5 Things You Need to Know This Week

From Mark Wahlberg to California, here's what you need to know this week.
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1. All The Money in the World 

For Mark Wahlberg and none for you Michelle Williams. It’s been reported that Mark Wahlberg was paid $1.5 million for his reshoot of the scenes where Kevin Spacey had to be replaced, Michelle Williams was paid $1,000 for the same job…a harsh reality of wage inequality based on gender. Especially, since the two actors are both represented by the same agency.

The director, Ridley Scott had brought the cast together hastily to keep the release date the same. He said the actors all agreed to reshoot the scenes unpaid – which is clearly untrue. Michelle Williams was reportedly not aware of the fee Mark Wahlberg had negotiated. Michelle is also one of the founding members of the “Time’s Up” campaign – a Hollywood-led response to sexual harassment and gender inequality.

THE CANADIAN PRESS/SEAN KILPATRICK

2. Canada Files WTO Complaint

Canada has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization accusing the United States of breaking international trading rules. It challenges how the US investigates products for subsidies and below-cost sales in the US. The 32-page complaint is a result of disputes between Canada and the US over issues such as dairy, aircraft sales, and lumber as well as the renegotiation of the North American free trade deal. Amongst other things, Canada is accusing the US of improperly calculating rates and restricting parties from presenting evidence to defend themselves. The complaint targets a process that President Trump has deployed frequently. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer called the complaint “unfounded” and an “ill-advised attack on the US trade remedies system.”

3. James Franco

James Franco is the latest celebrity to be in the hot seat for sexual harassment allegations. He denied allegations of inappropriate behaviour during an appearance on The Late Show with Colbert on Tuesday night. He said that unspecified sexual assault claims spreading on Twitter were “not accurate.” The Golden Globes kicked off the Time’s Up initiative and spurred actresses to call out James Franco on Twitter that night. Among them were The Breakfast Club star Ally Sheedy and actress Violet Paley. After the building outrage and despite James Franco’s denial, the New York Times canceled a TimesTalk event scheduled with James and his brother that was supposed to happen yesterday.

KENNETH SONG/SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS VIA REUTERS

4. California Mudslide

The same areas that were devastated by the out of control fires last month were hit with another major natural disaster – heavy rainfall and mudslides. At least 15 people have been reported dead and many are still missing after mud rushed through in the dead of night caused by flash flooding in the steep Santa Ynez Mountains. Most of the deaths occurred in and around Montecito, a wealthy area of LA, home to celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Rob Lowe, and Ellen DeGeneres. Unfortunately, only 10-15% of people adhered to the mandatory evacuation in the area when rain was in the forecast. It will take months for LA to dig itself out of the damage.

5. Naked Pool Party

Yes, you read that right and yes, it’s happening in Calgary. The Calgary Nude Recreation club is hosting a naked pool party at Southland Athleisure Centre on Sunday, January 14th. The sold out event is now under review due to an enormous amount of attention and media coverage. People are highly concerned about privacy and safety at this all-ages event. There is a petition going around that has been signed by more than 10,000 people to cancel the swim or ban children from attending because of potential pedophiles. The club and other similar clubs in Alberta are arguing back saying the events are meant to be inclusive and have been happening for more than 30 years. The city is expected to make a decision on the event soon.

 


 

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