The daily gossip: Olivia Rodrigo's 'Guts' declared an 'instant classic,' Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis reportedly wrote letters of support for Danny Masterson, and more

Today's top entertainment and celebrity news

Olivia Rodrigo
The pop star dropped her highly anticipated sophomore album on Friday.
(Image credit: NDZ / Star Max/ GC Images)

1. Olivia Rodrigo's 'Guts' declared an 'instant classic'

So much for the sophomore slump. Olivia Rodrigo dropped her second studio album, "Guts," on Friday, and it's drawing rave reviews. Rolling Stone's Rob Sheffield called the "excellent" record an "instant classic," declaring, "This is the album of a truly brilliant rock star." It currently boasts a 94 score on Metacritic. "Guts" toggles between upbeat rock songs about Rodrigo's romantic trials and tribulations, which sound straight out of a 2000s rom-com, and the singer's signature emotional ballads. "Every guy I like is gay," she sings in the catchy "Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl," while on the tear-jerking closer "Teenage Dream," she expresses fears that as she grows up, "They already got all the best parts of me." On the Today show, Rodrigo acknowledged she felt "a lot of pressure" writing the record coming off her massively successful debut "Sour." But so far, her release day has been pretty sweet.

2. Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis reportedly wrote letters of support for Danny Masterson

They're standing by their man. Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis wrote letters in support of their former "That '70s Show" co-star Danny Masterson, who was found guilty of raping two women, prior to his sentencing, according to legal reporter Meghann Cuniff. The journalist published the letters on her Substack. Kutcher reportedly wrote in his letter that Masterson is a "role model" who has been "nothing but a positive influence on me" and is "an extraordinarily honest and intentional human being." Kunis, meanwhile, reportedly told the judge that the disgraced actor has been "an amazing friend, confidant, and, above all, an outstanding older brother figure to me," and he has had a "transformative impact on my life." Masterson was ultimately sentenced to 30 years to life in prison on Thursday. Prior to the verdict, Kutcher previously said he hoped Masterson would be "found innocent."

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Legal Affairs and Trials with Meghann Cuniff

3. Jimmy Fallon apologizes to staff after toxic workplace allegations

Is this the fall of Fallon? Jimmy Fallon has apologized to his staff after a damning Rolling Stone article accused him of fostering a toxic work environment. According to Rolling Stone, the comedian addressed employees in a Zoom call on Thursday evening, telling them, "It's embarrassing and I feel so bad. Sorry if I embarrassed you and your family and friends." He also reportedly said he didn't intend to "create that type of atmosphere for the show." The original report accused Fallon of erratic behavior and berating staffers. It also alleged Fallon once scolded a crew member in front of Jerry Seinfeld, who told the host to apologize. But Seinfeld has now spoken out to reject this characterization. "I teased Jimmy about a flub, and we all had a fun laugh about how rarely Jimmy is thrown off," Seinfeld told Rolling Stone. "It was not uncomfortable at all. Jimmy and I still occasionally recall it and laugh. Idiotic twisting of events." What's the deal?

Rolling Stone

4. Zach Bryan admits he was 'an idiot' after arrest

It's been a real rollercoaster of a week for Zach Bryan. Days after his self-titled "Zach Bryan" became a No. 1 album, the country singer was arrested for obstructing an officer after interfering with a traffic stop in Oklahoma, according to The New York Times. "I was an idiot today," Bryan admitted in a video on social media. The singer also shared his side of the story, saying that he got out of his car after his security guard was pulled over to see why the stop was taking so long. After the police officer warned Bryan to get back in his vehicle, the singer said that "like a dumbass," he got "too lippy with him" and acted like an "actual child," leading to his arrest. According to Bryan, he spent several hours in jail. "I'll take the fall for it," he said. "I'm a grown man, and I shouldn't have behaved like that."

X

5. 'Scream' creator calls on studio to pay Neve Campbell what she deserves

Have we seen the final appearance by our final girl? The creator of "Scream" hopes not. Kevin Williamson, who wrote the first, second, and fourth "Scream" movies, told the "Happy Horror Time" podcast he hopes Neve Campbell can still return to the series after exiting "Scream VI" due to a salary dispute. "I love everyone involved with 'Scream,' and all I can say is, 'Pay her the money,'" Williamson said. "That's what I would do." He also noted he "totally" respects the actress' decision to turn down "Scream VI," which Campbell said was because the money she was offered "did not equate to the value I have brought to the franchise." But Williamson thinks there's surely "a number they can agree on that would make them both happy," so he said he hopes that "one day, they'll figure that all out." Maybe if we're lucky, we haven't heard our last "hello, Sidney."

Happy Horror Time

Explore More
Brendan Morrow

Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.