Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau Get a Table for 2, Inviting a Serving of Speculation
Their rendezvous at Le Violon, which specializes in 'seafood-forward cuisine' and is featured in the Michelin Guide, set the internet aflame with speculation about whether the American-born singer and the former head of state were on a date.
Now that would be rapprochement, especially amid the chilly state of affairs between the once mutually aligned countries over President Trump's tariffs and his frequent hectoring of Canada as being the '51st state.'
What a juxtaposition. In Ms. Perry's parlance? 'Hot N Cold.'
Ms. Perry, 40, and the actor Orlando Bloom, with whom she shares a daughter, recently broke off their engagement. Mr. Trudeau, 53, who resigned earlier this year as prime minister, separated from his wife of 18 years, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, in 2023. They have three children.
In response to questions from The New York Times, the co-owner and co-executive chef of Le Violon, Danny Smiles, said on Tuesday that the restaurant had hosted Mr. Trudeau and Ms. Perry the previous night. The restaurant confirmed that they had a reservation, but would not say who had booked the table.
'We can't say for certain it was a date,' Mr. Smiles said, 'but they were in great spirits.'
The celebrity website TMZ reported earlier about the sighting of Ms. Perry and Mr. Trudeau at the restaurant, publishing photos of the two there, taking a walk earlier and having drinks later at a tavern.
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USA Today
16 minutes ago
- USA Today
Superman and the American flag once stood for same things. MAGA changed that.
Is the new 'Superman' movie political? Should it be? USA TODAY readers gave us their takes in our latest Opinion Forum. The latest news about the "Superman" movie is focused on box-office heroics, with more than $300 million in U.S. ticket sales since its July 11 release. But those big receipts have not completely eclipsed the controversy swirling around the DC Comics-inspired film that started after director James Gunn announced "Superman" was about immigration and empathy. In a July 4 Times of London story, Gunn said that "Superman is the story of America, an immigrant that came from other places and populated the country, but for me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost.' The director's description was pure kryptonite to some, bringing howls over the politicization of an American icon in which the Man of Steel was turned in a woke undocumented immigrant. Others, though, nodded along with Gunn. To get a better sense of Superman's approval ratings, we went to USA TODAY readers, asking them for their take on the movie. Was "Superman" woke? And is that a good or a bad thing? And what about entertainment in general – has it become too political? Unsurprisingly, the responses were varied, nuanced and pointed. You can read them below as part of our latest Opinion Forum. 'Superman' woke? A little. But 'Snow White' ... I did see the new "Superman" movie, and I enjoyed it. In terms of whether it was "woke," I'd say yes, but it is really light compared with other movies. The movie is built on the traditional themes of Superman, which is truth, justice and the American way. I think the problem we have in the U.S. today is that the symbolism behind Old Glory used to apply to everyone equally. Immigration reflected this. Old Glory and Superman stood for the same things. But the red, white and blue is so strongly branded now with MAGA and conservatives, and they have such a strong RINO mindset about "you are with us or against us," that any criticism of their tenets gets labeled as woke. (Plus pulling the woke card gets more internet clicks.) Good storytelling can be political, but it has to be good storytelling. I think the root issue is "Superman" is a good movie and the receipts show this. Plus the political elements are relatable. "Snow White" in contrast was not a great movie. The leads were miscast. It's difficult to make Gal Gadot the evil one and less "beautiful one." And while I'd happily watch Rachel Zegler in most movies, it felt like Disney was trying to make a point all the way through the movie with her casting. Your Turn: Republicans, Democrats are held captive by extremes. Americans need a new party. | Opinion Forum As for whether entertainment is too political, I'm going to reverse that question: I think politics has become too performative. As a general rule, good quality politics − administrative and legislative − should be mostly boring. We are going through a period of dramatic change − generational change, transfers of wealth, technology and even our place in the world. I think we are in for excitement whether we like it or not. In general, the definition of woke is evolving. Today I would say it is partly a cancel culture tool for pundits on the right, and partly when left-leaning institutions with power (universities, media, etc.) do something to force adoption of their beliefs on everyone, e.g., many recent Disney movies. — Erin-Todd Hansen, Boise, Idaho Art is always political I haven't seen "Superman," but I'm planning to. I'm sure the movie is political. Art is always political. "Casablanca" is anti-fascist. "Gone with the Wind" is pre-lost cause ideology. "Star Wars" is anti-authoritarian. "Othello" is anti-racist. Hallmark movies are tacitly anti-feminist. Every work of art reflects the artist's worldview. It's stupid to think art is neutral. And I don't think other forms of entertainment are too political. We want your perspective: Are you concerned about starvation in Gaza? Should US do more to help? Tell us. | Opinion Forum As for the meaning of woke, it originally meant to be conscious of systemic racism. Now it's been coopted by conservatives to mean whatever they don't like. — Kim Akins, Columbus, Ohio Tired of forced woke movie characters I haven't seen the new "Superman" movie, and I don't plan to. I'm tired of the forced woke characters in movies. The constant emphasis on characters' sexual orientation that has nothing to do with the movie plot is boring and off-putting. Lyrics in rap songs are disgusting. If they were said in any other forum, the singer would be booed off the stage. Share your opinion: Trump wants Washington Commanders to revert to old name. Should they? | Opinion Forum Woke means an emphasis on sexual orientation rather than who the individual is. It's negative because it stereotypes the individual. People should be judged by who they are, not what they are. — Tim Walton, Brooksville, Florida Woke means caring for people, as Superman does I saw "Superman" and enjoyed it. Of course I think it was woke − like that's a bad thing? What's wrong with actually caring about people? Woke is caring and respect for ALL. It's positive. If people are triggered by compassion and respect for others, it's time for them to look in the mirror and ask why they enjoy hatred. What are they afraid of? Do you want to take part in our next Forum? Join the conversation by emailing forum@ You can also follow us on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and sign up for our Opinion newsletter to stay updated on future Forum posts. I find it a loaded question to ask someone if entertainment is too political. It seems to have the intent of gathering answers from those who are triggered by entertainment that doesn't fit their personal political bent. There's plenty of choices, so don't watch what upsets you. I believe that if people believe a show is too political, it's usually because it doesn't fit their own biases. — Deborah Tretter, Rochester, New York Is Superman illegal? They broke the story line. I watched the move and enjoyed it. Superman has never been politically motivated! Let's stop the woke stuff and just say it was a great movie, except that disappointing political stunt. Illegal is illegal. I wasn't aware that Superman was ever told he was here illegally before in any comic book. They broke the story line. I do sometimes think entertainment has become too political. I think people should have a right to their opinions, and if asked, they should share them. The problem is that people don't respect others' opinions. Woke, in my opinion, is a word made up by the media to get attention. It's a horrible word that causes hate and discontent. It divides our country. — Patrick Andrews, Jasper, Indiana You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.
Newsweek
18 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Trump's Envoy Steve Witkoff To Visit Russia This Week: What We Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Russia in the coming days for further talks on the war in Ukraine, according to U.S. President Donald Trump. On Sunday, Trump teased a meeting with Witkoff and Russian officials in the follow-up to previous talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which have not yielded progress. As Russia's bombardments of Ukraine continue unabated, Yuriy Boyechko—the CEO of Hope for Ukraine, a charity that helps communities on the front line of the war—told Newsweek that based on Putin's rhetoric, Witkoff's trip "appears to be a complete waste of time and resources." Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff arrives for his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on April 25. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff arrives for his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on April It Matters Trump has expressed growing impatience at Moscow's intransigence in ending the war it began three and a half years ago, threatening secondary sanctions on Russia if it did not agree to a ceasefire within 50 days. This has since been shortened to less than two weeks, and Trump's announcement of further talks involving his envoy is likely meant to add pressure on Moscow, although the Kremlin's rhetoric since the U.S. president's threats of sanctions suggests no shift in its war aims. What To Know Trump told reporters on Sunday that Witkoff would soon go to Moscow. "I think next week, Wednesday or Thursday," the U.S. president said, and the envoy would convey the message to Russia to stop the killing. Ukrainian media reported this meeting as taking place on August 6 or 7, which would be before a deadline of "10 or 12 days"—down from a previous warning of 50 days—which Trump set for Moscow to agree to a deal or face tough tariffs. Neither the markets nor the Kremlin have responded with concern to either time frame, the latest one falling on August 8. Witkoff, a real estate magnate, has already met Putin several times in Moscow in his role as a White House special envoy, but the Russian leader has repeatedly rejected American ceasefire plans. Trump has stepped up his criticism of Putin in recent weeks, condemning Russia's actions as "disgusting" after a Russian attack on an apartment block in Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, killed 31 people on Thursday. Boyechko said Putin was not ready to stop the war and would not back down in his demands that Ukraine hand over the remaining parts of the Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions still under Ukrainian control. He said the focus for the U.S. should be closing loopholes that allow Russia to generate revenue from oil sales and that frozen Russian assets should be used to fund military aid for Ukraine. What People Are Saying U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that his special envoy would be in Moscow "next week, Wednesday or Thursday," and that he wanted to "get a deal where people stop getting killed." He added: "We need a lasting and stable peace on solid foundations that would satisfy both Russia and Ukraine, and would ensure the security of both countries." Hope for Ukraine CEO Yuriy Boyechko told Newsweek that based on Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent comments, Witkoff's trip "appears to be a complete waste of time and resources. It is clear that Putin has made up his mind and will continue fighting as long as he has the funds to do so." He added: "For Putin, occupying Ukraine is a life mission. He intends to use Ukrainians under Russian rule to eventually attack NATO countries." What Happens Next Given Russia's continued attacks on Ukraine, the chances of any breakthrough in diplomatic talks appear remote. The Institute for the Study of War said in an assessment that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's comments on Friday, in which he blamed Kyiv for the slowing of negotiations, showed that Moscow was not backing down on its long-standing demands of, in essence, the complete capitulation of Ukraine.
Fox News
43 minutes ago
- Fox News
Democratic senator defends working with Trump after Booker's 'complicity' accusation
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., responded to Sen. Corey Booker's, D-N.J., outburst on the Senate floor last week in an interview with The New York Times. Cortez Masto was asked by the New York Times to respond to Booker's accusations against Democrats that they were "complicit" with President Donald Trump's agenda. "I don't need lectures from anyone on how to push back and fight this administration. I've been doing it since I got to the Senate, because I won my Senate race in 2016 and Donald Trump won at the same time. I'm also from a swing state; I've still got to get stuff done on behalf of my state," Masto told The New York Times. "I've been doing it since I got to the Senate, because I won my Senate race in 2016 and Donald Trump won at the same time. I'm also from a swing state; I've still got to get stuff done on behalf of my state," she added. Booker accused his fellow Democratic senators last week of aligning themselves with Trump because they are in favor of passing new police legislation. He claimed that without amendments, the legislation would allow the president to pick winners and losers in terms of who receives the benefits. "That is complicity with an authoritarian leader who is trashing our country," Booker said. "It is time for Democrats to have a backbone. It's time for us to fight. It's time for us to draw a line, and when it comes to the safety of my state being denied these grants, that's why I'm standing here." Booker's objection stemmed from a call from Democrats to pass a package of law enforcement-related bills aimed at boosting resources for police, including resources to help shore up death benefits for police officers lost in the line of duty, resources for greater mental health support for officers, resources to address child exploitation. The bills, which eventually passed, were discussed and approved in committee before reaching the Senate floor. Masto thought Trump's legislation would benefit everyone across the country. "Why would you throw out good legislation that's going to benefit everyone across the country? That doesn't make sense. We still have to have a functioning government. That's part of gaining the trust of Americans again, so they understand there are people that are working on their behalf," Masto said. "But most importantly, we have to win. Winning means we've got to win these swing states, and focus on those swing voters and what matters to them and talk to them and that we're addressing the issues they care about."
