Beyonce, Jay-Z trip to Cuba criticized
Beyonce and Jay-Z’s trip to Cuba has angered two Cuban-American politicians who are demanding information on whether the couple’s visit to the communist island was licensed.
U.S. Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida have written to the U.S. Department of the Treasury expressing concern about the trip. In the letter, both said they represent a community that has been “deeply and personally harmed by the Castro regime’s atrocities.”
“The restrictions on tourism travel are commonsense measures meant to prevent U.S. dollars from supporting a murderous regime that opposes U.S. security interests at every turn and which ruthlessly suppresses the most basic liberties of speech, assembly and belief,” the GOP lawmakers wrote.
Beyonce and Jay-Z marked their fifth wedding anniversary in Havana last week. The state-run website CubaSi called it a tourist trip. The artists declined to speak with reporters.
Berry teams with Kors to feed children
Actress Halle Berry says she’s a woman of compassion and fashion designer Michael Kors says he’s a man of action. Together, they want to make a dent in the battle against hunger around the world.
They announced a philanthropic campaign Monday called Watch Hunger Stop that includes raising money through the sale of a version of Kors’ best-selling Runway watch. For each $295 watch sold, 100 meals will be provided to children through the U.N. World Food Programme.
Berry and Kors are planning to visit places together where the meals will be sent, including Africa and Syria.
Maroon 5 singer selected for award
Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine for president? Sort of.
Broadcast Music Inc. announced Monday that Levine will receive the President’s Award at the 61st annual BMI Pop Awards on May 14.
BMI says the 34-year-old Levine was selected for his “outstanding achievements in songwriting and the global impact he has had on pop culture.”
Judge Judy extends TV contract
Judge Judy will preside on television for four more years.
Judy Sheindlin and CBS Television Distribution said Monday that the feisty former New York state judge has signed on to host “Judge Judy” until 2017. It’s one of the top daytime TV shows, seen by roughly 10 million people each episode.
A spokesman had no comment on whether Sheindlin, 70, will be getting a raise from her reported $45 million annual salary.
The birthday bunch
Playboy magazine founder Hugh Hefner is 87. Satirical songwriter Tom Lehrer is 85. Actor Dennis Quaid is 59. Actress Cynthia Nixon is 47. Actress Kristen Stewart is 23.