they have suffered emotional distress during the decades since the film premiered, along with losing out on career opportunities as a result.
They also allege that director Franco Zeffirelli had...
The actors, who starred as teenagers in the Oscar-winning Shakespeare adaptation, have filed a suit against Paramount Pictures over a nude scene in the film, the Entertainment Weekly reported.
Read More: Judge Dismisses Defamation Lawsuit Against Phoebe Bridgers
In the suit, Hussey and Whiting, who were 15 and 16 when the movie was shot, accused the studio of exploitation, sexual abuse, negligence, distributing nude images of children and more.
“Paramount owed a duty to protect their minor children employees from child and sexual exploitation,” the lawsuit says.
The suit also claims damages are “believed to be in excess of 500 million.”
Both actors, now in their 70s, claim they have suffered emotional distress during the decades since the film premiered, along with losing out on career opportunities as a result.
They also allege that director Franco Zeffirelli had...
- 1/4/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were teenagers when they stunned the audiences in the 1968 version of ‘Romeo and Juliet’, directed by Franco Zeffirelli. The film was a hit and was nominated for four Academy Awards, but it also stirred controversy over a bedroom scene which included images of Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts, reports Variety.
Now in their 70s, Hussey and Whiting filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court on Friday, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children.
The suit alleges that Zeffirelli, who died in 2019, assured both actors that there would be no nudity in the film, and that they would wear flesh-coloured undergarments in the bedroom scene. But in the final days of filming, the director reportedly implored them to perform in the nude with body makeup, “or the Picture would fail.”
Hussey was 15 at the time...
Now in their 70s, Hussey and Whiting filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court on Friday, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children.
The suit alleges that Zeffirelli, who died in 2019, assured both actors that there would be no nudity in the film, and that they would wear flesh-coloured undergarments in the bedroom scene. But in the final days of filming, the director reportedly implored them to perform in the nude with body makeup, “or the Picture would fail.”
Hussey was 15 at the time...
- 1/4/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
Almost 55 years after Franco Zeffirelli Oscar-nominated adaptation of Romeo & Juliet came out, the then-young stars of the film are now suing Paramount Pictures for more than 100 million for alleged sexual abuse, negligence and more.
“Defendants were dishonest and secretly filmed the nude or partially nude minor children without their knowledge, in violation of the state and federal laws regulating said child sexual abuse and exploitation,” the filing from Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting states. “Plaintiffs have suffered and will continue to suffer physical pain and mental pain along with extreme and severe mental anguish and emotional distress,” the suit (read it here) over the Best Picture Oscar-nominated movie based on William Shakespeare’s classic doomed lovers tale goes on to say.
In a Shakespearean drama of their own and estimating the studio has made over 500 million off the Zeffirelli adaptation, Hussey and Whiting are seeking punitive and exemplary damages of more than 100 million.
“Defendants were dishonest and secretly filmed the nude or partially nude minor children without their knowledge, in violation of the state and federal laws regulating said child sexual abuse and exploitation,” the filing from Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting states. “Plaintiffs have suffered and will continue to suffer physical pain and mental pain along with extreme and severe mental anguish and emotional distress,” the suit (read it here) over the Best Picture Oscar-nominated movie based on William Shakespeare’s classic doomed lovers tale goes on to say.
In a Shakespearean drama of their own and estimating the studio has made over 500 million off the Zeffirelli adaptation, Hussey and Whiting are seeking punitive and exemplary damages of more than 100 million.
- 1/4/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
The former teen stars of the 1968 Paramount Pictures production of “Romeo and Juliet” have sued the studio, claiming the film’s nude scene amounted to sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse and intentional infliction of emotional distress upon the title actors, who were just 15 and 16 years old at the time.
Franco Zeffirelli, the famed Italian director of films and opera, had told the teens that nudity would not be required, and that flesh-colored garments would be used for a bedroom scene, according to the lawsuit. But when the time to shoot the scene arrived in the last days of production, Zeffirelli pressured them to switch to body makeup, then shot their naked bodies without their knowledge, telling them his camera angles prevented exposure.
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were 15 and 16 years old, respectively, when the footage was taken, according to the lawsuit filed late last week in California Superior Court. The...
Franco Zeffirelli, the famed Italian director of films and opera, had told the teens that nudity would not be required, and that flesh-colored garments would be used for a bedroom scene, according to the lawsuit. But when the time to shoot the scene arrived in the last days of production, Zeffirelli pressured them to switch to body makeup, then shot their naked bodies without their knowledge, telling them his camera angles prevented exposure.
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were 15 and 16 years old, respectively, when the footage was taken, according to the lawsuit filed late last week in California Superior Court. The...
- 1/4/2023
- by Josh Dickey
- The Wrap
Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet remains one of the more iconic movies based on the work of William Shakespeare, but the project wasn’t exactly free from controversy. Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were just 15 and 16 years old at the time of filming, respectively, and the movie included a bedroom scene which included glimpses of Hussey’s breasts and Whiting’s buttocks. The two Romeo and Juliet actors have now filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court accusing Paramount Pictures of “sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children.“
According to the lawsuit, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting allege that Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019, had told them that there would be no nudity in Romeo and Juliet. Toward the end of filming, he said that they would need to perform in the nude or else “the Picture would fail.” To make matters worse,...
According to the lawsuit, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting allege that Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019, had told them that there would be no nudity in Romeo and Juliet. Toward the end of filming, he said that they would need to perform in the nude or else “the Picture would fail.” To make matters worse,...
- 1/3/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
There are a handful of films that seemingly every American high schooler watches at some point in class, but Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" starring Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting is arguably the one most watched. I distinctly remember my teacher warning us not to complain when Hussey lets out a wailing cry lamenting the turmoil between the Capulet and Montague families, joking, "yes, yes, she's very annoying, you'll just have to deal with it." Nowhere in my teacher's laundry list of preemptive warnings did she include the fact both Hussey and Whiting would be shown partially nude during a bedroom scene.
Her defense was that if we knew it was coming, our hormonally charged brains wouldn't be able to focus on the film knowing there was going to be T&a. However, there's a much bigger problem than whether or not some immature...
Her defense was that if we knew it was coming, our hormonally charged brains wouldn't be able to focus on the film knowing there was going to be T&a. However, there's a much bigger problem than whether or not some immature...
- 1/3/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet sits at the center of a lawsuit from the film’s leading actors. Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting have sued Paramount Pictures for sexual exploitation and child abuse over the use of nude footage in the movie, which was captured when they were 15 and 16, respectively. They are seeking damages amounting to more than 500 million, according to Variety.
In the film, Romeo and Juliet are briefly depicted partially naked on their wedding night. In the suit, Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, claim that...
In the film, Romeo and Juliet are briefly depicted partially naked on their wedding night. In the suit, Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, claim that...
- 1/3/2023
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Former “Romeo and Juliet” actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting have filed a lawsuit against Paramount alleging sexual exploitation at the time of the 1968 film.
Hussey, who was 15, and Whiting, who was 16, also accused the production studio of distributing nude images of children; Hussey’s bare breasts were exposed in the film along with Whiting’s buttocks. The lawsuit was filed in Santa Monica Superior Court and claims sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse, negligence, appropriation of name and likeness, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and unfair business practices/injunction in the complaint, as IndieWire can confirm.
Paramount Pictures Corporation is the official defendant. Law firm Solomon Gresen Gresen is representing both Hussey and Whiting in the lawsuit.
Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019 at age 96, directed “Romeo and Juliet.” Hussey and Whiting allege that Zeffirelli assured them there would be no nudity in the film due to the use of skin-colored undergarments.
Hussey, who was 15, and Whiting, who was 16, also accused the production studio of distributing nude images of children; Hussey’s bare breasts were exposed in the film along with Whiting’s buttocks. The lawsuit was filed in Santa Monica Superior Court and claims sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse, negligence, appropriation of name and likeness, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and unfair business practices/injunction in the complaint, as IndieWire can confirm.
Paramount Pictures Corporation is the official defendant. Law firm Solomon Gresen Gresen is representing both Hussey and Whiting in the lawsuit.
Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019 at age 96, directed “Romeo and Juliet.” Hussey and Whiting allege that Zeffirelli assured them there would be no nudity in the film due to the use of skin-colored undergarments.
- 1/3/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were just teenagers when they electrified audiences in the 1968 version of “Romeo and Juliet,” directed by Franco Zeffirelli. The film was a hit and was nominated for four Academy Awards, but it also stirred controversy over a bedroom scene which included images of Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts.
Now in their 70s, Hussey and Whiting filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court on Friday, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children.
The suit alleges that Zeffirelli — who died in 2019 — assured both actors that there would be no nudity in the film, and that they would wear flesh-colored undergarments in the bedroom scene. But in the final days of filming, the director allegedly implored them to perform in the nude with body makeup, “or the Picture would fail.”
Hussey was 15 at the time and Whiting was 16. According to the complaint,...
Now in their 70s, Hussey and Whiting filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court on Friday, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children.
The suit alleges that Zeffirelli — who died in 2019 — assured both actors that there would be no nudity in the film, and that they would wear flesh-colored undergarments in the bedroom scene. But in the final days of filming, the director allegedly implored them to perform in the nude with body makeup, “or the Picture would fail.”
Hussey was 15 at the time and Whiting was 16. According to the complaint,...
- 1/3/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
"The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special" is a lovely little bit of holiday cheer, following Mantis (Pom Klementieff) and Drax (Dave Bautista) as they try to find and retrieve the perfect Christmas present for their friend Peter Quill (Chris Pratt). The light-hearted, fluffy special comes from the mind of James Gunn, who also wrote and directed the "Guardians" films, and it serves as a nice epilogue to Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The special is mostly live-action, but some quick flashbacks from Peter's first Christmas with the Ravagers appear, and they're animated. Gunn wanted to use animation to riff on the animated segments in "The Star Wars Holiday Special," while also paying homage to the work of animation titan Ralph Bakshi.
The animation for the special was done by Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, best known for their work on "Robot Chicken," though they have been working in 2D and...
The animation for the special was done by Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, best known for their work on "Robot Chicken," though they have been working in 2D and...
- 12/9/2022
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
Andrew Dominik has addressed his use of foetal imagery in his new Marilyn Monroe film Blonde, saying he wasn’t “concerned with being tasteful”.
The director’s Netflix psychological drama, which stars Ana de Armas as the late Hollywood icon, is based on Joyce Carol Oates’s 2000 novel of the same name.
However, The Independent’s Amanda Whiting argued that Dominik’s movie takes the original story “somewhere even darker and even more invasive”.
Since its theatrical release, the film has received mixed reviews from critics, with Whiting further writing that Marilyn “never feels more like a Hollywood plaything than when Dominik is subjecting her to gory sexual and medical violence, probing her literally, and barbarically depicting what it feels like to be one of the 20th century’s most famous women from the inside out”.
In a new interview with Sight and Sound, Dominik spoke about his grisly depiction of Monroe’s unwanted abortion,...
The director’s Netflix psychological drama, which stars Ana de Armas as the late Hollywood icon, is based on Joyce Carol Oates’s 2000 novel of the same name.
However, The Independent’s Amanda Whiting argued that Dominik’s movie takes the original story “somewhere even darker and even more invasive”.
Since its theatrical release, the film has received mixed reviews from critics, with Whiting further writing that Marilyn “never feels more like a Hollywood plaything than when Dominik is subjecting her to gory sexual and medical violence, probing her literally, and barbarically depicting what it feels like to be one of the 20th century’s most famous women from the inside out”.
In a new interview with Sight and Sound, Dominik spoke about his grisly depiction of Monroe’s unwanted abortion,...
- 9/27/2022
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - Film
Joyce Carol Oates has reacted to Blonde’s Nc-17 rating, saying that what Marilyn Monroe really went through is “much worse” than anything shown in the film.
The new Netflix psychological drama biopic starring Ana de Armas as the late Hollywood icon is based on Oates’ 2000 novel of the same name.
Since its theatrical release, it’s received mixed critical reviews, with The Independent’s Amanda Whiting arguing that “Blonde isn’t a movie about Marilyn Monroe’s exploitation, but a new low watermark in Hollywood’s treatment of her – a sex object reduced to a sex organ”.
However, it’s received a lot of attention for its rating for sexual content in the US, which means no one under the age of 17 can see it, and with which de Armas has strongly disagreed.
In a recent interview with The New Yorker, Oates said that while she didn’t “have...
The new Netflix psychological drama biopic starring Ana de Armas as the late Hollywood icon is based on Oates’ 2000 novel of the same name.
Since its theatrical release, it’s received mixed critical reviews, with The Independent’s Amanda Whiting arguing that “Blonde isn’t a movie about Marilyn Monroe’s exploitation, but a new low watermark in Hollywood’s treatment of her – a sex object reduced to a sex organ”.
However, it’s received a lot of attention for its rating for sexual content in the US, which means no one under the age of 17 can see it, and with which de Armas has strongly disagreed.
In a recent interview with The New Yorker, Oates said that while she didn’t “have...
- 9/27/2022
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - Film
Joyce Carol Oates has reacted to Blonde’s Nc-17 rating, saying that what Marilyn Monroe really went through is “much worse” than anything shown in the film.
The new Netflix psychological drama biopic starring Ana de Armas as the late Hollywood icon is based on Oates’ 2000 novel of the same name.
Since its theatrical release, it’s received mixed critical reviews, with The Independent’s Amanda Whiting arguing that “Blonde isn’t a movie about Marilyn Monroe’s exploitation, but a new low watermark in Hollywood’s treatment of her – a sex object reduced to a sex organ”.
However, it’s received a lot of attention for its rating for sexual content in the US, which means no one under the age of 17 can see it, and with which de Armas has strongly disagreed.
In a recent interview with The New Yorker, Oates said that while she didn’t “have...
The new Netflix psychological drama biopic starring Ana de Armas as the late Hollywood icon is based on Oates’ 2000 novel of the same name.
Since its theatrical release, it’s received mixed critical reviews, with The Independent’s Amanda Whiting arguing that “Blonde isn’t a movie about Marilyn Monroe’s exploitation, but a new low watermark in Hollywood’s treatment of her – a sex object reduced to a sex organ”.
However, it’s received a lot of attention for its rating for sexual content in the US, which means no one under the age of 17 can see it, and with which de Armas has strongly disagreed.
In a recent interview with The New Yorker, Oates said that while she didn’t “have...
- 9/26/2022
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - Film
Click here to read the full article.
Agbo, the independent production banner headed by Anthony and Joe Russo and producer Mike Larocca, has upped Kassee Whiting to svp of film and has hired Alessandra Mamán as vp of television.
Whiting, who joined Agbo in 2018 after positions at Open Road and Summit Entertainment, recently produced the high-concept horror-thriller All Fun and Games, starring Asa Butterfield and Natalia Dyer. In her new role, she will help manage the development of a film slate that includes the Guy Ritchie-directed live-action Hercules for Disney and the Chris Pratt-starrer Bodyguards for Universal, as well as oversee films through the company’s Gozie Agbo banner, which focuses on smaller budgeted genre fair from early-career filmmakers
Whiting will also continue to oversee some of Agbo’s filmmaker initiatives, including Slamdance Film Festival fellowships.
Mamán joins Agbo from Universal Content Productions. During her seven years at UCP,...
Agbo, the independent production banner headed by Anthony and Joe Russo and producer Mike Larocca, has upped Kassee Whiting to svp of film and has hired Alessandra Mamán as vp of television.
Whiting, who joined Agbo in 2018 after positions at Open Road and Summit Entertainment, recently produced the high-concept horror-thriller All Fun and Games, starring Asa Butterfield and Natalia Dyer. In her new role, she will help manage the development of a film slate that includes the Guy Ritchie-directed live-action Hercules for Disney and the Chris Pratt-starrer Bodyguards for Universal, as well as oversee films through the company’s Gozie Agbo banner, which focuses on smaller budgeted genre fair from early-career filmmakers
Whiting will also continue to oversee some of Agbo’s filmmaker initiatives, including Slamdance Film Festival fellowships.
Mamán joins Agbo from Universal Content Productions. During her seven years at UCP,...
- 7/7/2022
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Editor’s note: This review was originally published at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival. Momentum Pictures releases the film in theaters on Friday, July 28.
In the summer of 2015, Riley Keough met a pair of remarkable young men, cast as extras in Andrea Arnold’s “American Honey,” at a motel in South Dakota. Both members of the Lakota nation and residents of the nearby Pine Ridge reservation, Bill Reddy and Franklin Sioux Bob took quickly to the actress. The trio — later joined by Keough’s producing partner Gina Gammell — formed a fast friendship that eventually spawned Keough and Gammell’s directorial debut, “War Pony.”
Franklin Sioux Bob and Reddy are credited as co-writers on the project, alongside Keogh and Gammell (who also produced it), while Franklin Sioux Bob also appears in a small, but pivotal role in the film. Steeped in their own stories, “War Pony” follows two young Oglala Lakota men...
In the summer of 2015, Riley Keough met a pair of remarkable young men, cast as extras in Andrea Arnold’s “American Honey,” at a motel in South Dakota. Both members of the Lakota nation and residents of the nearby Pine Ridge reservation, Bill Reddy and Franklin Sioux Bob took quickly to the actress. The trio — later joined by Keough’s producing partner Gina Gammell — formed a fast friendship that eventually spawned Keough and Gammell’s directorial debut, “War Pony.”
Franklin Sioux Bob and Reddy are credited as co-writers on the project, alongside Keogh and Gammell (who also produced it), while Franklin Sioux Bob also appears in a small, but pivotal role in the film. Steeped in their own stories, “War Pony” follows two young Oglala Lakota men...
- 5/21/2022
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
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