GAGA ON THOUSAND OAKS SHOOTING: 'ANOTHER REMINDER THAT WE HAVE TO DO BETTER'

The union representing actors was celebrating its own Thursday (8 NOVEMBER) night in Beverly Hills.

But many attendees acknowledged they were somber in the wake of news from a city just 35 miles northwest.

Wednesday night, 12 were killed during a mass shooting in Thousand Oaks nightclub. Authorities identified the shooter as a former U.S. Marine who was armed with a legally purchased .45-caliber Glock 21 handgun.

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better," said recording artist and actress Lady Gaga. "There is so much that we need to do in this world," she continued.

Gaga, widely considered a current awards-season contender for her performance in the musical "A Star is Born," was among those honored by The SAG-AFTRA Foundation at its annual Patron of the Artists Awards.

The Foundation, which provides assistance to union members in need, also honored studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg, director Spike Lee and actor Harrison Ford.

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership," noted Ford, referring to US President Donald Trump's response to the shootings. "It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

Director Lee, himself buzzed as an awards-season contender for "BlacKkKlansman," a sometimes-humorous commentary on modern-day America that Lee refuses to call a "comedy."

When asked about the Wednesday tragedy, Lee said "this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff."

"He set the tone. And his base his following up on it, and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

Emmy winner Henry Winkler, an event attendee, said the latest shooting was "Unbelievable."

"We can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency - for real in our country."

Veteran Malaysian superstar Michelle Yeoh, now riding high in Hollywood thanks to the TV series "Star Trek: Discovery" and the box-office hit "Crazy Rich Asians," said, "It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough, I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have. It is not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

Beverly Hills, Calif., 8 November 2018

1. Wide Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

2. Arrivals-line backdrop with logo: SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Patron of the Artists Awards

3. Lady Gaga arrives, poses for photographers

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Lady Gaga, recording artist/actress/honoree, on the mass shooting Wednesday (7 NOVEMBER) in Thousand Oaks, Calif.:

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better. There is so much that we need to do in this world. But what I really believe is No. 1 is making mental health a global priority. And this is something that I care very much about, and that I will speak about this evening."

5. Harrison Ford poses for photographers

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Harrison Ford, actor/honoree:

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership. It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

7. Spike Lee poses for photographers

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Spike Lee, director:

"Well, I think that this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff. He set the tone. And his base his following up on it., and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

(Reporter: "Do you think the elections will make any difference?")

Lee: "The midterm? Yes. Yes. It's going to be a showdown."

9. Henry Winkler and Spike Lee pose for photographers

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Henry Winkler, actor:

"It's unbelievable. And, so, we can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency, for real in our country."

(Reporter: "So, what's the solution?")

Winkler: "The solution is caring about the population and not just a base."

11. Michelle Yeoh poses for photographers

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Michelle Yeoh, actress:

"It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough, I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have. It is not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

12. Adam Driver, Spike Lee and studio chief/honoree Jeffrey Katzenberg pose for photographers

GAGA ON THOUSAND OAKS SHOOTING: 'ANOTHER REMINDER THAT WE HAVE TO DO BETTER'

The union representing actors was celebrating its own Thursday (8 NOVEMBER) night in Beverly Hills.

But many attendees acknowledged they were sombre in the wake of news from a city just 35 miles northwest.

Wednesday night, 12 were killed during a mass shooting in Thousand Oaks nightclub. Authorities identified the shooter as a former U.S. Marine who was armed with a legally purchased .45-caliber Glock 21 handgun.

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better," said recording artist and actress Lady Gaga. "There is so much that we need to do in this world," she continued.

Gaga, widely considered a current awards-season contender for her performance in the musical "A Star is Born," was among those honored by The SAG-AFTRA Foundation at its annual Patron of the Artists Awards.

The Foundation, which provides assistance to union members in need, also honored studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg, director Spike Lee and actor Harrison Ford.

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership," noted Ford, referring to US President Donald Trump's response to the shootings. "It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

Director Lee, himself buzzed as an awards-season contender for "BlacKkKlansman," a sometimes-humorous commentary on modern-day America that Lee refuses to call a "comedy."

When asked about the Wednesday tragedy, Lee said "this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff."

"He set the tone. And his base his following up on it, and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

Emmy winner Henry Winkler, an event attendee, said the latest shooting was "Unbelievable."

"We can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency - for real in our country."

Veteran Malaysian superstar Michelle Yeoh, now riding high in Hollywood thanks to the TV series "Star Trek: Discovery" and the box-office hit "Crazy Rich Asians," said, "It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough, I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have. It is not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

Beverly Hills, Calif., 8 November 2018

1. Wide Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

2. Arrivals-line backdrop with logo: SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Patron of the Artists Awards

3. Lady Gaga arrives, poses for photographers

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Lady Gaga, recording artist/actress/honoree, on the mass shooting Wednesday (7 NOVEMBER) in Thousand Oaks, Calif.:

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better. There is so much that we need to do in this world. But what I really believe is No. 1 is making mental health a global priority. And this is something that I care very much about, and that I will speak about this evening."

5. Harrison Ford poses for photographers

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Harrison Ford, actor/honoree:

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership. It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

7. Spike Lee poses for photographers

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Spike Lee, director:

"Well, I think that this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff. He set the tone. And his base his following up on it., and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

(Reporter: "Do you think the elections will make any difference?")

Lee: "The midterm? Yes. Yes. It's going to be a showdown."

GAGA ON THOUSAND OAKS SHOOTING: 'ANOTHER REMINDER THAT WE HAVE TO DO BETTER'

The union representing actors was celebrating its own Thursday (8 NOVEMBER) night in Beverly Hills.

But many attendees acknowledged they were somber in the wake of news from a city just 35 miles northwest.

Wednesday night, 12 were killed during a mass shooting in Thousand Oaks nightclub. Authorities identified the shooter as a former U.S. Marine who was armed with a legally purchased .45-caliber Glock 21 handgun.

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better," said recording artist and actress Lady Gaga. "There is so much that we need to do in this world," she continued.

Gaga, widely considered a current awards-season contender for her performance in the musical "A Star is Born," was among those honored by The SAG-AFTRA Foundation at its annual Patron of the Artists Awards.

The Foundation, which provides assistance to union members in need, also honored studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg, director Spike Lee and actor Harrison Ford.

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership," noted Ford, referring to US President Donald Trump's response to the shootings. "It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

Director Lee, himself buzzed as an awards-season contender for "BlacKkKlansman," a sometimes-humorous commentary on modern-day America that Lee refuses to call a "comedy."

When asked about Wednesday tragedy, Lee immediately placed the blame on Trump.

"Well, I think that this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff," Lee said. "He set the tone. And his base his following up on it, and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

Emmy winner Henry Winkler, an event attendee, isn't a big fan of the current POTUS either.

"Unbelievable," commented the "Barry" actor. "We can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency -- for real in our country."

Veteran Malaysian superstar Michelle Yeoh, now riding high in Hollywood thanks to the TV series "Star Trek: Discovery" and the box-office hit "Crazy Rich Asians," said, "It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough, I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have. It is not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

Beverly Hills, Calif., 8 November 2018

1. Wide Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

2. Arrivals-line backdrop with logo: SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Patron of the Artists Awards

3. Recording artist/actress/honoree arrives, poses for photographers

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Lady Gaga, recording artist/actress/honoree, on the mass shooting Wednesday (7 NOVEMBER) in Thousand Oaks, Calif.:

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better. There is so much that we need to do in this world. But what I really believe is No. 1 is making mental health a global priority. And this is something that I care very much about, and that I will speak about this evening."

5. Actor/Honoree Harrison Ford poses for photographers

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Harrison Ford, actor/honoree:

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership. It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

7. Director/honoree Spike Lee poses for photographers

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Spike Lee, director:

"Well, I think that this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff. He set the tone. And his base his following up on it., and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

(Reporter: "Do you think the elections will make any difference?)

Lee: "The midterm? Yes. Yes. It's going to be a showdown.

9. Actor Henry Winkler and director/honoree Spike Lee pose for photographers

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Henry Winkler, actor:

"Unbelievable. And, so, we can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency -- for real in our country."

(Reporter: "So, what's the solution?")

Winkler: "The solution is caring about the population and not just a base."

11. Actress Michelle Yeoh poses for photographers

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Michelle Yeoh, actress:

"It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough, I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have. It is not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

12. Actor Adam Driver, director-honoree Spike Lee and studio chief/honoree Jeffrey Katzenberg pose for photographers

JUDGE: NO SLANDER IN ALEC BALDWIN'S COMMENTS ON PARKING SPAT

Alec Baldwin didn't slander a man in interviews about a parking dispute that turned physical, a judge has ruled as dueling lawsuits between the actor and the other driver continue.

Baldwin's remarks — including claims that Wojciech Cieszkowski's driving was "really fast," "really aggressive" and made the actor think his wife and son were about to be run over — were "hyperbole" and "rhetorical illustrations," Manhattan judge David B. Cohen wrote Thursday (26 DEC. 2019).

"They are words of frustration with someone's driving," not accusations that amount to slander, Cohen wrote.

He tossed out Cieszkowski's slander claim, but his assault and battery allegations can proceed toward trial. A message seeking comment was sent to Cieszkowski's attorneys.

Baldwin's lawyers, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, said Friday they were pleased with the decision.

The Emmy Award-winning actor pleaded guilty to harassment in the November 2018 confrontation. He went on to file a defamation suit of his own against Cieszkowski, a contractor.

The two clashed over a parking spot outside Baldwin's Manhattan apartment building. Cieszkowski said Baldwin hit him in the face, causing him "substantial pain" and headaches. Baldwin has said he "lightly pushed Cieszkowski in the chest" but did not seriously injure him.

Baldwin initially faced a misdemeanor attempted assault charge, but it was dropped. Harassment is a violation, the lowest level of offense.

After pleading guilty and agreeing to take an anger-management class, Baldwin commented on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and "The Howard Stern Show."

"Did I have an argument with the guy? Yeah. I thought he was going to run over my wife with his car when he was stealing my parking spot," he said on "Ellen."

He similarly told Stern that he feared Cieszkowski "was going to hit my wife and my son" as the contractor "just went zip! — really fast and really aggressive" in taking the parking space.

"I thought what he did was impolite, bordering on dangerous," Baldwin said.

Cieszkowski said through his lawsuit that he never imperiled anyone. Baldwin's remarks essentially, and falsely, accused him of such crimes as reckless endangerment, he said.

For his part, Baldwin argues in court papers that Cieszkowski defamed him by falsely accusing him of a violent assault.

Baldwin has gotten into a number of public dust-ups over the years.

He was arrested in 1995 after being accused of slugging a photographer in Los Angeles, and he was thrown off a plane in 2011 after arguing with a flight attendant who asked him to stop playing a cellphone game.

Three years later, Baldwin was arrested in New York, where police said he became belligerent after being stopped for bicycling the wrong way on a one-way street. That case was eventually tossed out.

New York, 21 November 2019

1. Alec Baldwin and wife Hilaria Baldwin pose for photos at the American Museum of Natural History gala

Los Angeles, 17 September 2017

2. Various of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin arriving at the Emmys

New York, 7 November 2017

3. Various of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin arriving at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's fall gala

New York, 22 October 2018

4. Wide of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin with their daughter Carmen on a red carpet

New York, 2 November 2015

5. Various of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin arriving at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's fall gala

ALEC BALDWIN SET FOR COURT DATE IN PARKING-SPOT ASSAULT CASE

Alec Baldwin is due to answer assault and harassment charges in a New York court after being accused of striking a man in the face over a parking space.

The actor is set to be arraigned Monday (26 NOV. 2018) on the misdemeanor and violation-level charges. He has said any assertion that he punched anyone over a parking spot is false.

Baldwin was arrested on Nov. 2. Police were told a driver pulled into a Manhattan parking space that one of Baldwin's relatives was holding for him, and the two men started quarreling and pushing each other.

The other driver told police Baldwin punched or slapped him. The 49-year-old man was taken to a hospital complaining of jaw pain and redness around his neck.

Baldwin later tweeted the episode was "egregiously misstated."

FILE: New York, 2 November 2018

1. Various of Alec Baldwin leaving police precinct and gets into car

2. Vehicle pulls away

3. Wide of '6th Precinct The City of New York Police Department' wording on wall

4. Zoom in on City of New York Police Department shield logo

5. Medium of door

6. Wide of police officer standing outside entrance door

FILE: New York, 7 Nov. 2017

7. Various of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin arriving at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's annual fall gala

FILE: New York, 17 Sept. 2017

8. Various of Alec Baldwin and Hilaria Baldwin posing on the Emmys red carpet

FILE: New York, 22 Oct. 2018

9. Wide of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin with their daughter Carmen on a red carpet

FILE: New York, 2 Nov. 2015

10. Various of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin arriving at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's annual fall gala

TONY KUSHNER JOKES HE FEELS LIKE A FRAUD BEFORE BEING HONORED AT INAUGURAL ARTHUR MILLER FOUNDATION GALA

Tony Kushner joked that he felt like a fraud to be mentioned in the same breath as Arthur Miller.

The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright was honored by the Arthur Miller Foundation with its Humanitarian Award Monday night (22 OCT. 2018) in New York.

Guests at the starry inaugural gala included Steven Spielberg, Nathan Lane, Liam Neeson, and Alec Baldwin.

Kushner spoke briefly about the honor before heading inside.

"I feel like a fraud. But it's great. I mean it feels wonderful. He was one of my heroes. So, the connection feels amazing," Kushner said.  

Baldwin served as the evening's host and said he sees Kushner as more than just a great writer.

"He's a great New Yorker. I admire Kushner. When we were in the height of the doing Trump on Saturday Night Live the first season of that in 2016. I was at Dean and Deluca, and my assistant was with me. And Kushner said to me, 'Is this you taster?' Like I got someone tasting my food, so I don't get poisoned by the Trump administration. And he's very clever, he's very funny," Baldwin said.

Baldwin continued:

"Everybody says that Kushner is one of the smartest people in the world. He's probably one the smartest people ever, you know. So, it makes sense to give him an award from one the name of one great writer to another."

Actor Nathan Lane, who took home a Tony award earlier this year for his role as Roy Cohn in the revival of "Angels in America" sees Kushner as a visionary.

"He was just incredibly prescient about where we were headed back in the Reagan days and now where we've wound up. And how we're still having a lot of the same arguments. He also gives you hope at the end of the play. Hope, for as the character of Harper says, for a kind of painful progress. So, you know I hope, I hope that's the case. Maybe we have to go through this to get to something better," Lane said.

Foundation co-chair Rebecca Miller and daughter of Arthur Miller called Kushner the perfect recipient of the inaugural Humanitarian award.

"Tony is really the perfect person to receive our first honor in this way. He is a great playwright and also a great human being, and incredibly caring. And I think he shares some of my father's love of humanity. I think that's very - it radiates out of Tony," Miller said.

The Arthur Miller Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing access and equity to theater education in New York City public schools. Besides Miller, other co-chairs include Kate Capshaw and Spielberg.

And that's a familiar face to Kushner, since they have been working together on the director's upcoming version of "West Side Story."

"It's been wonderful. He's a dear friend and amazing collaborator and I feel really honored working on a Steven Spielberg movie every time I do it. I'm very excited about what we're doing now with 'West Side Story.' I think that it's going to be something new and thrilling. So, it's always a great joy to work with Steven. He's an amazing man," Kushner said.

The event will raise funds for the Foundation's theater education programs.

New York, 22 October 2018

1. Exterior, City Winery

2. Medium, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw enter red carpet

3. Various of Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw posing for photographers

4. Group photo (left to right) Rebecca Miller, Steven Spielberg, Kate Capshaw, Tony Kushner, and Mark Harris

5. Medium, Rebecca Miller, Steven Spielberg, and Kate Capshaw posing for photographers

6. Medium, Rebecca Miller and Liam Neeson posing for photographers

7. Medium, Liam Neeson posing for photographers

8. Various, Tony Kushner posing for photographers

9. Medium, Tony Kushner talking to reporter

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Tony Kushner/Playwright, on being honored:

"I feel like a fraud. But it's great. I mean it feels wonderful. He was one of my heroes. So, the connection feels amazing."

11. Various, Alec Baldwin, Hilaria Baldwin with daughter Carmen Gabriela Baldwin

12. Medium, Alec Baldwin talking to reporter

13. SOUNDBITE (English) Alec Baldwin/Actor, on Tony Kushner:

"You know, Kushner is someone who not only a great writer and a great screenwriter, he's a great New Yorker. I admire Kushner. When we were in the height of the doing Trump on Saturday Night Live the first season of that in 2016. I was at Dean and Deluca, and my assistant was with me. And Kushner said to me, 'Is this you taster?' Like I got someone tasting my food, so I don't get poisoned by the Trump administration. And he's very clever, he's very funny. Whenever you see him – God, what I wouldn't give to have him on my talk show because I just admire him endlessly. I mean everybody says that Kushner is one of the smartest people in the world. He's probably one the smartest people ever, you know. So, it makes sense to give him an award."

14. Alec Baldwin greets Nathan Lane and gives him a kiss on the cheek

15. Nathan Lane talking to reporter

16. SOUNDBITE (English) Nathan Lane/Actor, on Tony Kushner's vision:

"You know, he just - at least in terms of 'Angels,' he was just incredibly prescient about where we were headed back in the Reagan days and now where we've wound up. And how we're still having a lot of the same arguments. He also gives you hope at the end of the play. Hope, for as the character of Harper says, for a kind of painful progress. So, you know I hope, I hope that's the case. Maybe we have to go through this to get to something better."

17. Rebecca Miller talking to reporter

18. SOUNDBITE (English) Rebecca Miller/Writer-Director, on honoring Kushner:

"Tony is really the perfect person to receive our first honor in this way. He is a great playwright and also a great human being, and incredibly caring. And I think he shares some of my father's love of humanity. I think that's very - it radiates out of Tony."

19. Nathan Lane talking to reporter

20. SOUNDBITE (English) Nathan Lane/Actor, on Tony Kushner working with Spielberg:

"He's one of our greatest directors, so it's not surprising that he was drawn to one of our greatest writers. So now they just have to give me a job."

21. Tony Kushner talking to reporter

22. SOUNDBITE (English) Tony Kushner/Playwright, on working with Steven Spielberg:

"It's been wonderful. He's a dear friend and amazing collaborator and I feel really honored working on a Steven Spielberg movie every time I do it. I'm very excited about what we're doing now with 'West Side Story.' I think that it's going to be something new and thrilling. So, it's always a great joy to work with Steven. He's an amazing man."

23. Wide of Steven Spielberg

Alec Baldwin was arrested Friday after allegedly punching a man in the face during a dispute over a parking spot outside his New York City home, authorities said.

Police said the actor claimed he had a family member holding the spot for him as he attempted to park his black Cadillac Escalade around 1:30 p.m. (1730 GMT) when a man driving a black Saab station wagon pulled up and took it.

Police said the men were arguing and pushed each other before Baldwin, 60, turned violent.

Baldwin was taken into custody and is expected to face an assault charge.

He's being processed at a nearby precinct in Manhattan's Greenwich Village neighborhood.

The driver of the station wagon, 49, was taken to a hospital with jaw pain, police said.

A representative for Baldwin did not immediately respond to a message requesting comment.

ARCHIVE: New York - 7 November 2017

1. Various of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin arriving at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's annual fall gala

ARCHIVE: New York - 17 September 2017

2. Various of Alec Baldwin and Hilaria Baldwin posing on the Emmys red carpet

ARCHIVE: New York - 22 October 2018

3. Wide of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin with their daughter Carmen on a red carpet

ARCHIVE: New York - 2 November 2015

4. Various of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin arriving at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's annual fall gala

Actor Alec Baldwin has been arrested for allegedly punching someone during a dispute over a New York City parking spot.

Police say the actor was taken into custody just before 2 p.m. Friday (2 November 2018) in Manhattan's West Village neighborhood.

A representative for Baldwin did not immediately respond to a message requesting comment.

ARCHIVE: New York - 7 November 2017

1. Various of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin arriving at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's annual fall gala

ARCHIVE: New York - 17 September 2017

2. Various of Alec Baldwin and Hilaria Baldwin posing on the Emmys red carpet

ARCHIVE: New York - 22 October 2018

3. Wide of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin with their daughter Carmen on a red carpet

ARCHIVE: New York - 2 November 2015

4. Various of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin arriving at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's annual fall gala

ALEC BALDWIN ARRESTED IN ALLEGED PARKING DISPUTE PUNCH

Alec Baldwin has been arrested for allegedly punching someone during a dispute over a New York City parking spot.

Police say the actor was taken into custody just before 2 p.m. Friday (2 NOV 2018) in Manhattan's West Village neighborhood.

A representative for Baldwin did not immediately respond to a message requesting comment.

FILE: New York, 7 Nov. 2017

1. Various of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin arriving at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's annual fall gala

FILE: New York, 17 Sept. 2017

2. Various of Alec Baldwin and Hilaria Baldwin posing on the Emmys red carpet

FILE: New York, 22 Oct. 2018

3. Wide of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin with their daughter Carmen on a red carpet

FILE: New York, 2 Nov. 2015

4. Various of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin arriving at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's annual fall gala

Natural Sound

Allan Boesak, one of the most visible figures during the anti-apartheid struggle, was convicted on Wednesday of stealing money donated to fight white rule, including funds from singer Paul Simon.

Boesak was found guilty on four counts of fraud or theft totalling 400-thousand dollars and acquitted on 23 other charges.

Judge John Foxcroft pronounced guilty of one count of fraud and one of theft in the Simon case.

Singer Paul Simon donated two hundred thousand dollars to the Foundation for Peace and Justice charity, headed by Boesak, after a South African concert tour in 1988.

But Boesak only passed one hundred and twenty eight thousand dollars on to charity and Judge Foxcroft ruled that Boesak had used the remainder for his own purposes.

Foxcroft said that part of the problem had been that trustees and donors had been blinded by Boesak's "larger than life personality" and reputation.

He also said Boesak was guilty of the theft of 226-thousand U-S dollars donated by a Swedish government aid agency.

The money was supposed to have gone to make voter-education videos but was used instead to develop a radio studio to be used by his wife, Elna.

Boesak was also found guilty of taking a total of 93-thousand U-S dollars to help buy houses in the upmarket Cape Town suburbs of Vredehoek and Constantia and giving 4-thousand-200 U-S dollars to Elna.

Foxcroft took almost three hours to read through the 27 charges one by one.

Boesak showed little emotion and refused to comment to reporters.

The former head of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches was accused of taking more than 300-thousand U-S dollars for himself and misusing a further 2-point-42 (m) million dollars donated to the Foundation for Peace and Justice charity he headed.

Boesak faces an unspecified fine or jail term - defence lawyer Mike Maritz said no decision had yet been made on an appeal.

Boesak's conviction comes after his bookkeeper Freddie Steenkamp was jailed for six years after embezzling cash from the Foundation.

Once a top African National Congress leader in the Cape Town area, Boesak played a leading role in the anti-apartheid struggle that ended in the country's first all-race elections in 1994.

He gave up an appointment as ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva when the scandal involving his charity emerged.

Cape Town, South Africa March 17 1999

1. Wide-shot exterior Cape High Court

2. Mid-shot sign reading "High Court"

3. Wide-shot press outside court

4. Mid-shot Boesak and wife Elna arrive in car

5. Close-up supporters looking on

6. Wide-shot crowds milling outside court

7. Mid-shot Boesak gets out of car, puts on jacket and greets the media

8. Wide-shot Boesak and Elna climbing steps to court and hugging well-wisher

9. Close-up cutaway cameraman

10. Close-up policeman guarding court

11. Mid-shot crowds outside court

12. Mid-shot Boesak and Elna leave court building

13. Wide-shot Boesak pushing through crowd

14. Wide-shot pushing

15. Wide-shot Boesak in crowd

16. Close-up Elna and Allan talking to their lawyer

17. Close-up same

JET LI'S LAWYERS WEIGH IN ON EMBEZZLEMENT ACCUSATIONS

Jet Li strikes back at allegations of embezzlement by posting letters from his attorney.

The 50-year-old Kung Fu star came under fire recently when a Chinese media company "April Media" accused him of embezzlement from One Foundation, a charity that he founded in 2007.

On April 22nd, April Media posted financial figures from 10 charity organizations in China, including One Foundation.

According to the chart, One Foundation received over $380 million RMB dollars for last year's Ya'an Earthquake relief.

However, it only forked out rougly 10% of the donation.

The headline asked, "Did Jet Li Embezzle $300 million of the Lushan Earthquake Fund?"

The weibo post generated a lot of discussion on China's cyberspace and prompted a reply from One Foundation.

One Foundation posted a statement online explaining that disbursing earthquake relief funds takes time and the post-earthquake reconstruction work is an on going process that requires careful and responsible planning.

It asks their supporters to be patient and promises that in a year or two, results of their work will be revealed.

Li first laughed off the allegations by jokingly asking if someone could teach him how to embezzle $300 million dollars and get away with it?

A day later, he took further measures to protect his name.

Li posted letters from his attorney on his Weibo account on April 24.

The letters, addressed to April Media, accuses the company of slandering Li with "baseless" allegations.

The lawyers believe that April Media's Weibo post has "negatively effected the public opinions of Mr.Li."

On behalf of Li, the lawyers asks that April Media remove the related posts on Weibo and issue an official apology to Li.

They also reserve the right to sue.

Lawyer of April Media, Wu Fa Tian responded and told the Associated Press that his client has not yet receive any indictment papers but will respond once they do.

Wu also added that Li's letters from the attorney only took attention away from the underlying question - where did the money go?

Wu said, "April Media simply made public the financial numbers of these charitable organization. These are facts, not made up� If they're going to solicit donations, they need to have the ability to follow through with execution. You need to deliver the money to the victims."

Li was inspired to start One Foundation after surviving the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsuanmi, while vacationing with family in the Maldives.

He was briefly separated from his daughter when the water swept their hotel but at the end, the family was unharmed.

One Foundation was Li's way of giving back to society.

After posting letters from his attorney on his Weibo account, Li received more than 6000 likes, retweets and comments.

AP Entertainment

South Korea, 15 March 2006

1. Various Jet Li arriving, on stage

AP Entertainment

Beijing, China 18 January 2006

2. FILE SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Jet L/Actor

"I think this ('Fearless') is going to be my last martial arts movie, as I have summarised my 'mind experience' of my martial arts career. I will act in a sci-fi movie, action movie, even so called Kung fu movies, but I am just an actor and I am just simply acting out the lives of other people in the movies."

AP Entertainment

Hong Kong, 22 January 2006

3. Various Jet Li on stage

4. Cutaway

5. Jet Li with Ang Lee on stage

AP Entertainment

Hong Kong, 27 April 2004

6. Various Jet Li receiving award

7. Wide shot Hong Kong

8. Jet Li on Avenue of Stars

AP Entertainment

Venice, Italy, 2 September 2011

9. Wide shot Jet Li arrival on boat dock

10. Medium shot Jet Li walking in

11. Medium shot Jet Li signing autographs and then walking inside

12. Introduction of Jet Li at press conference

Actors attending a Screen Actors Guild event on Thursday commented on the mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California which left 12 dead, just 35 miles from the event's location in Beverly Hills.

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better," said recording artist and actress Lady Gaga, among those honoured by The SAG-AFTRA Foundation at its annual Patron of the Artists Awards.

"What I really believe is number one is making mental health a global priority," she continued.

The Foundation, which provides assistance to union members in need, also honoured studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg, director Spike Lee and actor Harrison Ford.

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership," noted Ford, referring to US President Donald Trump's response to the shootings.

"It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

When asked about Wednesday's tragedy, Lee immediately placed the blame on Trump.

"Well, I think that this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff," Lee said.

"He set the tone. And his base his following up on it, and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

Emmy winner Henry Winkler, an event attendee, isn't a big fan of the current president either.

"Unbelievable," commented the actor.

"We can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency, for real, in our country."

Veteran Malaysian superstar Michelle Yeoh said it was "so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this," adding she didn't understand the US's gun rules and "I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

Former marine Ian David Long shot and killed 12 people at a country music bar which was hosting a night for local college students.

Authorities haven't identified what motivated Long to open fire during college night at Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, around 40 miles (64 kilometres) from central Los Angeles.

The dead included 11 people inside the bar and a veteran sheriff's sergeant who was the first officer through the door.

Beverly Hills, California - 8 November 2018

1. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

2. Arrivals-line backdrop with logo: SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Patron of the Artists Awards

3. Recording artist/actress/honoree arrives, poses for photographers

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Lady Gaga, recording artist/actress/honoree:

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better. There is so much that we need to do in this world. But what I really believe is number one is making mental health a global priority. And this is something that I care very much about, and that I will speak about this evening."

5. Actor/Honoree Harrison Ford poses for photographers

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Harrison Ford, actor/honoree:

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership. It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

7. Director/honoree Spike Lee poses for photographers

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Spike Lee, film director:

"Well, I think that this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff. He set the tone. And his base is following up on it, and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history of the United States of America."

(Reporter: "Do you think the elections will make any difference?)

Lee: "The midterm? Yes. Yes. It's going to be a showdown."

9. Actor Henry Winkler and director/honoree Spike Lee pose for photographers

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Henry Winkler, actor:

"It's unbelievable. And, so, we can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency, for real, in our country."

(Reporter: "So, what's the solution?")

Winkler: "The solution is caring about the population and not just a base."

11. Actress Michelle Yeoh poses for photographers

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Michelle Yeoh, actress:

"It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have.... it's not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

12. Actor Adam Driver, director-honouree Spike Lee and studio chief/honoree Jeffrey Katzenberg pose for photographers

SHOTLIST:

HEADLINE: New Orleans Residents: The Show Must Go On

CAPTION: The Mardi Gras Bacchus parade rolled through New Orleans as planned on Sunday, despite both a threat from the weather and a weekend shooting that left four people injured. Residents said they were determined to show the city's positive side. (Feb. 11)

SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS

Location - Date: New Orleans / February 10, 2013

1. Wide. Parade float coming down street

2. SOUNDBITE: CAROL REDMANN-BAILEY / NEW ORLEANS

' It was very disappointing because we take a lot of pride in our city. It's get such negative publicity and there's so much wonderful about it.'

3. Wide. Police motorcycles ahead of parade float

4. SOUNDBITE: Janell Weber/Baton Rouge, Louisiana

' I hate that it happened but I'm sorry to say it happens more frequently than it should.'

5. SOUNDBITE: William Daviss/Celebrating Mardi Gras

' The show must go on. Don't matter' (screams)

6. Close. Woman's Mardi Gras beads

7. Mid. King's Band of Merry Men parade float

8. Mid. Men dancing on parade float

9. Wide. Marching band

10. Close/Zoom out Marching band

STORYLINE:

Actor G.W. Bailey will share the spotlight Sunday as celebrity king of the Bacchus parade _ one the biggest in the run-up to Mardi Gras _ with more than two dozen child cancer patients from across the country.

When Bailey suits up in his Bacchus tunic and cape, 28 teens and children being treated for cancer will board a float and ready themselves for an hours-long ride through New Orleans, where they'll toss Mardi Gras beads and trinkets to throngs of crowds well into the night.

Even with the threat of nasty weather _ the National Weather Service said thunderstorms were likely from 3 to 6 p.m. _ the parade was on. On Sunday afternoon, Bacchus spokesman Clark Brennan said, "We're rollin'."

Bailey _ known as the co-star of "Major Crimes" on TNT and for roles in the "Police Academy" movies and the series "The Closer" _ said New Orleans at Mardi Gras is a great place to escape, especially for teenagers needing a break from cancer treatments and doctor appointments.

"I've had the opportunity to travel a good deal of the world, and I am not just saying this, there is no question I am in my favorite city in the world," he said. "I mean, the color, the sounds, the smells, the energy, the people, the food and obviously the music, how can you not love it?"

Bailey grew up in Port Arthur, Texas, near the Louisiana border, and says he has fond memories of visiting "that magical place" where he would walk the French Quarter, catch beads at Mardi Gras and eat some of the best food he's ever tasted. He said this weekend he relished the opportunity to share those experiences with young cancer patients.

As executive director for the Sunshine Foundation, a nonprofit organization with the mission of bringing joy to children being treated for cancer, Bailey arranged for 28 patients known as "Sunshine kids" to join him in New Orleans for his Bacchus reign. The group arrived Tuesday to a packed schedule that included trips to the Aquarium of the Americas, Audubon Zoo and French Quarter.

The group also took a south Louisiana swamp tour and attended Saturday's Endymion parade.

Bailey said he's been involved with the Sunshine Foundation for 27 years and has been executive director for 12. He said the foundation regularly organizes trips for young cancer patients to major U.S. cities.

He said that for years, patients would ride in suburban parades or downtown New Orleans parades in the weeks before Mardi Gras. But Bailey's reign as Bacchus thrust the actor and kids into the city's biggest Carnival weekend and atop floats on one of its biggest parades.

The revelry continues Monday, the eve of Mardi Gras known locally as Lundi Gras. That's when actor Gary Sinise and New Orleans musicians Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews and Harry Connick Jr. will ride in the Krewe of Orpheus parade. Joining them will be Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actress Mariska Hargitay, the Imagination Movers family-friendly rock band, and Animal Planet's Tillman, the skateboarding bulldog.

Carnival season culminates Tuesday with the pageantry of the Rex and Zulu parades and as many as 1 million people reveling in the streets.

The parade routes were packed with revelers by early Sunday, despite the threat of rain and a shooting on Bourbon Street the night before. Some had set up tents, folding chairs, even barbecue pits. Ladders were set up with seats at the top for kids to get a good view of the revelry.

"The show must go on," said William Daviss, donning a black and white striped costume and yellow face mask as he boarded a float in the Krewe of Thoth parade, one of several that rolled Sunday.

"This is what Mardi Gras is all about right here," said Patrick Browne of New Orleans, hugging his 1-year-old son Patrick Browne IV. The younger Patrick had a birds-eye view of the parade from the top of a ladder, which his dad had equipped with a small seat and handle bar.

The rain appeared to be a minor concern. Most had arrived at the parade route prepared.

"We have ponchos. We have our jackets. We have umbrellas. We have everything. We are set," said Janell Weber of Baton Rouge, La., wearing a hat boasting long purple, green and gold streamers.

The previous night's shooting was on the minds of revelers.

"It was very disappointing," said New Orleans resident Carol Redmann-Bailey as she watched Thoth roll by. "I was disappointed and sad, but it seems like Bourbon Street stayed open. Laissez les bon temps rouler. Let the good times roll."