Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Doesn't Hold Water

Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Doesn't Hold Water

There are spoilers ahead. You might want to solvetoday's puzzlebefore reading further!Doesn't Hold Water Constructors:Dan Kammann & Zhouqin Burnikel Editor:Amanda Rafkin ACRES (49A: There are 4,310 in Griffith Park)Griffith Parkis located in Los Angeles, California. The Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Commission characterizes the 4,310 ACRES of Griffith Park as "urban wilderness." Since we learnedthree days agothat an ACRE is about 75% of the size of a football field, I did some math and calculated that Griffith Park is about the size of 3,260 football fields. TRIO (14A: The Chicks or the Magi) The Chicks are a country music TRIO of Natalie Maines, Martie Erwin Maguire, and Emily Strayer. The Magi are a TRIO of Wise Ones who are written about in the Biblical book of Matthew as traveling from the east to pay homage to the Christ Child. The gospel of Matthew does not actually state that the Magi were a TRIO (no specific number of Magi is given), however traditionally many people think about the Magi as a TRIO, corresponding to the three gifts mentioned – gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ERIVO (15A: "Wicked" star Cynthia) Cynthia ERIVO portrays Elphaba Thropp, who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, in the 2024 movieWicked: Part 1. She will reprise the role inWicked: For Good, which will be released in November of this year. Theofficial trailer forWicked: For Goodwas recently released. I am looking forward to this movie. NEIL (23A: "Harvest" singer Young) NEIL Young's fourth studio album,Harvest, was released in 1972. It contains the hit song"Heart of Gold,"which I associate with high school show choir ever since my daughter's show choir danced to it. BAE DOONA (37A: She played Sun Bak in "Sense8")Sense8is a Netflix sci-fi series that originally aired from 2015-2018. The movie explores a psychic connection between eight strangers who live in different places around the world. BAE DOONA portrays Sun Bak, who lives in Seoul, South Korea and is involved in the underground kickboxing world. I learned about BAE DOONA fromMay 24, 2022 crossword. PETE (48A: Tennis legend Sampras) PETE Sampras is a former professional tennis player. He retired after winning the 2002 US Open, which was his 14th major singles title. PETE Sampras was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2007. LUTE (58A: Instrument similar to the oud) A LUTE, like an oud, is a plucked string instrument with a hollow cavity and a neck. The oud has a smaller neck than the LUTE, and does not have frets. A LUTE may have frets, though some do not. PETA (4D: Org. opposed to bullfighting) People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1980. PETA advocates for the end of bullfighting, which is illegal in most countries, but remains legal in Spain and Portugal.. ORCHID (6D: Flower with bilateral symmetry) Many flowers – such as sunflowers and daisies – have radial symmetry, with their petals arranged in a circular pattern around a central point. An ORCHID, however, displays bilateral symmetry, so if a line is drawn vertically down the middle of the flower, the two halves are mirror images of each other. DOSA (8D: Thin, savory food that might be served on a thali plate) Thali refers to an Indian-style meal that consists of a number of dishes arranged and served on a round plate called a thali. One of those dishes may be DOSAs, crepes made from a fermented batter of lentils and rice. INDIA (20D: Country with 22 official languages) The Constitution of INDIA recognizes 22 languages. Hindi and English are designated as the languages used for official purposes and documents. Although 22 official languages is quite a few, INDIA is not the country with the most official languages. That designation goes to Bolivia, which recognizes 37 official languages. FRIES (30D: Poutine's crispy component) Poutine, a dish associated with Quebec cuisine, consists of French FRIES topped with cheese curds and brown gravy. PARSLEY (42D: Herb in tabbouleh) Tabbouleh is a salad in Mediterranean cuisine made of chopped PARSLEY, tomatoes, mint, onion, and bulgur combined with a dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. PREEMIE (43D: Newborn who might need extra care) Shout-out to my PREEMIE, my son who was born nine weeks early weighing 4 pounds 4 ounces, who is now a thriving six-foot-four-inch tall adult! STRAIGHT ANSWER (19A: Response that tells it like it is) BAE DOONA (37A: She played Sun Bak in "Sense8") SEE FOR YOURSELF (53A: "Go look, if you don't believe me!") DOESN'T HOLD WATER: Each theme answer begins with something that DOESN'T HOLD WATER, but is a homophone of something that does HOLD WATER: STRAIGHT/strait, BAE/bay, and SEE/sea. After solving this puzzle I stared at it for some time trying to figure out the theme. There was a lovely "AHA!" (60D: "Now I get it!") moment when I finally caught on. It's quite satisfying to figure out a theme that takes a little bit of extra thought. Thank you, Dan and Zhouqin, for this stellar puzzle. USA TODAY's Daily Crossword Puzzles Sudoku & Crossword Puzzle Answers This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Crossword Blog & Answers for June 14, 2025 by Sally Hoelscher

byLiam Oneel

in

June 13, 2025

Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Doesn't Hold Water

Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Doesn't Hold Water There are spoilers ahead. You might want to s...

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Kourtney Kardashian Holds Rocky in New Candid Family Photos: ‘True Love’

Kourtney Kardashian Holds Rocky in New Candid Family Photos: 'True Love'

Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic Kourtney Kardashian shares new snaps of quality time with son Rocky Thirteen The POOSH founder welcomed the toddler with her husband Travis Barker in November 2023 One candid photo showed the little one walking Kourtney Kardashianis quite literally a hands-on mama. In new photos shared by the 46-year-old mother of four, the Lemme co-founder spends some quality time with her youngest son, 19-month-oldRocky Thirteen. "true love will always bring you back home to your own soul 🖤," she captioned a Friday, June 13Instagram carousel. Kardashian welcomed her baby boy with husbandTravis Barkerin November 2023. She also sharesMason,PenelopeandReignwith her ex,Scott Disick, while Barker, 49, is father to hisson, Landon, daughter Alabama and his stepdaughter, Atiana, all of whom he shares with ex-wifeShanna Moakler. Travis Barker/Instagram Rocky sat on his mother's lap in the cover image, looking away from the camera. Another photo showed some of the toddler's steps as he and his mommy walked side-by-side down a hallway. He wore a black jersey with the number "13" written in white on the back, paired with gray bottoms. Kardashian extended her hand toward him in case he needed assistance. The roundup ended with a picture of several flower vases situated underneath a painting of a baby drumming. The POOSH founder and the Blink-182 drummer were recentlyphotographed at WWE's Money in the Bank eventon June 7 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. Netflix Sports/TikTok Baby Barker was also present for the fun outing, sitting on mommy's lap once again as cameras focused in on the family as the event announcers acknowledged them. According to Rocky's outfit, the images Kardashian shared Friday appear to be from last week's sporting event. Kardashian has been vocal about holding on to her baby boy as much as possible while he's still young. While answering fan questions on her Instagram Stories in May 2024, she gave a fellow new mother parenting advice after she was asked, "Any tips on a baby who only likes to be held to take a nap?" Kourtney Kardashian/instagram "Enjoy every second! We do the same," Kardashian said in her response. "He's never been in his crib. It's my favorite thing in the world." She recently revisited the conversation again, almost one year to the exact date. During a May 2025 appearance on her sister'sKhloé in Wonder Landpodcast, the mom of four andKhloé Kardashiandiscussed parenthood. Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "We're just kind of go with the flow," Kourtney said, pointing out how she differs from Khloé's "very scheduled and planned out" life withdaughter True, 7 and son, Tatum, 2, whom she shares with ex-boyfriendTristan Thompson. "And, also with the attachment style parenting, I hold him for his naps," Kourtney continued. After confirming to her sister that she holds him "the whole time" and shared that she once held him for five hours, she explained, "I'll sit in my little chair, usually in the room, and then I still have my little breastfeeding pillow, and he'll kind of lay on there with my arms under, and then I have a little radiation blanket that I put over to protect from EMFs." Read the original article onPeople

byLiam Oneel

in

June 13, 2025

Kourtney Kardashian Holds Rocky in New Candid Family Photos: ‘True Love’

Kourtney Kardashian Holds Rocky in New Candid Family Photos: 'True Love' Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic Kourtney Kardashian shares new snaps...

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U.S. Open: Rory McIlroy loses his cool ... twice

U.S. Open: Rory McIlroy loses his cool ... twice

OAKMONT, Pa. — Rory McIlroy lost his cool. Twice. But he will still make the cut, though just barely, at the 125th U.S. Open. McIlroy started his day 4-over par after a shaky 74 in Round 1. He then proceeded to double bogey two of his first three holes on Friday. At that point, making the weekend was not looking good. Things boiled over at the 12th when he hooked his approach on the par 5 into the rough. That prompted this reaction: pic.twitter.com/YBn2oJmLer — Tom Hobbs (@flushingitpod)June 13, 2025 He would actually go on to par the hole, so no damage done ... except for maybe to the club. At 17, his temper got the better of him again after he put his drive on the short par 4 into a greenside bunker. Pure.pic.twitter.com/vQFljgSWKi — TRACKING RORY (@TrackingRory)June 13, 2025 Again, he would go on to par the hole — a good score on a day at Oakmont where only a handful of the 156 players actually shot under par — so no harm done ... except to the tee marker. A clutch approach at 18 to inside five feet set up as easy a birdie look, which he converted to get himself to +6 — just inside the cut line. See you this weekend, Rory.Our 2011 champion will make the cut at Oakmont.pic.twitter.com/H5LZtSzJx8 — U.S. Open (@usopengolf)June 13, 2025 McIlroy will go into the weekend nine shots back of Sam Burns, who carded a brilliant 5-under 65 on Friday — the lowest round of the tournament so far. Burns is at 3-under, one of just three golfers under par.

byLiam Oneel

in

June 13, 2025

U.S. Open: Rory McIlroy loses his cool ... twice

U.S. Open: Rory McIlroy loses his cool ... twice OAKMONT, Pa. — Rory McIlroy lost his cool. Twice. But he will still make the cut, though ju...

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Anthony Richardson reportedly expected to be healthy for Colts training camp after 2nd injury to throwing shoulder

Anthony Richardson reportedly expected to be healthy for Colts training camp after 2nd injury to throwing shoulder

It sounds like the Anthony Richardson-Daniel Jones quarterback competition will go forward as planned. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Friday that Richardson is expected to be healthy and ready for the start of Indianapolis Colts training camp after suffering a second injury to his throwing shoulder during offseason drills. "He is expected to be fine by training camp,"Rapoport said. TheColts announced on June 5Richardson would not participate in mandatory minicamp that started Tuesday after he reported soreness in his right shoulder. The injury was to the same shoulder that required AC joint surgery during Richardson's rookie year. The initial injury sidelined Richardson for the final 12 games of the 2023 season. Head coachShane Steichen told reporters Tuesdaythat Richardson flew to Los Angeles to meet with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache for a second opinion. ElAttrache performed Richardson's 2023 surgery. Per Steichen, ElAttrache agreed with the initial prognosis that Richardson did not require another procedure. Herecommended rest and rehabilitationfor the injury. Steichen told reporters at the time Richardson still did not have a timeline to return. Richardson wasn't completely sidelined for Colts minicamp, which ended Thursday. He was seen doing footwork drills and shadowing the offense without throwing the football. Anthony Richardson doing what he canpic.twitter.com/BDjMNtxnat — Kent Sterling (@KentSterling)June 12, 2025 #ColtsQB Anthony Richardson doing some mental reps.pic.twitter.com/QqWmwTUpgH — James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid)June 10, 2025 If Richardson is ready for the start of training camp, the 2023 No. 4 overall draft pick is expected to engage in a true quarterback competition with Jones, the former Giants quarterback who signed with the Colts this offseason. Richardson struggled last season in his return from his shoulder injury. He made 11 starts and was eventually benched in favor of veteran backupJoe Flaccobefore returning to the lineup late in the season. The accuracy issue that plagued him in his brief rookie stint worsened as he completed 47.7% of his passes for 5.4 yards per attempt with eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions. TheColts signed Jonesin the offseason to compete with Richardson. Like Richardson, Jones has struggled in the NFL, primarily with turnovers, after being selected in the first round. Jones threw 47 interceptions and fumbled 50 times in his 70 games with the Giants in six seasons. The Giantssigned him to an extensionto his rookie contract in 2023 after he showed signs of improvement. But they benched him and ultimately cut him in 2024 after he regressed. He signed with the Vikings late in the season, but didn't play a snap. Colts general manager Chris Ballard said in Februaryhe wanted "real competition"for Richardson. The Colts then signed Jones in March to a one-year, $14 million contract. If Richardson does return healthy, he'll engage with Jones in one of the most intriguing position battles in the NFL.

byLiam Oneel

in

June 13, 2025

Anthony Richardson reportedly expected to be healthy for Colts training camp after 2nd injury to throwing shoulder

Anthony Richardson reportedly expected to be healthy for Colts training camp after 2nd injury to throwing shoulder It sounds like the Anthon...

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Judge moves toward nixing juror in Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial over 'lack of candor'

Judge moves toward nixing juror in Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial over 'lack of candor'

The judge inSean "Diddy" Combs' sex-crimes trial moved closer to dismissing a juror, two days afterprosecutors raised issuesabout the man's alleged "lack of candor with the court." U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian indicated he would be ordering for Juror No. 6's removal from the12-person juryonFriday, June 13. Six alternates have been on the sidelines in the trial, which is wrapping its sixth week in Manhattan federal court. In court, Subramanian said, "Removal of the juror is required" and added, "The juror will be dismissed." The reason was "several inconsistencies" in the man's answers regarding where he lives. Subramanian continued, "The juror is unable to answer simple questions. … There are serious questions about the juror's candor and ability to follow instructions." Though it "seems like a trivial matter," it "goes to a juror's basic criteria to serve," he said. Because of the "changing answers and inconsistency," Subramanian said it brings up questions about whether the juror was truthful in responding to other questions more directly related to the case. Defense attorney Xavier Donaldson objected to the juror's dismissal. Subramanian responded that he would continue to take the issue under consideration over the weekend. Diddy on trial newsletter:Step inside the courtroom with our daily updates. According to the judge, Juror No. 6 offhandedly told a member of the jury department that he had recently moved in with his girlfriend in New Jersey, where he had been staying most of the time. June 13 in court:Ye makes appearance, assistant says he 'slipped and fell' from baby oil cleanup When asked where he lived duringjury selectionin early May, he'd said he was living in the Bronx with his fiancée and baby daughter, Subramanian said. In yet another interview, Juror No. 6 allegedly said he stayed four to five nights each week in an apartment in New York, where he worked and completed jury responsibilities. He'd also mentioned living with his aunt in New York. Before the jury entered the courtroom June 11, prosecutors reportedly asked the judge to oust one of them, known as Juror No. 6, according to outlets includingNBC NewsandCNN. Per NBC News andThe Washington Post, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey told Subramanian she saw "what appeared to be a lack of candor with the court" from Juror No. 6 "that raises serious issues." Alexandra Shapiro from Combs' team reportedly pushed back against the request, calling it "a thinly veiled effort to dismiss a Black juror, The Post andABC Newsreported. Combs, 55, wasarrested in Septemberand charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He haspleaded not guilty. Contributing: Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Diddy trial's Juror No. 6 could be dismissed 6 weeks into trial

byLiam Oneel

in

June 13, 2025

Judge moves toward nixing juror in Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial over 'lack of candor'

Judge moves toward nixing juror in Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial over 'lack of candor' The judge inSean "Diddy" Combs...

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Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom's Relationship Has Been 'Breaking Down' for Months: 'Pretty Much Done' (Exclusive Source)

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom's Relationship Has Been 'Breaking Down' for Months: 'Pretty Much Done' (Exclusive Source)

Phillip Faraone/VF25/Getty Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom are "pretty much done" after months of tension, a source tells PEOPLE The claim things "aren't looking good" for the couple, who have been engaged since 2019 An insider previously told PEOPLE that stress over Perry's latest album release contributed to their troubles, though the actor was supportive of his fiancée Katy PerryandOrlando Bloom's romance is reportedly navigating troubled waters. Days after an insider told PEOPLE that the coupleexperienced strain in their relationshipamid the release of her latest album143, another source says there may be no turning back. "They're pretty much done," a source tells PEOPLE on Thursday, June 12, adding that they "don't really see them being able to turn things around here." The source adds, "It's been breaking down the last couple of months and isn't looking good." Perry, 40, is on the road for her Lifetimes world tour, and the source says she and Bloom are on different pages when it comes to how they want their lives to look. "This comeback means a lot to her. She wants to give fans the best show," a second source tells PEOPLE of Perry, who's currently touring Australia. "She's happy and just focused on her tour.Her daughter[Daisy Dove, 4½] is with her and they're sightseeing and having fun." Reps for Perry and Bloom, 48, did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. On June 9,the second source told PEOPLEthat Perry had been "deeply frustrated following the reception of her new album." "It made her very stressed. Orlando was understanding, but it did cause some tension." Meanwhile, a third source said that she was "disappointed in some of the tour reviews" and it consequently "put stress on their relationship." Ryan Emberley/Getty Despite any negative press, Perry sold out three shows in Mexico and ended up adding a fourth. She's currently on the Australian leg of the tour, which is also sold out. In February, the "Hot N Cold" singeropened up to PEOPLEabout how she handled the response to her album. "You shouldn't read it when it's good. You shouldn't read it when it's bad," she said. "My therapist said something that really changed my life. What anybody thinks about you is none of your business. It's what you think about yourself," she continued. As for the relationship, Perry last publicly referenced Bloom during one of her shows in May while introducing her song "I'm His, He's Mine." At the time, she jokinglyaccused a fan of "DM'ing my man." "You didn't come to see me play," she said on stage. "If you keep on DM'ing my man, I'm going to have you removed. Seriously, get your own life." Perry and Bloom have been engaged since 2019 and welcomed their daughter,Daisy Dove, in August the following year. Read the original article onPeople

byLiam Oneel

in

June 13, 2025

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom's Relationship Has Been 'Breaking Down' for Months: 'Pretty Much Done' (Exclusive Source)

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom's Relationship Has Been 'Breaking Down' for Months: 'Pretty Much Done' (Exclusive Source) P...

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Micah Parsons says Cowboys not signing him to extension already will 'cost them more' eventually

Micah Parsons says Cowboys not signing him to extension already will 'cost them more' eventually

Dallas CowboyslinebackerMicah Parsonsattended the team's mandatory minicamp this week, despite not coming to an agreement on a new contract. (However, he skipped voluntary OTAs in the spring.) His current deal expires after this season. In the edge rusher's view, team owner Jerry Jones would have already saved money had he signed Parsons to an extension by now. "It's going to cost them more," Parsons toldlongtime reporter Clarence Hill Jr. of DLLS. Parsons, 26, is in a race with fellow pass-rushersTrey HendricksonandT.J. Wattto become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL with a new deal. Both of those players didn't report to mandatory minicamps amid their respective contract disputes. The four-time Pro Bowler said he and Jones made a handshake deal in March, according to Hill (via Pro Football Talk). But the Cowboys owner reportedly never called Parsons' agent to work out the final details of a contract. Parsons claims that he has seen what Watt is asking for from thePittsburgh Steelers, which has not been reported. Whatever Watt is seeking is more than what Parsons and Jones had agreed to, according to the four-year veteran. And if Watt gets the contract he wants, Parsons will almost certainly ask for more, which is what he meant with his remarks to Hill. Myles Garrettcurrently holds the belt of the league'shighest-paid pass-rusherafter agreeing in March to a four-year extension with theCleveland Brownsthat pays him an average annual salary of $40 million. However,Ja'Marr Chase's new deal with theCincinnati Bengals,signed less than a week later, edged him out for the top non-QB spot, at $40.25 million per season. Parsons is set to bepaid $24 million this seasonafter the Cowboyspicked up his fifth-year option. He hopes to get a new deal finalized before training camp begins on July 21. If no deal is done, he says he will report but not practice. In his NFL career, Parsons has averaged 14 sacks per season, with 69 tackles, two forced fumbles and 17 tackles for loss. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and was named first-team All-Pro in his first two seasons. Last year, Parsons was named second-team All-Pro after notching 12 sacks.

byLiam Oneel

in

June 13, 2025

Micah Parsons says Cowboys not signing him to extension already will 'cost them more' eventually

Micah Parsons says Cowboys not signing him to extension already will 'cost them more' eventually Dallas CowboyslinebackerMicah Parso...

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Pacers coach Rick Carlisle using finals platform to bring awareness to food insecurity in Indiana

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle using finals platform to bring awareness to food insecurity in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — At the NBA Finals, Indiana coach Rick Carlisle is trying to shine a light on what he considers an important cause. Carlisle often has been seen wearing a QR code on his shirt — one that directs interested scanners to a site for his Drive & Dish initiative, something he founded about two years ago to raise money for battling food insecurity across Indiana. So far, the program has raised more than $1 million. Carlisle and the Pacers have also made donations to the charity, which served more than 1,000 households and distributed more than 250,000 pounds of food in in its first year. "Each year we've been able to help more people," Carlisle said Friday night before Game 4 of the finals between the Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. "People in Indiana should never have to deal with food insecurity. There's plenty of food in Indiana. The challenge is logistics. So, this charity helps with logistics." The program has partnered with Spokenote, which provides the technology behind the scannable code. The Pacers and Spokenote also collaborated last year on the first scannable code on a jersey in the four U.S. major pro sports leagues. Another partner is the Gleaners food bank, which works with Drive & Dish in providing fresh food, produce, eggs and more to families who need help. Carlisle said when the program started, about 1 million people in the state were considered food insecure — or in other words, unsure where their next meal was coming from. The Pacers plan to help the program grow as needed across the state over the next decade. "It's been a great effort," Carlisle said. "I've got some really great people that are supporting it. I'm very grateful." ___ AP NBA:https://apnews.com/nba

byLiam Oneel

in

June 13, 2025

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle using finals platform to bring awareness to food insecurity in Indiana

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle using finals platform to bring awareness to food insecurity in Indiana INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — At the NBA Finals, Ind...

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Sabrina Carpenter responds to scandal over being 'scrutinized' for racy songs, album cover

Sabrina Carpenter responds to scandal over being 'scrutinized' for racy songs, album cover

Sabrina Carpenteris talking fame, her evolving artistry and criticism ahead of the release of her new (and already controversial) album, "Man's Best Friend." The pop hitmaker, known for her suggestive lyrics, dismissed scrutiny over expressing her sexuality in a new cover story withRolling Stonepublished June 12, arguing that the attention around her racy songs says more about the audience than about her. "It's always so funny to me when people complain. They're like, 'All she does is sing about this.' But those are the songs that you've made popular," she told the outlet. "Clearly you love sex. You're obsessed with it." Although the "Espresso" singer confidently brushed off the criticism, she still shared dismay over the constant backlash women in music face today. "I truly feel like I've never lived in a time where women have been picked apart more, and scrutinized in every capacity," she later added. "I'm not just talking about me. I'm talking about every female artist that is making art right now." Sabrina Carpentersparks controversywith provocative 'Man's Best Friend' album cover Elsewhere in the interview, Carpenter stayed coy about her dating life, neither explicitly confirming nor denying being single. "Am I doing the single thing right now?" she said. "I'm doing the 25-year-old thing right now, whatever that means," the now 26-year-old continued. Along with "Man's Best Friend," Carpenter released her latest single, "Manchild," this month. Themusic videofor the synth-pop track drew buzz on social media forCarpenter's bold look, which consisted of a white button-up, baby blue heels and denim "micro" shorts, as well as intrigue over who the lyrics might be about. Some fans suggestedBarry Koeghan, who was previously romantically linked to the singer. Celebrities tell all about aging,marriage and Beyoncé in these 10 bingeable memoirs Asked by Rolling Stone which ex the song is about, though, Carpenter quipped: "It's about your dad." She did however address the pressure that women are under while dating in the spotlight, lamenting the often one-sided scrutiny that seems reserved just for women. "People underestimate how tricky it is to navigate being a young woman, having relationships, and then having a bunch of strangers have opinions on them," she said. "If they had the same microscope on their personal lives, I don't think they'd be as eloquently spoken as me. I know it's a tale as old as time. It's just unfortunate that it's still a tale." Contributing: Edward Segarra This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Sabrina Carpenter in Rolling Stone magazine talks album, criticism

byLiam Oneel

in

June 13, 2025

Sabrina Carpenter responds to scandal over being 'scrutinized' for racy songs, album cover

Sabrina Carpenter responds to scandal over being 'scrutinized' for racy songs, album cover Sabrina Carpenteris talking fame, her evo...

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Dakota Johnson Says Hollywood Is a ‘Mess’: Decisions Are Made by ‘People Who Don’t Watch Movies or Know Anything About Them’ and Studios ‘Remake the Same Things’

Dakota Johnson Says Hollywood Is a 'Mess': Decisions Are Made by 'People Who Don't Watch Movies or Know Anything About Them' and Studios 'Remake the Same Things'

Dakota Johnson continues to speak her mind on the failings of contemporary Hollywood. While appearing on "Hot Ones" during her "Materialists" press tour, she was asked by host Sean Evans why "Hollywood is risk-averse." "I think it's hard when creative decisions are made by committee and it's hard when creative decisions are made by people who don't even really watch movies or know anything about them, and that tends to be what's occurring a lot," Johnson answered bluntly. More from Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Dakota Johnson Says Sandra Bullock Sent a Voice Note of Support After 'Madame Web' Won the Razzie Award for Worst Actress: 'I Freaked Out' 'Materialists' Review: Celine Song's Follow-Up to 'Past Lives' Is a Rom-Com Played Straight, With Dakota Johnson as a Matchmaker Tangled Up in Love and Money She added that remake addiction is also undoing Hollywood, explaining: "When something does well, studios want to keep that going so they remake the same things, but humans don't want that. They want fresh, they want to feel new things, experience new things, see new things, so I don't know, I guess it's all just a bit of a mess right now, isn't it?" Johnson has been open in interviews over the past year about the nightmare experience of "Madame Web," her 2024 Sony comic book tentpole that flopped at the box office and with critics. Johnson headlined the film as Cassandra Webb, a paramedic who gains the ability to see the future after a near-death experience, but it earned a dismal $43 million at the domestic box office and an 11% on Rotten Tomatoes. She said on "Hot Ones" that she "tried" and "failed" to be a superhero. "It wasn't my fault," Johnsontold the Los Angeles Timesearlier this month about the flop. "There's this thing that happens now where a lot of creative decisions are made by committee. Or made by people who don't have a creative bone in their body. And it's really hard to make art that way. Or to make something entertaining that way." Johnson added, "I think unfortunately with 'Madame Web,' it started out as something and turned into something else. And I was just sort of along for the ride at that point. But that happens. Bigger budget movies fail all the time." Speaking toBustlelast year, Johnson said Hollywood was also suffering because "you cannot make art based on numbers and algorithms. My feeling has been for a long time that audiences are extremely smart, and executives have started to believe that they're not. Audiences will always be able to sniff out bullshit." Watch Johnson's full appearance on "Hot Ones" in the video below. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.

byLiam Oneel

in

June 13, 2025

Dakota Johnson Says Hollywood Is a ‘Mess’: Decisions Are Made by ‘People Who Don’t Watch Movies or Know Anything About Them’ and Studios ‘Remake the Same Things’

Dakota Johnson Says Hollywood Is a 'Mess': Decisions Are Made by 'People Who Don't Watch Movies or Know Anything About Them...

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