Veteran Kelly Oubre Jr. has become something of a journeyman in the NBA. In 2023, he inked a deal with his fifth team the Philadelphia 76ers. Kelly made an immediate impact off the bench for the Sixers and the City of Brotherly Love has embraced him.
Here’s more about the athlete, his wife, and which of Kelly’s teammates she was in a relationship with first.
When Kelly and Shylynn got married and how many children they have
Kelly met Shylynnitaa “Shylynn” Gibson in 2020 through mutual friends. They began dating and after a few months, the NBA player proposed. The couple wed in 2022.
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Kelly spoke to People about how he and Shylynn knew when it was the right time to get married.
“We wanted to take the next steps and give our love to God, for his seal of approval,...
Here’s more about the athlete, his wife, and which of Kelly’s teammates she was in a relationship with first.
When Kelly and Shylynn got married and how many children they have
Kelly met Shylynnitaa “Shylynn” Gibson in 2020 through mutual friends. They began dating and after a few months, the NBA player proposed. The couple wed in 2022.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Shhy (@shylynnoubre)
Kelly spoke to People about how he and Shylynn knew when it was the right time to get married.
“We wanted to take the next steps and give our love to God, for his seal of approval,...
- 4/20/2024
- by Michelle Kapusta
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
ESPN is reporting that the NBA playoffs are back for China’s TV viewers after a long banishment over controversial political statements by an executive.
The ESPN story by Mark Fainaru-Wada and Steve Fainaru said the return is not being trumpeted by the league, which declined to directly address the return. Instead, it gave a spokesman’s statement extolling the NBA’s right to “inspire and connect people everywhere.’
The story noted the NBA owners collectively have more than 10 billion in asset exposure to China, as well as doing 5 billion of NBA business in the country. That presumably includes broadcast and internet rights, as well as merchandising and sponsorships.
Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey angered the Chinese government by tweeting “First for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong” during the uprising in that city.
ESPN estimates that tweet cost the league hundreds of millions of dollars. It also gave the...
The ESPN story by Mark Fainaru-Wada and Steve Fainaru said the return is not being trumpeted by the league, which declined to directly address the return. Instead, it gave a spokesman’s statement extolling the NBA’s right to “inspire and connect people everywhere.’
The story noted the NBA owners collectively have more than 10 billion in asset exposure to China, as well as doing 5 billion of NBA business in the country. That presumably includes broadcast and internet rights, as well as merchandising and sponsorships.
Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey angered the Chinese government by tweeting “First for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong” during the uprising in that city.
ESPN estimates that tweet cost the league hundreds of millions of dollars. It also gave the...
- 5/20/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Bill Maher Attacks John Cena, LeBron James, Tom Cruise, Eileen Gu For Siding With Totalitarian China
Bill Maher couldn’t hide his contempt for the country hosting the Winter Olympics on his Friday Real Time.
Maher called out freestyle skier Eileen Gu, an American-born skier who chose to participate on China’s Olympic team for the Beijing games. Gu hasn’t said whether she gave up her American citizenship to do so, but plans to return to Stanford University and has reaped millions of dollars in product endorsements in China.
“She chose to represent a totalitarian police state over America,” Maher said, calling China an “authoritarian surveillance state.”
Acknowledging that the United States has its problems, Maher noted that at least the US is “a democracy based on freedom.” China has “jailed an entire ethnic minority,” and said it was a cynical dodge to overlook China’s sins in its treatment of Hong Kong freedom and its desire for a Taiwan take-back.
Maher recalled the outrage...
Maher called out freestyle skier Eileen Gu, an American-born skier who chose to participate on China’s Olympic team for the Beijing games. Gu hasn’t said whether she gave up her American citizenship to do so, but plans to return to Stanford University and has reaped millions of dollars in product endorsements in China.
“She chose to represent a totalitarian police state over America,” Maher said, calling China an “authoritarian surveillance state.”
Acknowledging that the United States has its problems, Maher noted that at least the US is “a democracy based on freedom.” China has “jailed an entire ethnic minority,” and said it was a cynical dodge to overlook China’s sins in its treatment of Hong Kong freedom and its desire for a Taiwan take-back.
Maher recalled the outrage...
- 2/19/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
With the 2020 Winter Olympics in Beijing just 18 days away and U.S. diplomats boycotting the games over what a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Beijing recently called China’s “ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang, and other human rights abuses,” one of the most outspoken owners of one of the NBA’s flagship franchises weighed in.
Billionaire Chamath Palihapitiya, who is a minority owner of the Golden State Warriors alongside majority owners Peter Guber and Joe Lacob, expressed what he called “a very hard, ugly truth” about China’s treatment of its Uyghur minority-muslim population in the Xinjiang autonomous region.
“Nobody cares about what’s happening to the Uyghurs. You bring it up because you really care, and I think that’s nice that you care, the rest of us don’t care,” Palihapitiya said. “I’m telling you a very hard, ugly truth, okay? Of...
Billionaire Chamath Palihapitiya, who is a minority owner of the Golden State Warriors alongside majority owners Peter Guber and Joe Lacob, expressed what he called “a very hard, ugly truth” about China’s treatment of its Uyghur minority-muslim population in the Xinjiang autonomous region.
“Nobody cares about what’s happening to the Uyghurs. You bring it up because you really care, and I think that’s nice that you care, the rest of us don’t care,” Palihapitiya said. “I’m telling you a very hard, ugly truth, okay? Of...
- 1/17/2022
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Two years after Hong Kong cracked down on pro-Democracy demonstrators, the local legislature passed a new film censorship law, according to multiple reports. As part of the measure, Hong Kong’s powerful Chief Secretary can now revoke a film’s license if it conflicts with China’s national security interests.
The Hong Kong stricture is an outgrowth of a 2020 China-imposed national security law that “effectively outlawed dissent,” according to the BBC.
The national security law bans anything authorities deem to be secessionist, subversive or a result of collusion with foreign entities. Commerce Secretary Edward Yau said all distribution, both physical and online, was covered by the new national security law, according to Afp.
Kiwi Chow, whose documentary about the 2019 protests, Revolution of Our Times, was shown at Cannes this year, told Reuters the Hong Kong law would “worsen self-censorship and fuel fear among filmmakers.”
The moves are part of a...
The Hong Kong stricture is an outgrowth of a 2020 China-imposed national security law that “effectively outlawed dissent,” according to the BBC.
The national security law bans anything authorities deem to be secessionist, subversive or a result of collusion with foreign entities. Commerce Secretary Edward Yau said all distribution, both physical and online, was covered by the new national security law, according to Afp.
Kiwi Chow, whose documentary about the 2019 protests, Revolution of Our Times, was shown at Cannes this year, told Reuters the Hong Kong law would “worsen self-censorship and fuel fear among filmmakers.”
The moves are part of a...
- 10/28/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated: Less than a week after his team’s games were pulled from Tencent-run streaming platforms in China over his criticism of the country’s treatment of Tibetans, Boston Celtics Center Enes Kanter upped the ante, calling out the country and Nike over treatment of ethnic minority Uigher workers in factories there.
“Dear @Nike,” tweeted Kanter today, “Stop the modern day Slavery, now!!!”
The Washington Post published an exposé last year documenting what appeared to be forced labor conditions among Uigher workers at one Chinese factory that supplies the sneaker giant. Nike shoes are, of course, worn by most NBA players in every game. Nike also supplies the league’s uniforms and provides its top stars with massively lucrative shoe contracts.
Nike told the post of the Uigher report last year that “we respect human rights in our extended value chain, and always strive to conduct business ethically and responsibly.
“Dear @Nike,” tweeted Kanter today, “Stop the modern day Slavery, now!!!”
The Washington Post published an exposé last year documenting what appeared to be forced labor conditions among Uigher workers at one Chinese factory that supplies the sneaker giant. Nike shoes are, of course, worn by most NBA players in every game. Nike also supplies the league’s uniforms and provides its top stars with massively lucrative shoe contracts.
Nike told the post of the Uigher report last year that “we respect human rights in our extended value chain, and always strive to conduct business ethically and responsibly.
- 10/26/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
With the NBA still on the outs with China and Nike hit with Chinese backlash over Xinjiang, it might seem that “Space Jam: A New Legacy” has two serious fouls against its chances of entering the world’s largest film market.
But signs indicate that Beijing may uniquely embrace the “Space Jam” star LeBron James in a way that could actually give the film an assist, despite China’s ongoing spat with the league and James’ lifetime Nike deal.
The Malcolm D. Lee-directed film debuted in U.S. cinemas and on HBO Max on July 16. If it ever releases, it will hit China at least a month later, significantly depressing returns.
The NBA’s China troubles date back to 2019 when Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted in support of pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, infuriating Beijing and leading state broadcaster CCTV to banish the league from its airwaves.
But signs indicate that Beijing may uniquely embrace the “Space Jam” star LeBron James in a way that could actually give the film an assist, despite China’s ongoing spat with the league and James’ lifetime Nike deal.
The Malcolm D. Lee-directed film debuted in U.S. cinemas and on HBO Max on July 16. If it ever releases, it will hit China at least a month later, significantly depressing returns.
The NBA’s China troubles date back to 2019 when Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted in support of pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, infuriating Beijing and leading state broadcaster CCTV to banish the league from its airwaves.
- 8/10/2021
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Daryl Morey, the Houston Rockets general manager whose 2019 tweet in support of the Hong Kong protests led to a major international controversy, resigned from his position on Thursday.
The news of Morey’s departure came from a number of NBA insiders. However, the reason for his decision was unclear. The Rockets were knocked out of the 2020 playoffs by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round. The Lakers would go on to win the championship.
Morey made international headlines when on Oct. 4 of last year, he sent a tweet in support of the Hong Kong protests. That single message ...
The news of Morey’s departure came from a number of NBA insiders. However, the reason for his decision was unclear. The Rockets were knocked out of the 2020 playoffs by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round. The Lakers would go on to win the championship.
Morey made international headlines when on Oct. 4 of last year, he sent a tweet in support of the Hong Kong protests. That single message ...
- 10/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Daryl Morey, the Houston Rockets general manager whose 2019 tweet in support of the Hong Kong protests led to a major international controversy, resigned from his position on Thursday.
The news of Morey’s departure came from a number of NBA insiders. However, the reason for his decision was unclear. The Rockets were knocked out of the 2020 playoffs by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round. The Lakers would go on to win the championship.
Morey made international headlines when on Oct. 4 of last year, he sent a tweet in support of the Hong Kong protests. That single message ...
The news of Morey’s departure came from a number of NBA insiders. However, the reason for his decision was unclear. The Rockets were knocked out of the 2020 playoffs by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round. The Lakers would go on to win the championship.
Morey made international headlines when on Oct. 4 of last year, he sent a tweet in support of the Hong Kong protests. That single message ...
- 10/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In a combative conversation with Megyn Kelly, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban condemned China for its human rights violations but declined to make a full, direct statement singling out Beijing for its campaign against its ethnic minority Uighur population — highlighting the tricky politics of doing ethical business with China.
Their discussion came just two days after the Chinese national broadcaster CCTV resumed its broadcast of NBA games after a year of keeping them off air.
It blacked out the games last fall in retaliation over a single, hastily deleted tweet from Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey that expressed support for pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, a movement that angers Beijing. The decision caused the league losses of as much as $400 million, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has previously said.
At the end of her podcast “The Megyn Kelly Show” Monday, Kelly asked Cuban about whether the NBA “needs to get...
Their discussion came just two days after the Chinese national broadcaster CCTV resumed its broadcast of NBA games after a year of keeping them off air.
It blacked out the games last fall in retaliation over a single, hastily deleted tweet from Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey that expressed support for pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, a movement that angers Beijing. The decision caused the league losses of as much as $400 million, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has previously said.
At the end of her podcast “The Megyn Kelly Show” Monday, Kelly asked Cuban about whether the NBA “needs to get...
- 10/13/2020
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
China’s CCTV has ended its year-long boycott of the NBA, announcing that it will carry tonight’s NBA Finals game. Chinese state television had effectively banned the league from its airwaves (though some games were still available on the Chinese streaming service Tencet) as a repercussion for the league refusing to punish Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey over his tweeting of support of Hong Kong protestors last fall. But in a statement Friday, CCTV commended the league’s help with the coronavirus pandemic in the country. “During the recent Chinese National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, the NBA sent their well wishes to fans in China,” CCTV said in a statement (via ESPN). “We also took note of the league has been continuously delivering goodwill [to China], particularly making positive contributions to Chinese people’s fight against Covid-19 pandemic.” Also Read: NBA Finals Sets Record Low TV Audience With Game...
- 10/9/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
A sign company has decided not to accept advertising that decried LeBron James’s refusal to speak out against China human rights abuses.
The National Legal and Policy Center (Nlpc) in Virginia wanted to post images showing James with a Chinese flag covering his mouth with the message, “Silence is Violence.” If approved, the billboards would have been displayed near the entrance to the NBA Bubble in Orlando, Florida, where James’s Lakers are facing off against the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.
The Outfront Media advertising company declined the ads, which would have brought in a reported “hundreds of thousands” of dollars. The ad company said it would only run the ads without James’s Image.
The Nlpc said the ads sent an important message. Peter Flaherty, chairman of the Nlpc, said, “When it comes to human rights in China, silence is indeed violence. We should be able...
The National Legal and Policy Center (Nlpc) in Virginia wanted to post images showing James with a Chinese flag covering his mouth with the message, “Silence is Violence.” If approved, the billboards would have been displayed near the entrance to the NBA Bubble in Orlando, Florida, where James’s Lakers are facing off against the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.
The Outfront Media advertising company declined the ads, which would have brought in a reported “hundreds of thousands” of dollars. The ad company said it would only run the ads without James’s Image.
The Nlpc said the ads sent an important message. Peter Flaherty, chairman of the Nlpc, said, “When it comes to human rights in China, silence is indeed violence. We should be able...
- 10/3/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Chinese state television is removing English Premier League soccer matches from their schedule amid the growing political feud between Beijing and the UK government.
CCTV, which has the rights in China, won’t be showing the remainder of the current season, per a Bloomberg report. The game between title winners Liverpool and top four team Chelsea wasn’t aired as planned Wednesday night.
However, according to multiple reports, the blackout didn’t extend to streaming services, with the game shown on Chinese video app Pptv, which inked a massive $700M rights deal to the Epl back in 2016.
The move comes amid growing tension between China and Boris Johnson’s UK government which has banned telcom giant Huawei and opposed new security laws imposed in Hong Kong.
This isn’t the first time sports have been caught up in political tension between China and western countries. Last year, CCTV dropped coverage...
CCTV, which has the rights in China, won’t be showing the remainder of the current season, per a Bloomberg report. The game between title winners Liverpool and top four team Chelsea wasn’t aired as planned Wednesday night.
However, according to multiple reports, the blackout didn’t extend to streaming services, with the game shown on Chinese video app Pptv, which inked a massive $700M rights deal to the Epl back in 2016.
The move comes amid growing tension between China and Boris Johnson’s UK government which has banned telcom giant Huawei and opposed new security laws imposed in Hong Kong.
This isn’t the first time sports have been caught up in political tension between China and western countries. Last year, CCTV dropped coverage...
- 7/23/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
ESPN has suspended popular NBA commentator Adrian Wojnarowski without pay after he sent a “f— you” email on Friday to U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) in an argument over the league’s relationship with China, the New York Post reported.
The duration of the suspension, first reported by the sports news site Outkick, remains unclear. The NBA is due to resume its season later this month as teams have been placed in a quarantine bubble at Walt Disney World.
Reps for Wojnarowski referred all inquiries on the matter to ESPN, which declined to comment.
On Friday, the network issued a statement condemning Wojnarowksi’s behavior and hinting at disciplinary action. “This is completely unacceptable behavior and we do not condone it,” the statement said. “It is inexcusable for anyone working for ESPN to respond in the way Adrian did to Senator Hawley. We are addressing it directly with Adrian...
The duration of the suspension, first reported by the sports news site Outkick, remains unclear. The NBA is due to resume its season later this month as teams have been placed in a quarantine bubble at Walt Disney World.
Reps for Wojnarowski referred all inquiries on the matter to ESPN, which declined to comment.
On Friday, the network issued a statement condemning Wojnarowksi’s behavior and hinting at disciplinary action. “This is completely unacceptable behavior and we do not condone it,” the statement said. “It is inexcusable for anyone working for ESPN to respond in the way Adrian did to Senator Hawley. We are addressing it directly with Adrian...
- 7/12/2020
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
NBA legend Kobe Bryant’s untimely death has had reverberations around the world, where fans from Italy to the Philippines have united in expressing their grief and honoring the late basketball player, who was one of the most global-facing athletes the league has ever produced.
The coronavirus sweeping China momentarily relinquished its grasp on the nation as fans grappled with the news, while in Italy, where Bryant spent his formative years, national mourning will continue across the entire week. Bryant’s death dealt a crushing blow to supporters in the Philippines and also resonated in France, with major sports stars paying tribute.
Read on for Variety’s dispatches from across the globe.
China
Bryant’s passing was met with an outpouring of grief in China, where he is one of the most beloved American sports figures. The news even prompted a rare tribute from China’s official Communist Party mouthpiece.
The coronavirus sweeping China momentarily relinquished its grasp on the nation as fans grappled with the news, while in Italy, where Bryant spent his formative years, national mourning will continue across the entire week. Bryant’s death dealt a crushing blow to supporters in the Philippines and also resonated in France, with major sports stars paying tribute.
Read on for Variety’s dispatches from across the globe.
China
Bryant’s passing was met with an outpouring of grief in China, where he is one of the most beloved American sports figures. The news even prompted a rare tribute from China’s official Communist Party mouthpiece.
- 1/28/2020
- by Manori Ravindran, Rebecca Davis, Nick Vivarelli, Elsa Keslassy and Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
China, which clashed with the NBA this fall, has moved on to a new pro sports league confrontation, yanking an English Premiere League soccer broadcast after a player’s criticism of the government.
CCTV, China’s main broadcast network, was going to broadcast a match between Arsenal and Manchester City on Sunday. The telecast was scratched in the wake of comments by Arsenal’s Mesut Özil about the internment of Uighurs in China. Streaming services in China, Pptv Sports and Migu Sports, also pulled their coverage of the game.
Özil, a devout Muslim of Turkish heritage, put out a long message on social media Friday morning about the circumstances faced by the Muslim Uighur population in China. “Qurans are being burned,” he wrote. “Mosques are being closed … Muslim schools are being banned… Religious scholars are being killed one by one.”
The take-down had considerable reach. Özil has 21.1 million followers on...
CCTV, China’s main broadcast network, was going to broadcast a match between Arsenal and Manchester City on Sunday. The telecast was scratched in the wake of comments by Arsenal’s Mesut Özil about the internment of Uighurs in China. Streaming services in China, Pptv Sports and Migu Sports, also pulled their coverage of the game.
Özil, a devout Muslim of Turkish heritage, put out a long message on social media Friday morning about the circumstances faced by the Muslim Uighur population in China. “Qurans are being burned,” he wrote. “Mosques are being closed … Muslim schools are being banned… Religious scholars are being killed one by one.”
The take-down had considerable reach. Özil has 21.1 million followers on...
- 12/15/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
South Park and the NBA may have gotten there first – figuratively if not literally – but Samantha Bee is heading to China. And she has some questions.
In a special episode of TBS’ Full Frontal With Samantha Bee taped earlier this month and set to air next Wednesday, Bee travels to Hong Kong to ask, as TBS says, “What the F@$% is going on there and what the H#%& is the solution?”
For the episode, Bee interviewed pro-democracy university students, pro-Trump “Maga-wearing protesters,” Vr developers, and a historian from the Tai O village. The interviews include both formal sit-downs and on-the-street reporting.
The typical Full Frontal episode includes only one field piece, but the Honk Kong episode will include two, due to the subject’s complexity.
“I think everyone there was as excited as I am that we’re covering the protests,” Bee said. “There was a huge march the day...
In a special episode of TBS’ Full Frontal With Samantha Bee taped earlier this month and set to air next Wednesday, Bee travels to Hong Kong to ask, as TBS says, “What the F@$% is going on there and what the H#%& is the solution?”
For the episode, Bee interviewed pro-democracy university students, pro-Trump “Maga-wearing protesters,” Vr developers, and a historian from the Tai O village. The interviews include both formal sit-downs and on-the-street reporting.
The typical Full Frontal episode includes only one field piece, but the Honk Kong episode will include two, due to the subject’s complexity.
“I think everyone there was as excited as I am that we’re covering the protests,” Bee said. “There was a huge march the day...
- 12/13/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Bipartisanship in Washington is in short supply these days, but there is one roiling issue around which Democrats and Republicans are united: Hong Kong. Since demonstrations against China’s authoritarian control of the territory began this summer, top lawmakers from both parties have rallied in support of the protesters. Last week, as pro-democracy activists who barricaded themselves inside Hong Kong Polytechnic University squared off with police, Congress nearly unanimously declared official U.S. support for the moment. The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act passed through the Senate on Tuesday...
- 11/25/2019
- by Ryan Bort
- Rollingstone.com
CineAsia, the annual exhibition conference that was set for December 9-12 in Hong Kong, officially has been canceled due to “the escalation of violence” in the territory. Organizers sent an email to participants today informing them of the decision.
CineAsia is run by Film Expo Group, which also oversees such important events as CineEurope in Barcelona each summer and where Hollywood shows off its wares to local exhibitors for the months and years to come.
Hong Kong has been a hotbed of political unrest in recent months over China’s influence there. Protests began peacefully in June against extradition legislation. The bill since has been withdrawn, but protester demands expanded. One student died last week, and another was shot by police on Monday.
Film Expo’s Robert and Andrew Sunshine told Deadline: “Due to the escalating violence and ongoing anti-government protesting, we felt it was in the best interest...
CineAsia is run by Film Expo Group, which also oversees such important events as CineEurope in Barcelona each summer and where Hollywood shows off its wares to local exhibitors for the months and years to come.
Hong Kong has been a hotbed of political unrest in recent months over China’s influence there. Protests began peacefully in June against extradition legislation. The bill since has been withdrawn, but protester demands expanded. One student died last week, and another was shot by police on Monday.
Film Expo’s Robert and Andrew Sunshine told Deadline: “Due to the escalating violence and ongoing anti-government protesting, we felt it was in the best interest...
- 11/14/2019
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
“South Park” took a shot at Harvey Weinstein in its latest episode, a week after the disgraced movie mogul was mocked by a comedian at a New York comedy club, where he made an appearance.
In Wednesday’s episode, “Tegridy Farms Halloween Special,” Randy Marsh starts hallucinating after he smokes tainted weed that was laced with chemicals by his daughter, Shelly, who tried to destroy his marijuana crops. The altered pot makes him see scary images, including a zombie Winnie the Pooh (a reference to an earlier episode that was critical of China). He then calls the police to tell them he is being raped by Weinstein.
At the end of the episode, Randy wakes up a few days later and realizes that none of it was real until he finds a used condom in the trash.
Also Read: HBO Max Lands 'South Park' Reruns in Massive $500 Million Streaming Deal
Last week,...
In Wednesday’s episode, “Tegridy Farms Halloween Special,” Randy Marsh starts hallucinating after he smokes tainted weed that was laced with chemicals by his daughter, Shelly, who tried to destroy his marijuana crops. The altered pot makes him see scary images, including a zombie Winnie the Pooh (a reference to an earlier episode that was critical of China). He then calls the police to tell them he is being raped by Weinstein.
At the end of the episode, Randy wakes up a few days later and realizes that none of it was real until he finds a used condom in the trash.
Also Read: HBO Max Lands 'South Park' Reruns in Massive $500 Million Streaming Deal
Last week,...
- 10/31/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
China’s state broadcaster blacked out the first two days of the NBA’s new season and Tencent did not stream the majority of the games live, as the league continues to face off with the Communist government over free speech.
The NBA has been at odds with Chinese sponsors, networks and fans in its most critical foreign market – where it conducts $4 billion in business, some estimate – in the wake of a tweet by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey earlier this month in support of the ongoing pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.
Both CCTV, the NBA’s exclusive broadcast partner, and Tencent, its exclusive streaming partner, canceled broadcasts of two pre-season games played in China in retaliation, while Chinese sponsors like smartphone maker Vivo and sportswear firm Anta Sports have fled the league.
The backlash has now spilled over into the regular season. Tuesday night’s games – one between...
The NBA has been at odds with Chinese sponsors, networks and fans in its most critical foreign market – where it conducts $4 billion in business, some estimate – in the wake of a tweet by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey earlier this month in support of the ongoing pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.
Both CCTV, the NBA’s exclusive broadcast partner, and Tencent, its exclusive streaming partner, canceled broadcasts of two pre-season games played in China in retaliation, while Chinese sponsors like smartphone maker Vivo and sportswear firm Anta Sports have fled the league.
The backlash has now spilled over into the regular season. Tuesday night’s games – one between...
- 10/24/2019
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal is defending Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey for his tweet voicing support for protesters in Hong Kong, which subsequently sparked controversy between the NBA and China.
Appearing on TNT Tuesday night, Shaq said Morey was “right” to support the protesters.
“One of our best values here in America is free speech. We’re allowed to say what we want to say and we are allowed to speak out on injustices and that’s just how it goes,” O’Neal said during a panel discussion. “If people don’t understand that, that’s something they have to deal with.”
“I just thought it was unfortunate for both parties, and then you got people speaking when they don’t know what they’re talking about. But Daryl Morey was right,” Shaq added. “Whenever you see something wrong going on anywhere in the world, you should...
Appearing on TNT Tuesday night, Shaq said Morey was “right” to support the protesters.
“One of our best values here in America is free speech. We’re allowed to say what we want to say and we are allowed to speak out on injustices and that’s just how it goes,” O’Neal said during a panel discussion. “If people don’t understand that, that’s something they have to deal with.”
“I just thought it was unfortunate for both parties, and then you got people speaking when they don’t know what they’re talking about. But Daryl Morey was right,” Shaq added. “Whenever you see something wrong going on anywhere in the world, you should...
- 10/23/2019
- by Anita Bennett
- Deadline Film + TV
The NBA tips off its 2019-2020 season on Tuesday night, with the Toronto Raptors beginning their first-ever NBA title defense, and the Los Angeles Clippers’ first attempt to create a true rivalry with its more glitzy cross-town brethren Lakers. But the league’s ongoing crisis with China over a team executive’s pro Hong Kong tweet threatens to overshadow the festivities.
Ever since Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted support of the protests in Hong Kong in early October, enraging the Communist Chinese government, the ensuing fallout has dominated national news headlines. And the league’s national TV partners, Turner and ESPN, find themselves caught in the middle.
For Turner, whose TNT airs not only Tuesday night’s doubleheader, but also has a Rockets game slated for Thursday, the situation is unavoidable.
Also Read: Pro-Hong Kong and Free Tibet Activists Protest During Preseason Nets-Raptors NBA Game
Turner...
Ever since Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted support of the protests in Hong Kong in early October, enraging the Communist Chinese government, the ensuing fallout has dominated national news headlines. And the league’s national TV partners, Turner and ESPN, find themselves caught in the middle.
For Turner, whose TNT airs not only Tuesday night’s doubleheader, but also has a Rockets game slated for Thursday, the situation is unavoidable.
Also Read: Pro-Hong Kong and Free Tibet Activists Protest During Preseason Nets-Raptors NBA Game
Turner...
- 10/22/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Tibetan rights activists protested tonight alongside Hong Kong democracy activists at the Brooklyn Nets vs Toronto Raptors game at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn. The protesters said their aim was to draw attention to the issue of China’s occupation of Tibet and to send a message to the NBA, along with Nets’ owner, Joseph Tsai (a Hong Kong resident), and La Lakers’ player LeBron James.
Both Tsai and James have attempted to manipulate Houston Rockets general manager Dary Morey’s tweet supporting Hong Kong protesters.
The activists held signs and chanted slogans expressing opposition to Beijing’s attempt to silence voices of support for Hong Kong, Tibetans and Uyghurs, who are facing severe repression under Chinese occupation.
Sitting in Section 1 across from the Nets bench, nine fans wore white shirts with black lettering saying “Free Tibet.” An estimated 100 China protesters filled about eight rows of seats and wore black...
Both Tsai and James have attempted to manipulate Houston Rockets general manager Dary Morey’s tweet supporting Hong Kong protesters.
The activists held signs and chanted slogans expressing opposition to Beijing’s attempt to silence voices of support for Hong Kong, Tibetans and Uyghurs, who are facing severe repression under Chinese occupation.
Sitting in Section 1 across from the Nets bench, nine fans wore white shirts with black lettering saying “Free Tibet.” An estimated 100 China protesters filled about eight rows of seats and wore black...
- 10/19/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
A string of events this month related to China and ongoing protests in Hong Kong has tarnished major U.S. brands from the NBA to Apple to Activision Blizzard. While Hollywood usually finds itself in the thick of such controversies, it has managed this time to mostly avoid major reputational damage, at least for now.
Viacom in particular has been on the front lines after one of its signature shows, Comedy Central’s often-risqué South Park, provoked China by brazenly mocking the nation’s strict customs (and Disney’s simultaneously). Gemini Man, a Paramount release in the U.S., is being distributed in China by Fosun and made an estimated $10.8M on Friday to top the local box office chart. The fates of future Paramount releases such as Terminator: Dark Fate and next summer’s Top Gun: Maverick are unclear, but as of now it appears unlikely they would feel heat.
Viacom in particular has been on the front lines after one of its signature shows, Comedy Central’s often-risqué South Park, provoked China by brazenly mocking the nation’s strict customs (and Disney’s simultaneously). Gemini Man, a Paramount release in the U.S., is being distributed in China by Fosun and made an estimated $10.8M on Friday to top the local box office chart. The fates of future Paramount releases such as Terminator: Dark Fate and next summer’s Top Gun: Maverick are unclear, but as of now it appears unlikely they would feel heat.
- 10/18/2019
- by Nancy Tartaglione and Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Apple TV+ shows are going to hit on a variety of topical themes, but don’t expect any of them to be critical of China. Apple’s upcoming streaming service made headlines late last week when BuzzFeed News reported that the company told some of its show developers to avoid angering the country, the latest news in a string of recent controversies regarding Western companies and their increasingly complicated relationships with China.
Although major American entities such as Apple, the National Basketball Association, and Irvine-based video game developer Blizzard Entertainment have done business with China for years, stateside discontent regarding those relationships has increased in the last few weeks in the wake of the ongoing Hong Kong protests. It’s creating a dynamic where companies have to choose between their morals and their bottom line – and growth, more often than not, wins.
Take the case of Apple. On one hand,...
Although major American entities such as Apple, the National Basketball Association, and Irvine-based video game developer Blizzard Entertainment have done business with China for years, stateside discontent regarding those relationships has increased in the last few weeks in the wake of the ongoing Hong Kong protests. It’s creating a dynamic where companies have to choose between their morals and their bottom line – and growth, more often than not, wins.
Take the case of Apple. On one hand,...
- 10/18/2019
- by Tyler Hersko
- Indiewire
Commissioner Adam Silver is trying to change the narrative surrounding the National Basketball Association’s dealings with China.
Silver said Thursday at a conference in New York that Chinese officials asked him initially to fire Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey, who got into hot water for tweeting “Fight for freedom. Stand with Hong Kong.”
The subsequent uproar by China over the tweet caused problems during what was originally a goodwill tour by the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets. Posters were torn down, merchandise taken off shelves, TV and streaming options derailed, and media conferences cancelled. For the Us, the NBA and Silver caught grief for initially appearing to apologize, then giving a somewhat muted response instead of a full defense of freedom.
The tepid response was galling to many, since the league and many of its players previously showed no hesitation in speaking out against perceived injustice in the Us.
Silver said Thursday at a conference in New York that Chinese officials asked him initially to fire Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey, who got into hot water for tweeting “Fight for freedom. Stand with Hong Kong.”
The subsequent uproar by China over the tweet caused problems during what was originally a goodwill tour by the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets. Posters were torn down, merchandise taken off shelves, TV and streaming options derailed, and media conferences cancelled. For the Us, the NBA and Silver caught grief for initially appearing to apologize, then giving a somewhat muted response instead of a full defense of freedom.
The tepid response was galling to many, since the league and many of its players previously showed no hesitation in speaking out against perceived injustice in the Us.
- 10/18/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
“South Park” has already dunked on L.A. Lakers star LeBron James over his response to Houston Rockets Gm Daryl Morey’s tweet about China.
“Yes, we do all have freedom of speech,” Cartman, who is recovering from a heart attack, yelled Wednesday night at a group of South Park Elementary students who are trying to remove meat from the cafeteria. “But at times, there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you’re not thinking about others and you’re only thinking about yourself!”
“They’re trying to take people’s lunch,” Cartman complained to school counselor Mr. Mackey. “They don’t realize it harms people financially, physically, emotionally and spiritually.”
#SouthPark23 pic.twitter.com/lqZbv6uJsW
— South Park (@SouthPark) October 17, 2019
Also Read: 'South Park' Declares 'F-- the Chinese Government' in Latest Episode
Those quotes look familiar?
During an interview Monday after a preseason game,...
“Yes, we do all have freedom of speech,” Cartman, who is recovering from a heart attack, yelled Wednesday night at a group of South Park Elementary students who are trying to remove meat from the cafeteria. “But at times, there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you’re not thinking about others and you’re only thinking about yourself!”
“They’re trying to take people’s lunch,” Cartman complained to school counselor Mr. Mackey. “They don’t realize it harms people financially, physically, emotionally and spiritually.”
#SouthPark23 pic.twitter.com/lqZbv6uJsW
— South Park (@SouthPark) October 17, 2019
Also Read: 'South Park' Declares 'F-- the Chinese Government' in Latest Episode
Those quotes look familiar?
During an interview Monday after a preseason game,...
- 10/17/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
The latest episode of South Park again touched on China – this time by taking a swipe at LeBron James’ comments about the controversy that has dogged the NBA.
The episode, called “Let Them Eat Goo,” takes aim at the plant-based food craze, as lunches at South Park Elementary are replaced with faux meat.
Cartman yells at students who favor the change and are protesting for ethical food choices.
“We all talk about freedom of speech,” he says. “Yes, we do have freedom of speech, but at times there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you are not thinking about others and only thinking about yourself.”
That mirrored a quote that James gave earlier this week about Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey’s tweet in support of pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, which he quickly deleted. James’ comments seemed to take issue with what Morey originally wrote on Twitter.
The episode, called “Let Them Eat Goo,” takes aim at the plant-based food craze, as lunches at South Park Elementary are replaced with faux meat.
Cartman yells at students who favor the change and are protesting for ethical food choices.
“We all talk about freedom of speech,” he says. “Yes, we do have freedom of speech, but at times there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you are not thinking about others and only thinking about yourself.”
That mirrored a quote that James gave earlier this week about Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey’s tweet in support of pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, which he quickly deleted. James’ comments seemed to take issue with what Morey originally wrote on Twitter.
- 10/17/2019
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
They burned LeBron James’s jersey in Hong Kong this week after the NBA superstar seemed to throw his support to that country’s rulers over the street protesters lobbying for freedom.
Trevor Noah noted that if the National Basketball Assn. kept statistics on jersey-burning, Lebron would dominate that category, as his jersey was also burned in Cleveland and Miami when he departed those cities to take his talents elsewhere.
Forget about Nike, joked Noah on tonight’s edition of The Daily Show. Instead, King James should seek an endorsement from Kingsford lighter fluid.
The host of The Daily Show was remarking on the firestorm of criticism being endured by the Los Angeles Lakers forward, who said earlier this week that Houston Rockets Gm Daryl Morey’s tweet supporting Hong Kong’s protests were “misinformed.”
“I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand and he spoke,” James said of Morey,...
Trevor Noah noted that if the National Basketball Assn. kept statistics on jersey-burning, Lebron would dominate that category, as his jersey was also burned in Cleveland and Miami when he departed those cities to take his talents elsewhere.
Forget about Nike, joked Noah on tonight’s edition of The Daily Show. Instead, King James should seek an endorsement from Kingsford lighter fluid.
The host of The Daily Show was remarking on the firestorm of criticism being endured by the Los Angeles Lakers forward, who said earlier this week that Houston Rockets Gm Daryl Morey’s tweet supporting Hong Kong’s protests were “misinformed.”
“I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand and he spoke,” James said of Morey,...
- 10/17/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Basketball superstar LeBron James has added fuel to the fire of the controversy engulfing the NBA over its self-censorship in line with China’s political interests — just as China appeared poised to quietly move toward defusing the issue with a resumption of online streaming for most games after a ban last week.
James was criticized Tuesday for appearing to toe Beijing’s party line after he said the Houston Rockets’ general manager, Daryl Morey, should have kept quiet instead of tweeting a message last week in support of Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters that angered Beijing.
“I don’t want to get into a feud with Daryl, but I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand and he spoke,” James said in an interview upon his return to Los Angeles after a China tour. “Yes, we all have freedom of speech, but at times there are ramifications for...
James was criticized Tuesday for appearing to toe Beijing’s party line after he said the Houston Rockets’ general manager, Daryl Morey, should have kept quiet instead of tweeting a message last week in support of Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters that angered Beijing.
“I don’t want to get into a feud with Daryl, but I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand and he spoke,” James said in an interview upon his return to Los Angeles after a China tour. “Yes, we all have freedom of speech, but at times there are ramifications for...
- 10/15/2019
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
The Oct. 12 game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets in the Chinese city of Shenzhen might have seemed like business as usual, with thousands of basketball fans out in force for the rare opportunity to see their beloved NBA teams compete live.
But below the surface, tensions were high at the second of what have likely been the two most geopolitically controversial preseason exhibition games in NBA history. After a single tweet by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey in support of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV refused to air the two games, and nearly all of NBA China’s local sponsors have fled.
The angry backlash in the Middle Kingdom has illustrated anew the difficult challenge Western companies face as they do business in a country whose massive
market they crave but whose government espouses values they don’t. In the past week,...
But below the surface, tensions were high at the second of what have likely been the two most geopolitically controversial preseason exhibition games in NBA history. After a single tweet by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey in support of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV refused to air the two games, and nearly all of NBA China’s local sponsors have fled.
The angry backlash in the Middle Kingdom has illustrated anew the difficult challenge Western companies face as they do business in a country whose massive
market they crave but whose government espouses values they don’t. In the past week,...
- 10/15/2019
- by Rebecca Davis, Patrick Frater and Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
LeBron James, usually held up as a progressive icon, is getting slammed for the comments he made Monday night criticizing Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey for his recent tweet in support of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.
"I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand, and he spoke," James said of Morey. "So many people could have been harmed, not only financially, but physically, emotionally, spiritually."
The remarks from James, arguably the world's most influential basketball player, sparked a wave of backlash on social media both stateside and internationally, with U.S....
"I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand, and he spoke," James said of Morey. "So many people could have been harmed, not only financially, but physically, emotionally, spiritually."
The remarks from James, arguably the world's most influential basketball player, sparked a wave of backlash on social media both stateside and internationally, with U.S....
- 10/15/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LeBron James, usually held up as a progressive icon, is getting slammed for the comments he made Monday night criticizing Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey for his recent tweet in support of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.
"I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand, and he spoke," James said of Morey. "So many people could have been harmed, not only financially, but physically, emotionally, spiritually."
The remarks from James, arguably the world's most influential basketball player, sparked a wave of backlash on social media both stateside and internationally, with U.S....
"I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand, and he spoke," James said of Morey. "So many people could have been harmed, not only financially, but physically, emotionally, spiritually."
The remarks from James, arguably the world's most influential basketball player, sparked a wave of backlash on social media both stateside and internationally, with U.S....
- 10/15/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
On Monday, LeBron James spoke publicly for the first time about an NBA executive who tweeted in support of Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters and caused a spike in tensions between China and the NBA, saying that Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey “wasn’t educated on the situation.”
But after an intense social media backlash, James said his comments were misunderstood and that he was “not discussing the substance” of Morey’s tweet.
On Oct. 4, Morey tweeted in support of the Hong Kong protests. In retaliation, the Chinese government canceled or postponed several NBA preseason events in China. The situation got worse after the NBA offered differing statements, tepidly defending Morey in English, and profusely apologizing in Chinese. Soon after, a bipartisan congressional group that included New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasia-Cortez and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz harshly criticized the league in a statement, saying in part that it is “outrageous...
But after an intense social media backlash, James said his comments were misunderstood and that he was “not discussing the substance” of Morey’s tweet.
On Oct. 4, Morey tweeted in support of the Hong Kong protests. In retaliation, the Chinese government canceled or postponed several NBA preseason events in China. The situation got worse after the NBA offered differing statements, tepidly defending Morey in English, and profusely apologizing in Chinese. Soon after, a bipartisan congressional group that included New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasia-Cortez and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz harshly criticized the league in a statement, saying in part that it is “outrageous...
- 10/15/2019
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
LeBron James has slammed NBA team owners for treating players with a “slave mentality” and weathered Fox New host Laura Ingraham’s bellow that the L.A. Laker and other pro athletes should “shut up and dribble” when it comes to social and political topics.
Not so much for Houston Rockets Gm Daryl Morey it seems.
Turns out King James believes that when it comes to pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong seeking to persevere against the dissent crushing one-party People’s Republic of China, one of the winningest general managers in the NBA should have kept his “misinformed” mouth shut.
“I don’t want to get into a word or sentence feud with Daryl Morey but I believe that he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand and he spoke,” the Ep and host of HBO’s engaging yak fest The Shop told reporters today in L.A. after spending...
Not so much for Houston Rockets Gm Daryl Morey it seems.
Turns out King James believes that when it comes to pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong seeking to persevere against the dissent crushing one-party People’s Republic of China, one of the winningest general managers in the NBA should have kept his “misinformed” mouth shut.
“I don’t want to get into a word or sentence feud with Daryl Morey but I believe that he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand and he spoke,” the Ep and host of HBO’s engaging yak fest The Shop told reporters today in L.A. after spending...
- 10/15/2019
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
John Oliver helpfully provided his corporate overlords with a slogan for one of their big new ventures: “HBO Max: It’s Not HBO. It’s Just TV.”
The joke – aimed specifically at HBO’s upcoming streaming service that will include, in addition to original programming, classic TV fare, or as the host of HBO’s Last Week Tonight With John Oliver said on Sunday’s episode, “reruns of Big Bang Theory, reruns of Friends and reruns of Fresh Prince of Bel Air.”
Oliver’s snipe arrived early in last night’s show during a monologue segment about the NBA’s ongoing contretemps with China, a situation sparked when Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted his support for the anti-government protesters in Hong Kong, a tweet Morey quickly deleted, but not quickly enough to appease Chinese political and business sectors.
In his report, Oliver – who, like David Letterman before him,...
The joke – aimed specifically at HBO’s upcoming streaming service that will include, in addition to original programming, classic TV fare, or as the host of HBO’s Last Week Tonight With John Oliver said on Sunday’s episode, “reruns of Big Bang Theory, reruns of Friends and reruns of Fresh Prince of Bel Air.”
Oliver’s snipe arrived early in last night’s show during a monologue segment about the NBA’s ongoing contretemps with China, a situation sparked when Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted his support for the anti-government protesters in Hong Kong, a tweet Morey quickly deleted, but not quickly enough to appease Chinese political and business sectors.
In his report, Oliver – who, like David Letterman before him,...
- 10/14/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
John Oliver turned a segment about the NBA's woes in China into a mocking promotion for new streaming service HBO Max on Sunday's Last Week Tonight.
The drama between China and the NBA started when Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted — and then deleted — a message that showed support for Hong Kong anti-government protesters, saying afterward that he did not intend to offend any of the team's Chinese fans or sponsors.
A short time after Morey posted that statement, the NBA said it was "regrettable" that the deleted tweet offended many in ...
The drama between China and the NBA started when Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted — and then deleted — a message that showed support for Hong Kong anti-government protesters, saying afterward that he did not intend to offend any of the team's Chinese fans or sponsors.
A short time after Morey posted that statement, the NBA said it was "regrettable" that the deleted tweet offended many in ...
- 10/14/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
For the Los Angeles Lakers, it’s a trip they’d rather forget. They lost two games, were in the middle of a geopolitical storm, and may be missing forward Anthony Davis for an extended period with a thumb injury.
The Brooklyn Nets beat the Lakers 91-77 in Shenzhen, China today. Protests were mostly quiet, as a call on Chinese social media for a boycott didn’t materialize. Some fans wearing National Basketball Assn. gear taped over the NBA logo or wore a Chinese flag as a form of protest.
Neither team had a pre-game or post-game media session, as the league hoped to sneak out of China without further inflaming the government’s raw nerves. Already, a CNN correspondent asking a question in China at an NBA media session was shut down, although a league official later apologized for that action by an overzealous Houston Rockets PR person.
The...
The Brooklyn Nets beat the Lakers 91-77 in Shenzhen, China today. Protests were mostly quiet, as a call on Chinese social media for a boycott didn’t materialize. Some fans wearing National Basketball Assn. gear taped over the NBA logo or wore a Chinese flag as a form of protest.
Neither team had a pre-game or post-game media session, as the league hoped to sneak out of China without further inflaming the government’s raw nerves. Already, a CNN correspondent asking a question in China at an NBA media session was shut down, although a league official later apologized for that action by an overzealous Houston Rockets PR person.
The...
- 10/12/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
The National Basketball Association said Friday it will not hold any media availability for the rest of its preseason trip in China. This comes amid the controversy following remarks Houston Rockets Gm Daryl Morey made last week in support of demonstrators in Hong Kong.
“We have decided not to hold media availability for our teams for the remainder of our trip in China,” the NBA announced in a statement Friday to ESPN. “They have been placed into a complicated and unprecedented situation while abroad and we believe it would be unfair to ask them to address these matters in real time.”
The league is making this decision independent of Chinese authorities, ESPN reported, citing sources.
The decision comes after Beijing mandated that no news conference be held before or after Thursday’s preseason exhibition game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets.
The second and final game in...
“We have decided not to hold media availability for our teams for the remainder of our trip in China,” the NBA announced in a statement Friday to ESPN. “They have been placed into a complicated and unprecedented situation while abroad and we believe it would be unfair to ask them to address these matters in real time.”
The league is making this decision independent of Chinese authorities, ESPN reported, citing sources.
The decision comes after Beijing mandated that no news conference be held before or after Thursday’s preseason exhibition game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets.
The second and final game in...
- 10/11/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The National Basketball Association continued to dig deeper into a public relations hole today, as an executive shut down a question from a CNN anchor on the league’s China problem.
CNN’s Christina Macfarlane was cut off at a Japan press conference after an exhibition game between the Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors. The Rockets have been at the center of a dispute that started when one of its executives, general manager Daryl Morey, tweeted support for the pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong.
Macfarlane attempted to ask Rockets stars James Harden and Russell Westbrook whether they would feel comfortable speaking out on political and social issues in the future after the uproar from China in reaction to Morey and the events of this week. The unidentified Rockets media relations person stopped them from answering – even though Harden appeared ready to respond – saying that “basketball questions only” were the only permissible path.
CNN’s Christina Macfarlane was cut off at a Japan press conference after an exhibition game between the Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors. The Rockets have been at the center of a dispute that started when one of its executives, general manager Daryl Morey, tweeted support for the pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong.
Macfarlane attempted to ask Rockets stars James Harden and Russell Westbrook whether they would feel comfortable speaking out on political and social issues in the future after the uproar from China in reaction to Morey and the events of this week. The unidentified Rockets media relations person stopped them from answering – even though Harden appeared ready to respond – saying that “basketball questions only” were the only permissible path.
- 10/10/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Apple and Google have removed apps from their stores after the China raised objections over their capability of aiding anti-government protesters in Hong Kong.
The tech giants are the latest U.S.-based companies to get enmeshed in ongoing anti-government protests in the lucrative territory. While U.S. firms have flocked to China in pursuit of its vast spending power, doing business in the region has proven complex, especially when basic principles of freedom enshrined in the U.S. Constitution are punished by authorities.
Apple’s app, HKmap.live, was capable of pointing out the location of local police, which enabled protesters to attack them, according to reports in China. Apple said it decided to pull the app after consulting with local law enforcement officials and concluding it had played a role in ambushes of police.
On Wednesday, People’s Daily Online, the state-run news outlet of the Communist Party,...
The tech giants are the latest U.S.-based companies to get enmeshed in ongoing anti-government protests in the lucrative territory. While U.S. firms have flocked to China in pursuit of its vast spending power, doing business in the region has proven complex, especially when basic principles of freedom enshrined in the U.S. Constitution are punished by authorities.
Apple’s app, HKmap.live, was capable of pointing out the location of local police, which enabled protesters to attack them, according to reports in China. Apple said it decided to pull the app after consulting with local law enforcement officials and concluding it had played a role in ambushes of police.
On Wednesday, People’s Daily Online, the state-run news outlet of the Communist Party,...
- 10/10/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Update: 22:30 Pm: Apple later on Wednesday removed an app that protesters in Hong Kong have used to track police movements from its app store with the argument that it violated rules because it was used to ambush police.
Previous 930 Am: Apple is the latest U.S. company to enter China’s cross-hairs, making an app available in its App Store that is seen as aiding anti-government protesters in Hong Kong.
People’s Daily Online, the state-run newspaper of the Communist Party, blasted Apple for providing access to the app, HKmap.live, in its App Store. The app “claims to provide transportation information for the convenience of the public,” the paper said — but instead, it provides the location of local police in an effort to assist protesters.
“Business is business, and politics is politics. Nobody wants to drag Apple into the lingering unrest in Hong Kong. But people have reason...
Previous 930 Am: Apple is the latest U.S. company to enter China’s cross-hairs, making an app available in its App Store that is seen as aiding anti-government protesters in Hong Kong.
People’s Daily Online, the state-run newspaper of the Communist Party, blasted Apple for providing access to the app, HKmap.live, in its App Store. The app “claims to provide transportation information for the convenience of the public,” the paper said — but instead, it provides the location of local police in an effort to assist protesters.
“Business is business, and politics is politics. Nobody wants to drag Apple into the lingering unrest in Hong Kong. But people have reason...
- 10/10/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
To capitulate to Chinese censorship, or not to capitulate? That’s the billion-dollar question increasingly facing U.S.entertainment companies that wish to retain their access to China’s enormous 1.4 billion-person market while maintaining a veneer of integrity in the eyes of supporters back home.
A “South Park” episode and a single tweet from an NBA employee have sparked a larger debate on how U.S. firms should do business with the Middle Kingdom. Senior U.S. politicians and public figures such as Hillary Clinton have waded into the controversy, while China has struck back by canceling broadcasts and pulling U.S. content from its internet.
“South Park” has essentially been wiped from the Chinese web in the wake of an episode that pointedly made fun of Chinese leader Xi Jinping and the role that Chinese censors play in shaping Hollywood content. Mention of it no longer appears anywhere on Weibo,...
A “South Park” episode and a single tweet from an NBA employee have sparked a larger debate on how U.S. firms should do business with the Middle Kingdom. Senior U.S. politicians and public figures such as Hillary Clinton have waded into the controversy, while China has struck back by canceling broadcasts and pulling U.S. content from its internet.
“South Park” has essentially been wiped from the Chinese web in the wake of an episode that pointedly made fun of Chinese leader Xi Jinping and the role that Chinese censors play in shaping Hollywood content. Mention of it no longer appears anywhere on Weibo,...
- 10/9/2019
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
The NBA has postponed Wednesday's scheduled media sessions in Shanghai for the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers, and it remains unclear if the teams will play in China this week as scheduled.
The teams were practicing in Shanghai on Wednesday, where at least two other NBA events in advance of the start of the China games were called off as part of the ongoing rift that started after Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey posted a tweet last week that showed support for anti-government protesters in Hong Kong.
"Given the fluidity of the situation, today's media ...
The teams were practicing in Shanghai on Wednesday, where at least two other NBA events in advance of the start of the China games were called off as part of the ongoing rift that started after Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey posted a tweet last week that showed support for anti-government protesters in Hong Kong.
"Given the fluidity of the situation, today's media ...
- 10/9/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
China’s state-run CCTV and NBA digital rightsholder Tencent have canceled plans to show two upcoming exhibition games in the country that are part of the league’s preseason swing through Asia. The moves comes in retaliation for remarks Houston Rockets Gm Daryl Morey made last week in support of demonstrators in Hong Kong.
The controversy stemmed from a Morey tweet last week, when he posted “Fight for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong” in reference to pro-democracy protesters’ recent clashes with police in that country, a semi-autonomous Chinese territory. The Rockets at the time were heading to Japan to play the Toronto Raptors in a pair of games this week.
The NBA said Tuesday that two games in basketball-mad China featuring the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets (the latter co-owned by Alibaba co-founder Joe Tsai) — one set for Thursday in Shanghai and another for Saturday in Shenzhen — still would be played.
The controversy stemmed from a Morey tweet last week, when he posted “Fight for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong” in reference to pro-democracy protesters’ recent clashes with police in that country, a semi-autonomous Chinese territory. The Rockets at the time were heading to Japan to play the Toronto Raptors in a pair of games this week.
The NBA said Tuesday that two games in basketball-mad China featuring the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets (the latter co-owned by Alibaba co-founder Joe Tsai) — one set for Thursday in Shanghai and another for Saturday in Shenzhen — still would be played.
- 10/8/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
If there’s one thing that could be considered apolitical in 2019, it’s likely video games. Yet earlier this week, politics somehow found its way into that sphere when the esports publisher and developer Blizzard banned gamer Ng Wai Chung (known in the gaming world as Blitzchung) from a major tournament for speaking out in favor of the protests in Hong Kong, who is from there.
On Sunday, Blitzchung, who is best known for playing the Warcraft spinoff game Hearthstone, made a comment in favor of the protesters during a live post-game interview,...
On Sunday, Blitzchung, who is best known for playing the Warcraft spinoff game Hearthstone, made a comment in favor of the protesters during a live post-game interview,...
- 10/8/2019
- by EJ Dickson
- Rollingstone.com
The NBA said Tuesday it won’t regulate what players, coaches and team owners say. The statement came shortly after Chinese state television network CCTV canceled the broadcast of two NBA games scheduled to take place in China later this week. The decision was explained as a direct reaction to Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey's recent tweet expressing support for Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.
"It is inevitable that people around the world — including from America and China — will have different viewpoints over different issues," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's statement read. "...
"It is inevitable that people around the world — including from America and China — will have different viewpoints over different issues," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's statement read. "...
- 10/8/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
A tweet by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey in support of Hong Kong protesters has created tensions between the NBA and the Chinese government.
On Friday, Morey tweeted his support of Hong Kong, writing in a since-deleted tweet: “Fight for Freedom. Stand With Hong Kong.” It was immediately criticized by the Chinese government. The Chinese Basketball Association (Cba) suspended all cooperation with the Rockets, which is among the most popular in China. The Chinese Media Group, the country’s state-controlled media arm, said it was “deeply shocked by the erroneous comments” made by Morey. Tencent Sports, which signed a five-year, $1.5 billion to continue as the NBA’s streaming partner in China, said it would no longer offer live-streams of Rockets games and suspended all news coverage of the team.
The fallout from Morey’s tweet threatens to strain what has been a very lucrative business relationship with China, while...
On Friday, Morey tweeted his support of Hong Kong, writing in a since-deleted tweet: “Fight for Freedom. Stand With Hong Kong.” It was immediately criticized by the Chinese government. The Chinese Basketball Association (Cba) suspended all cooperation with the Rockets, which is among the most popular in China. The Chinese Media Group, the country’s state-controlled media arm, said it was “deeply shocked by the erroneous comments” made by Morey. Tencent Sports, which signed a five-year, $1.5 billion to continue as the NBA’s streaming partner in China, said it would no longer offer live-streams of Rockets games and suspended all news coverage of the team.
The fallout from Morey’s tweet threatens to strain what has been a very lucrative business relationship with China, while...
- 10/7/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone have responded to China’s reported move to ban the Comedy Central series in that country, following a recent episode that dinged the Chinese government and Hollywood’s role in appeasing it.
The episode, titled “Band In China,” sees the boys form a metal band and offered a biopic, while Randy is caught trying to sell marijuana in China and sent to a prison work camp. It and other episodes seemingly have been scrubbed from Chinese streaming services, social media sites including Weibo and Baidu, fan sites and discussion pages, according to reports.
The ban caught the attention of Parker and Stone, who put out a statement Monday via the long-running animated series’ official Twitter page. The backhanded apology included a reference to the NBA’s recent entanglements with China, which severed promotional ties with the league’s Houston Rockets after the...
The episode, titled “Band In China,” sees the boys form a metal band and offered a biopic, while Randy is caught trying to sell marijuana in China and sent to a prison work camp. It and other episodes seemingly have been scrubbed from Chinese streaming services, social media sites including Weibo and Baidu, fan sites and discussion pages, according to reports.
The ban caught the attention of Parker and Stone, who put out a statement Monday via the long-running animated series’ official Twitter page. The backhanded apology included a reference to the NBA’s recent entanglements with China, which severed promotional ties with the league’s Houston Rockets after the...
- 10/7/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
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