The Full Belmonte, 12/26/2023
”Iran-Backed Forces Widen Their Attacks on Commercial Shipping - Houthi forces in Yemen are posing the latest threat to Washington’s efforts to contain the war in Gaza.” [Wall Street Journal]
Trump Asks Appeals Court to Dismiss Election-Interference Case
Former president’s lawyers restate argument that he is immune from prosecution over ‘official acts’ he took as president
Former President Donald Trump has been seeking to have his election-interference criminal case dismissed. PHOTO: CHARLIE NEIBERGALL/ASSOCIATED PRESS
“WASHINGTON—Lawyers for former President Donald Trump asked a federal appeals court late Saturday to throw out the case that he illegally sought to undo his 2020 election loss, reiterating his argument that those efforts fell within the ambit of his official duties as president.
The filing to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, which came late in the evening of the deadline set by the court, was the latest turn in the battle between Trump and special counsel Jack Smith. The Supreme Court on Friday declined Smith’s bid to fast-track a decision on whether Trump is immune, leaving the issue in the hands of the appeals court.
The government has until Dec. 30 to file a response. Arguments before the D.C. Circuit are set for Jan. 9, and the losing party will then likely appeal to the Supreme Court.
Despite that expedited appeals schedule, the Supreme Court’s action Friday—and the prospect that it will have to consider the case after all—increase the chances that the former president’s trial on charges that he interfered in the election will be delayed beyond its scheduled March 4 start date. Any major delay would thrust the trial into the center of the 2024 campaign season or even push it past the election.
Trump’s lawyers have been seeking to stall the trial, one of four criminal proceedings he faces as the election year opens.
The arguments from Trump attorney D. John Sauer in Saturday’s 57-page filing built on previous positions the former president’s lawyers have taken.
‘Under our system of separated powers, the Judicial Branch cannot sit in judgment over a President’s official acts,’ Sauer wrote. ‘That doctrine is not controversial.’
He also restated the argument that Trump’s impeachment acquittal by the Senate in February 2021 made any further indictment of him on similar charges ‘unlawful and unconstitutional.’
Special counsel Jack Smith had sought to fast-track a court decision on whether former President Donald Trump is immune. PHOTO: J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Smith has argued that Trump’s efforts to reverse the election results, which prosecutors say led to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, were criminal and didn’t constitute official acts that would be covered by presidential immunity.
The appeal will be heard by a three-member panel made up of Judge Karen L. Henderson, a George H.W. Bush appointee, and Judges Florence Y. Pan and J. Michelle Childs, both named to the court by President Biden.
In her Dec. 1 opinion, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan wrote that Trump’s former office ‘does not confer a lifelong ‘get-out-of-jail’ pass,’ and rejected the argument that his impeachment acquittal had any bearing on the criminal case. She has paused all pretrial proceedings in the case pending the outcome of appeals.
A separate D.C. appeals court panel the same day ruled that civil lawsuits seeking to hold Trump accountable for the attack on the Capitol can move forward, expressing skepticism toward the former president’s absolute immunity claims from allegations that he incited violence that day.” [Wall Street Journal]
Extreme weather
“A major winter storm is bringing blizzards across the Plains and the Upper Midwest, making for dangerous travel conditions during this busy holiday week. Parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming are under blizzard warnings. The National Weather Service said the heavy snow and strong winds could topple trees and power lines and bring whiteout conditions that make travel ‘difficult to near impossible.’ The storm is expected to weaken by tonight, but the weather service said parts of the northern Plains and the upper Midwest can expect a wintry mix to persist into Wednesday.” [CNN]
”Israeli War Cabinet Meets to Consider Egyptian Proposal to End War in Gaza - The proposal, a copy of which was reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, is the most comprehensive peace plan offered to the two parties in the 11-week-old Gaza war.” [Wall Street Journal]
Netanyahu Visits Gaza as Palestinians Mourn an Attack That Officials Say Killed Dozens
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Israeli troops fighting in the Gaza Strip on Monday, vowing to stay the course of the war even with the death toll mounting. His trip came hours after Gazan health officials reported that a devastating overnight strike on a crowded neighborhood had killed dozens.
It was the Israeli leader’s second known visit to Gaza since the war began. Mr. Netanyahu has been facing increasing pressure from the United States to lower the intensity of the war, but he said on Monday that Israel would ‘deepen’ the fighting in coming days.
The strike late Sunday in central Gaza underscored the risk to civilians as fighting intensifies. Gazans were mourning the victims in the neighborhood, Al Maghazi, where many who have fled fighting in other parts of the enclave have sought shelter.
Photos of the aftermath on Monday showed a gray concrete building gaping with dark holes where rooms used to be. At the foot of the building was a mound of debris, where men appeared to be digging for survivors, or bodies, without the aid of any heavy equipment….” Read more at New York Times
Ukraine
“Ukraine claims it carried out an airstrike in Crimea that destroyed a Russian tank landing ship. If confirmed, it would be the third time in less than a week that Russia suffered a major loss of military hardware. Russia's Defense Ministry acknowledged that its Novocherkask vessel was "damaged" in a Ukrainian attack. CNN hasn't been able to independently confirm the loss but it would be a welcome success for Ukraine as its counteroffensive against Russia has struggled and as international support for its war effort is weakening. Looking ahead to 2024, CNN's Nick Paton Walsh writes in his analysis that ‘it is clear Kyiv faces an existential crisis in the coming winter.’” [CNN]
Iraq
“The US military carried out airstrikes in Iraq that targeted three facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups, likely killing several militants, according to US officials. The airstrikes were a retaliatory response after the Iranian-backed militant group claimed credit for an attack on US forces Monday that injured three troops, the White House said. Kataib Hezbollah aims to expel US and coalition forces from Iraq and set up an Iranian-aligned government there, according to the US Director of National Intelligence website. The group also operates in Syria.” [CNN]
SPORTS
“N.F.L.: The Philadelphia Eagles held on to defeat the New York Giants, 33-25. And the Kansas City Chiefs failed to clinch their eighth consecutive AFC West crown, losing to the Las Vegas Raiders, 20-14.
N.B.A.: The Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 126-115. And the Denver Nuggets bested the Golden State Warriors, 120-114.” [New York Times]
Taylor Swift, 'Barbie' and Beyoncé: The pop culture moments that best defined 2023
“What pop culture moment defined your 2023?
Was it Britney Spears' bombshell memoir, "Friends" star Matthew Perry's tragic death, Beyoncé's life-changing Renaissance tour or Bad Bunny and Kendall Jenner becoming an item? Of course, 2023 was more than just entertainment news and gossip, but there's no denying the grip these pop culture moments had on our social media timelines and group chats with friends.
It was a year in which one could hardly go anywhere without seeing or hearing Taylor Swift's name, celebrity divorces were aplenty, and though Hollywood reckoned with historic dual writers and actors strikes in 2023, studios managed to squeeze out box office hits "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer," or "Barbenheimer" as the Internet dubbed.
Let's revisit 12 of the most seminal pop culture moments of the year.
Britney Spears, Prince Harry publish bombshell memoirs
This was the year celebrities unapologetically bared it all on the pages of their memoirs.
In Britney Spears' memoir, "The Woman in Me," the singer opened up about her 13-year conservatorship, the #FreeBritney movement and her romantic relationship with Justin Timberlake.
She revealed she had become pregnant with Timberlake's child when she was 19 and decided to get an abortion. After ‘sobbing and screaming’ for hours because ‘the pain was unbelievable’ while terminating her pregnancy, Spears claimed her then-boyfriend joined her on the bathroom floor and strummed his guitar in an attempt to soothe her.
In his 2023 memoir "Spare," Prince Harry wrote about topics ranging from how he dealt with his mother's death to his tours in Afghanistan and his relationship with Prince William and Princess Kate.
Rewind to the top of the year in January, and you might recall Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, released his tell-all memoir, "Spare." He discussed topics ranging from how he dealt with his mother's death to his tours in Afghanistan and his relationship with brother Prince William and sister-in-law Princess Kate.
Remembering Matthew Perry, Tina Turner, Lisa Marie Presley and more
A little more than a week into 2023, Lisa Marie Presley — Elvis Presley's only child — died of an intestinal blockage at 54.
Following her death, we lost other notable figures such as queen of rock 'n' roll Tina Turner, daytime talk show host Jerry Springer, legendary singer Tony Bennett, "Margaritaville" icon Jimmy Buffett, Pee-wee Herman actor Paul Reubens, "Euphoria" star Angus Cloud, "The Price is Right" emcee Bob Barker, "Harry Potter" franchise staple Michael Gambon, "Three's Company" star Suzanne Somers and, most recently, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" actor André Braugher.
In October, "Friends" fans around the world mourned the loss of Matthew Perry, who played the wisecracking Chandler Bing over the iconic show's 10 seasons.
Unlikely celebrity pairings: Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce
Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet have been rumored to be dating since spring.
Several celebrity couples – some of which are all but officially confirmed – that weren't on our 2023 bingo cards emerged this year.
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift arrive at the "SNL" afterparty on Oct. 15, 2023 in New York City.
Take Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet, who have been rumored to be dating since spring. Though they haven't made things official, they were pictured together at the U.S. Open and other major events, fueling speculation about their romance.
Also, look no further than older sister Kendall Jenner, who's been linked to reggaeton singer Bad Bunny for months. Paparazzi photos, a shared Gucci campaign and some suspicious lyrics have been keeping fans guessing. (Although now, rumors are the two have reportedly split.)
Then there's Miss Americana and her NFL prince.
As the lore goes, what started as a failed friendship bracelet pass-off has since blossomed into what might be the (most surprising) relationship of the year: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. A football game appearance here, a visit to Argentina there, and the two have shown no signs of slowing down.
Who run the world? Beyoncé and Taylor Swift
After performing her career-spanning 3 ½-hour show more than 60 times over, it’s official: Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour is the first tour in history to earn more than $1 billion, according to Pollstar.
After performing her career-spanning 3 ½-hour show more than 60 times over, it’s official: Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour is the first tour in history to earn more than $1 billion.
The show – a true physical feat as Swift navigates a set list that is a mind-boggling 45 songs long – has boosted local economies and spawned a movie that had the biggest opening for a concert film of all time.
Right behind Swift in the ranking of the year's highest-grossing tours was Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour.
Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour was the second highest-grossing tour of the year, according to Pollstar.
In the months after she became the most decorated artist in Grammy Awards history, Beyoncé went on to sell a reported $579.8 million in tickets to her tour. Her concert documentary, "Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé" (which she wrote, directed and produced), opened at No. 1 in its first weekend in North America.
The two powerhouses have also supported each other through these career milestones. Beyoncé quietly made an appearance at Swift's Eras Tour movie premiere in Los Angeles, and Swift flew overseas to attend the "Renaissance" film premiere in London.
Rihanna's Super Bowl halftime show pregnancy reveal
Rihanna performed a 13-minute set during her halftime show and teased her baby news by occasionally caressing her belly.
In February, Rihanna had a very unexpected special guest on stage during her Super Bowl halftime performance: her baby bump.
As she caressed her stomach throughout her performance, social media went wild with speculation about whether this was a pregnancy announcement. Shortly after Rihanna ended her 13-minute set, her representative confirmed that the Barbados-born superstar was, indeed, expecting baby #2.
Six months later, her second son with A$AP Rocky, Riot Rose Mayers, was born.
'Everything Everywhere All at Once' sweeps the Oscars
"Everything Everywhere All at Once" won a stunning seven Oscars in the 10 categories in which it was nominated at the 2023 Academy Awards.
"Everything Everywhere All at Once" surpassed all expectations for an indie film about multiverse hopping with hotdog fingers, talking rocks and googly eyes.
It was a box office hit and racked up Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and Critics' Choice awards before it concluded the awards season in February with a bang by winning a stunning seven Oscars in the 10 categories in which it was nominated. Michelle Yeoh wasn't wrong when she called the moment "history in the making" during her acceptance speech for the best actress Oscar: She's the first Asian person in the show's 95-year history to be awarded in the category. Yeoh's co-star, and onscreen husband, Ke Huy Quan became the second Asian man to win best supporting actor.
It was a win for the film's directors and writers (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert), actors, and, most importantly, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
Historic writers' and actors' strikes grind Hollywood to a halt
SAG-AFTRA members were on strike for 118 days as WGA members waged a 148-day strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Here, Kerry Washington speaks at an August rally for both unions.
The summer of strikes culminated in new contracts for the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Writers Guild of America.
After SAG-AFTRA's historic 118-day strike and WGA's 148-day strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, actors and writers were able to get back to work on late-night TV shows, studio films and beloved TV shows. The effects will be felt as 2024 gets underway, though, as Hollywood scrambles to catch up on projects that were largely put on hold since May when WGA members went on strike.
King Charles III's coronation following Queen Elizabeth's death
Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla wave to crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the coronation ceremony in London on May.
Royals and dignitaries from around the world descended upon London in May to see King Charles III's ascension to the throne following his late mother Queen Elizabeth II's death in September 2022.
There were show-stopping headpieces and jewelry, a balcony appearance by the British royal family (sans Prince Harry and Prince Andrew) and a procession to Buckingham Palace in a gilded carriage as the king and the queen consort (Queen Camilla) were crowned.
Though Prince Harry was in attendance for his father's coronation, Duchess Meghan and their children were not.
'Barbenheimer' power duo blew past box office expectations
Moviegoers take a selfie in front of an "Oppenheimer" movie poster before they attended an advance screening of "Barbie."
This July, "Barbenheimer" went from a silly meme to a box office juggernaut.
Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" — full of delightful, 2023-defining moments such as Ryan Gosling's "I'm Just Ken" and America Ferrera's monologue — had the biggest opening of the year and broke the first-weekend record for a film directed by a woman. Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" became the highest-grossing R-rated movie of the year.
In all, the unlikely duo's combined powers culminated in the fourth-biggest box office weekend in history.
Shocking celebrity divorces: Ariana Grande, Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas
Nothing lasts forever. Yet fans were shocked to learn that couples they’d long been rooting for were calling it quits this year.
Power couples such as Joe Manganiello and Sofía Vergara, Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth and Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner were among the list of celebrities who filed for divorce this year. Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez, Cardi B and Offset, Britney Spears and Sam Asghari, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness, and Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner also ended their marriages.
Some played out more amicably. For others, things have turned ugly as Jonas and Turner's custody battle plays out in court and Cardi B has made claims about infidelity on social media.
'The Golden Bachelor' takes TV by storm
"Golden Bachelor" Gerry Turner and fiancée Theresa Nist pose for a portrait for USA TODAY the day after the season finale of the series. The couple announced the they're getting married on live TV Jan. 4, 2024.
After years of delays, ABC's "The Golden Bachelor" finally premiered this fall. The new spinoff show, starring 72-year-old Gerry Turner, rejuvenated longtime fans who were tired of the decades-old formula and attracted new audiences, as evidenced by its impressive viewership ratings.
For nine weeks, viewers saw a nail-biter pickleball tournament, a '50s diner flash mob and more than one coy reference to "knocking boots" in the fantasy suites. Not only did the Midwestern widower get engaged to his final choice, Theresa Nist, after exploring 21 other women in their "golden" years, but he also intends to wed his ring-winner post haste. The golden couple is set to wed live on TV on Jan. 4.” [USA Today]