Business by LA Times Studios
Television
The comedian addresses a controversy spurred by a New Yorker article last year, and the nexus of politics and race, particularly when it comes to a group he calls “Beige-istan,” in his new stand-up special.
Music
The affected dates of Malik’s Stairway to the Sky tour include his Oct. 27 show at L.A.’s Shrine Expo Hall. New dates are yet to be announced.
Hollywood Inc.
MSNBC is canceling Medhi Hasan’s opinion program and adding a new panel show called ‘The Weekend.’ Hasan will remain as a political analyst and fill-in host.
Entertainment & Arts
Hasan Minhaj gave his own scandal with the New Yorker the ‘Patriot Act’ treatment. He shared the emails and conversations that went into the ‘emotional truth’ story.
Whoopi Goldberg comes to the defense of comedian Hasan Minhaj, who was the subject of debate after he admitted to embellishing harrowing stories for laughs.
Opinion
After the New Yorker piece on Minhaj’s standup specials, I fear people will now believe that Muslims are exaggerating or fabricating stories about surveillance.
Hasan Minhaj explains embellishment in his stand-up: ‘I use the tools of standup comedy — hyperbole, changing names and locations, and compressing timelines.’
Zayn Malik let his solo music do the talking after One Direction. Now comes the first interview in six years from the band’s miscast “mysterious one.”
Lakers
The Lakers waived center Mo Bamba and will likely decline the team option on guard Malik Beasley’s contract in preparation to free agency on Friday.