Latest news with #JohnMulaney

AU Financial Review
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- AU Financial Review
Relax, a Trump-Albanese meeting matters less than you think
One of my favourite stand-up riffs is from American comedian John Mulaney. In his 2017 Netflix special, Mulaney offered a memorable take on the early days of Donald Trump's first tenure in the White House, back when he was making excuses for neo-Nazis and threatening to blow Kim Jong-un into the sky. Mulaney said: 'This guy being president, it's like there's a horse loose in a hospital … It's never happened before. No one knows what the horse is going to do next, least of all the horse.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
People deletes Olivia Munn story after Ms. Rachel comments draw 'threats'
In a rare move, People magazine deleted a story from its website on Wednesday after it triggered 'violent' threats against its subject, the actress Olivia Munn, and her family. The story was about Munn's distaste for children's television and bore a headline specifically citing the popular YouTuber Ms. Rachel — which apparently triggered some fans. 'There is no excuse for these abhorrent attacks, and we will always prioritize safety above all else,' the publication acknowledged in a statement explaining the decision to remove a story. It's an unusual move for any news outlet to delete, rather than amend or update, a story — even People, which is generally considered a friendly go-to outlet for celebrities to share their stories. When asked for further information about removing the article, a People representative pointed back to its original statement. The post was drawn from the magazine's recent interview with Munn for a cover story, which published online June 4. The 44-year-old actress, who was promoting her new Apple TV+ series, talked about life with her husband, 42-year-old comedian John Mulaney, their children — a 3-year-old boy and 8-month-old girl — as well as her 2023 breast cancer diagnosis. People also published several separate exclusive items using material from the Munn interview, including one in which she discussed her fertility treatments, and another post headlined, 'Olivia Munn Doesn't Let Her Kids Watch Ms. Rachel. Here's Why.' In the story, according to sites that repeated quotes from it before it was deleted, Munn shared her irritation with children's TV programming. She specifically cited Ms. Rachel, a major celebrity to young children and their parents. 'I know kids love [Ms. Rachel], but the thing is, if I can't watch it, I'm not going to spend the rest of my life going crazy,' Munn said, and added she was not a fan of 'Blue's Clues' or 'Spider-Man' either. (She did admit a tolerance for 'Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood,' because it helped her son prepare for the arrival of a baby sister.) However, the framing of the People headline drew attention on social media, especially given that Ms. Rachel, whose full name is Rachel Griffin Accurso, has been in the news for speaking out about the plight of children in Gaza — though it's unclear if this topic was even addressed in the People story. All of this was surely heightened by the strong feelings many fans harbor about Mulaney and Munn's relationship, and its timing relative to his divorce from an artist, Anna Marie Tendler, with her own significant social media following. Various publications and social media accounts started regurgitating Munn's comments, and Accurso herself expressed disappointment when she left a comment on People's Instagram post, now disappeared as well: 'WHO CARES?! I'd rather you cover me advocating for kids in Gaza who are literally starving, largest cohort of child amputees in modern history, thousands & thousands killed — no medical care, no education, no homes… do better!!!' Accurso wrote, according to multiple reports. 'Not against [Munn] at all and don't care that she doesn't want to watch the show — all my love to her and her family — disappointed in the outlets.' Later, she wrote on her own Instagram account that she and Munn had spoken and were on good terms. 'Please be kind to Olivia & her precious family,' Accurso wrote. 'I don't believe in hate, attacks or hurtful comments.' Munn also criticized the coverage. 'To Ms Rachel and your fans, I hear and respect the passion behind your support. I never anticipated the media would single out one small thing I said and distort it like they have,' she wrote in an Instagram story earlier this week. 'Every parent understands the importance of finding meaningful programming that helps us connect with our kids. I don't want something taken out of context to be a moment that steals even a minute of joy for anyone.' Mulaney weighed in Wednesday, calling for a stop to the 'violent and threatening' comments that Munn had been receiving in online comments and direct messages. 'An innocent comment my wife Olivia Munn made about what children's programs we like has somehow — unbelievably — been conflated with not caring about the deaths of children in Gaza,' he posted on Instagram. 'The people doing this are so wildly out of line and so unhelpful to any conversation. You took a nothing comment to a dark and dangerous place. This kind of behavior isn't activism.' Accurso has been creating educational children's content on YouTube, where she has more than 15.2 million subscribers, since 2019. With the help of silly and cheerful music, Ms. Rachel teaches children how to spell and use the bathroom, while also offering lessons on emotional support. Outside of her YouTube show, Accurso has been outspoken about Gaza, which led to backlash from right-wing media commentators and StopAntisemitism, a prominent pro-Israel group, which called on the U.S. attorney general to investigate the children's entertainer. (Accurso said earlier this month that she stands against 'all forms of hate.') But, Accurso told WBUR, 'I wouldn't be Ms. Rachel if I didn't deeply care about all kids. And I would risk everything, and I will risk my career over and over to stand up for them.'


Forbes
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
11 Things Olivia Munn Loves, Including An Unusual Item In Her Carry-On
Shop Like is a column in which Forbes Vetted asks some of the most stylish and notable personalities about their favorite items to buy, gift and receive. Look no further for shopping advice and inspiration. As a mom of two, a wife and an actress, Olivia Munn has a packed schedule. The Your Friends & Neighbors star is currently filming season 2 of the hit Apple TV show, but that didn't stop her from attending Through Her Lens: The Tribeca Chanel Women's Filmmaker Program luncheon last week in New York City. For Munn, the reaction to the show has been unparalleled. 'The response we've gotten from the first season has been so amazing; it has given everyone an extra boost as we film,' she told me. 'Since the finale, I've gotten so many texts and DMs from friends that were so surprised by the ending and never predicted it, which is what you want in a 'whodunit' storyline.' Between filming and caring for her two young children with husband John Mulaney, she's always on the go, so an effortless but elevated wardrobe is what she gravitates toward. 'My look works perfectly for me because it's an elevated version of what I wear on a daily basis,' she said of her outfit [below] from the event. 'I love denim paired with an easy blouse or tee, then paired with a classic and timeless bag and watch. I always gravitate towards timeless and classic pieces over trendy: pieces that will wear and age beautifully over time that I can pass down to [my daughter] Mei to wear one day.' Olivia Munn, wearing Chanel, attends Through Her Lens: The Tribeca Chanel Women's Filmmaker Program luncheon at the Greenwich Hotel on June 6, 2025, in New York City. Jamie McCarthy/WireImage Below, Munn shares her shopping essentials that help fuel her success and keep her organized—and always looking chic. 'I recently got the Celluma red light therapy device and will use that every night, which is a great time to meditate, since I have to lie down for it.' 'I will buy any vintage, worn-in Levi's that I find. I have so many, and I love each and every one. I literally can't get enough.' 'A Lego t-shirt that has pictures of Lego pieces on it. I was just at Legoland with my son, and all he wanted was a shirt with Lego pieces on it—and can you believe that not one gift shop has that? They only have ones with Lego heads on it.' 'A small, very flat mirror. Checking my makeup in my phone in selfie mode never helps because it looks distorted. A mirror is the only way I can see if I blended my makeup fully. There have been one too many times I've gone outside only for a friend to tell me to go back inside and blend.' 'If I had to pick just one beauty product, it would be Sublimage Le Masque Ultimate Mask. It leaves my skin so hydrated that I wake up with softer, dewy skin. And since using it, I've had so many compliments from friends who see a difference in my skin. A little tip I learned when layering products is to apply them in order of thinnest consistency to thickest. It helps penetrate into the skin better and then lock it in.' 'I use a squishy blanket as a pillow. It's plush and scrunches up into a pillow consistency. I wrap it halfway around my neck, so if I turn my head while sleeping, it doesn't press into my face. Lying on your side can really age your face, and this has helped tremendously. I've been doing this for years. The one I get is the Snuggle Sac.' 'I carry a hot water bottle. I'm cold on every flight. The hot water bottle has changed the flying game for me. I bring it onto the plane empty and ask the flight attendant to fill it with the hot water they use for their tea and coffee.' 'Having two children—a 3-year-old and an 8-month-old—most of my top-handle purses have moved to the back of my closet to make way for all of my crossbody ones.' 'I love my Tumi carry-on suitcase. It's the perfect size to hold everything I need for a three-day trip—it's lightweight so I can put it in the overhead compartment by myself. There are so many brands that make their luggage so heavy that by the time you add your clothes and shoes, it tips the scales into having to pay to check a bag.' 'The Nanit baby camera is my favorite. The interface is amazing, and the video quality is fantastic.' 'As a second-time mom, I made a list of items that are must-haves. The Doona stroller is an incredible invention. It converts from a car seat to a stroller, so you don't have to lug around both.


Washington Post
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
People deletes Olivia Munn story after Ms. Rachel comments draw ‘threats'
In a rare move, People magazine deleted a story from its website on Wednesday after it triggered 'violent' threats against its subject, the actress Olivia Munn, and her family. The story was about Munn's distaste for children's television and bore a headline specifically citing the popular YouTuber Ms. Rachel — which apparently triggered some fans. 'There is no excuse for these abhorrent attacks, and we will always prioritize safety above all else,' the publication acknowledged in a statement explaining the decision to remove a story. It's an unusual move for any news outlet to delete, rather than amend or update, a story — even People, which is generally considered a friendly go-to outlet for celebrities to share their stories. When asked for further information about removing the article, a People representative pointed back to its original statement. The post was drawn from the magazine's recent interview with Munn for a cover story, which published online June 4. The 44-year-old actress, who was promoting her new Apple TV+ series, talked about life with her husband, 42-year-old comedian John Mulaney, their children — a three-year-old boy and eight-month-old girl — as well as her 2023 breast cancer diagnosis. People also published several separate exclusive items using material from the Munn interview, including one in which she discussed her fertility treatments, and another post headlined, 'Olivia Munn Doesn't Let Her Kids Watch Ms. Rachel. Here's Why.' In the story, according to sites that repeated quotes from it before it was deleted, Munn shared her irritation with children's TV programming. She specifically cited Ms. Rachel, a major celebrity to young children and their parents. 'I know kids love [Ms. Rachel], but the thing is, if I can't watch it, I'm not going to spend the rest of my life going crazy,' Munn said, and added she was not a fan of 'Blue's Clues' or 'Spider-Man' either. (She did admit a tolerance for 'Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood,' because it helped her son prepare for the arrival of a baby sister.) However, the framing of the People headline drew attention on social media, especially given that Ms. Rachel, whose full name is Rachel Griffin Accurso, has been in the news for speaking out about the plight of children in Gaza — though it's unclear if this topic was even addressed in the People story. All of this was surely heightened by the strong feelings many fans harbor about Mulaney and Munn's relationship, and its timing relative to his divorce from an artist, Anna Marie Tendler, with her own significant social-media following. Various publications and social media accounts started regurgitating Munn's comments, and Accurso herself expressed disappointment when she left a comment on People's Instagram post, now disappeared as well: 'WHO CARES?! I'd rather you cover me advocating for kids in Gaza who are literally starving, largest cohort of child amputees in modern history, thousands & thousands killed — no medical care, no education, no homes… do better!!!' Accurso wrote, according to multiple reports. 'Not against [Munn] at all and don't care that she doesn't want to watch the show — all my love to her and her family — disappointed in the outlets.' Later, she wrote on her own Instagram account that she and Munn had spoken and were on good terms. 'Please be kind to Olivia & her precious family,' Accurso wrote. 'I don't believe in hate, attacks or hurtful comments.' Munn also criticized the coverage. 'To Ms Rachel and your fans, I hear and respect the passion behind your support. I never anticipated the media would single out one small thing I said and distort it like they have,' she wrote in an Instagram story earlier this week. 'Every parent understands the importance of finding meaningful programming that helps us connect with our kids. I don't want something taken out of context to be a moment that steals even a minute of joy for anyone.' Mulaney weighed in Wednesday, calling for a stop to the 'violent and threatening' comments that Munn had been receiving in online comments and direct messages. 'An innocent comment my wife Olivia Munn made about what children's programs we like has somehow — unbelievably — been conflated with not caring about the deaths of children in Gaza,' he posted on Instagram. "The people doing this are so wildly out of line and so unhelpful to any conversation. You took a nothing comment to a dark and dangerous place. This kind of behavior isn't activism.' Accurso has been creating educational children's content on YouTube, where she has more than 15.2 million subscribers, since 2019. With the help of silly and cheerful music, Ms. Rachel teaches children how to spell and use the bathroom, while also offering lessons on emotional support. Outside of her YouTube show, Accurso has been outspoken about Gaza, which led to backlash from right-wing media commentators and StopAntisemitism, a prominent pro-Israel group, which called on the U.S. attorney general to investigate the children's entertainer. (Accurso said earlier this month that she stands against 'all forms of hate.') But, Accurso told WBUR, 'I wouldn't be Ms. Rachel if I didn't deeply care about all kids. And I would risk everything, and I will risk my career over and over to stand up for them.'


Forbes
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Olivia Munn On Her Creative Journey With ‘Your Friends & Neighbors'
Olivia Munn and Amanda Peet in "Your Friends & Neighbors" On the new Apple TV+ drama series Your Friends & Neighbors, actress Olivia Munn plays Sam Levitt, a woman from humble beginnings who marries well and then rules over a group of high society ladies in the New York suburbs. Her comfortable lifestyle slowly begins to crumble when her husband leaves her for a younger woman and she is forced to find a way to stay financially afloat, largely for the sake of her young children. In real life, Munn, 44, is the mother of two kids alongside her husband and fellow industry creative, John Mulaney. She is also no stranger to taking on complex and strong female characters. Previously, Munn played tenacious news journalist Sloan Sabbith on Aaron Sorkin's The Newsroom series, as well as known for playing superhuman mutant Betsy Braddock in X-Men: Apocalypse. With her portrayal as Sam on the first season of Your Friends & Neighbors, which co-stars Jon Hamm and Amanda Peet, Munn was able to tap into a clever mix of confidence and insecurity with this multi-layered character performance. Sitting down with the actress, I wondered what it was about this script from creator Jonathan Tropper and uncovering what Sam goes through over these nine episodes, that intrigued Munn most to want to take on this role next within her career. Olivia Munn in "Your Friends & Neighbors" Munn said, 'First, I would say that I was really fascinated with the underlying themes of human nature and what people will do when they're stripped of everything they value, and this idea of what happens when blind ambition upends like the constructs of wealth & privilege. I'm really fascinated in how our show delves into the fragility of appearances and the extreme measures people take to 'Keep up with the Joneses,' and really examining ambition & identity and what it costs to maintain a certain lifestyle on really shaky foundations. With Sam, I love that she has these blue collar roots and she's climbed the social mountain to establish herself as a prestigious figure in her group and this particular part of her high society. She's created this life that she's deeply craved and fears losing - and unlike everyone else in the show, she was not born into this lifestyle, but she married into it. Now, she's on the precipice of losing everything she built. And so, now she's facing this question, personally, of what length she will go to, to maintain her social status of wealth & privilege.' With Your Friends & Neighbors being a show that revolves around the flawed dynamic between couples, friends, lovers and a quiet unhappiness within suburbia, what does Munn believe has made so many viewers gravitate towards this Apple TV+ series? Olivia Munn in "Your Friends & Neighbors" 'You know, I think these characters are never satisfied, no matter how much they achieve. They're either chasing more or worried they're going to lose it all. This world is about the one percent; however, the stories are deeply human and things that we have as a society seen people grapple with for god knows how many years. This idea of - Does money make you happy? and How do certain people maintain their wealth & privilege and what lengths people will go to, to keep their hold in that world? That's really a fascinating world for people to watch.' Being a working actor for several years before signing onto this series, I was curious if Munn has noticed her priorities and her interests in characters & stories evolving as time goes on. Munn said, 'Yeah, I think as time has gone on in my life, I have felt a pull to different characters. Over these last five years, starting with Covid until the release of Your Friends & Neighbors, I've had so many personal things happening to me. In 2021, I was pregnant and then 2022, I had extreme postpartum anxiety that lasted almost a whole year. Right when I was getting out of that and the clouds were lifting from postpartum, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Those three years have really defined me as a woman, as a mother and as just a person in the world. The things that I see and the characters I want to play, and also how much I'm infusing into each character now - I understand like with Sam, that being a mother is so important to her existence in this world and protecting her children at all costs is the number one priority.' She added about Sam: 'For her, the decision she's making in this show, although wildly out-of-character for most people in the world, is based on her need to protect her children and what she thinks that they need to be protected. I feel that after being diagnosed with breast cancer - diagnosed with any cancer - it stops you in your tracks. Think about a lot of dialogue that happens in the world or things that garner attention, and things that you put so much weight into and things that bother you and things that hold your heart there. It's when you get that diagnosis, everything narrows in - there's nothing else to think about besides that fight. When you're diagnosed with breast cancer, getting the diagnosis made me think about how I want to spend my time. So, picking the roles and picking the work that I want to do is all based on how much time I want to spend away from my family and how much energy I have now to put towards anything outside of my personal family time.' After seeing Sam's story play out in season one of Your Friends & Neighbors, I wondered if Munn believes that she would ultimately be friends with her character Sam or not. Olivia Munn in "Your Friends & Neighbors" 'I would love to hang out with Sam. First of all, she tells it like it is. I like a straightforward dynamic with friends. I sometimes have an inability to small talk. I like to get right in there and and no holds barred with my conversations with my friends. I grew up in a military family, so I understand her upbringing and her dynamic and her view on the world. She is someone who, I think, understands the world that she's in and is trying everything she can do to stay in it. A hundred percent, I would be friends with Sam. I find her fascinating and straightforward and honest and complicated and nuanced, and being friends with someone like that would just be fun, I think.' As for her working relationship with Hamm as an on-screen love interest on Your Friends & Neighbors, Munn has nothing but good things to say about her consistent scene partner. Jon Hamm and Olivia Munn in "Your Friends & Neighbors" Munn said of Hamm, 'I understand why he has been so iconic since the first moment we all saw him on Mad Men. He has a gravitas to how he comes off on-screen. He really is powerful and engaging, and you really just can't take your eyes off of him. At the same time, Jon Hamm in real life, who he really is, is he's funny and easygoing and doesn't take himself seriously and doesn't care about the superficial things in life. He doesn't care about the name on the inside of his suit. He doesn't care about the watch he's wearing. He's not what you'd expect 'Don Draper' to be. He's very opposite of the [Mad Men] 'Don Draper' role in a lot of ways from what I've seen.' She added: 'Working with him really was intimidating, at first. I hadn't worked since 2019. So, I was like - Can I still do this? I just was really nervous. Then, at our first table read, I had just recently come out with my breast cancer diagnosis and I didn't know his own personal history and the people in his life that he's lost from cancer. We're sitting next to each other during the table read and he just turned to me before we started and said, 'I had no idea' - about my diagnosis. Then, he started opening up to me about his personal experiences with it. It just bonded me to him in a very personal way.' With season two of Your Friends & Neighbors currently in production, I was curious - even with the events that occur with Sam at the end of season one - whether Munn hopes or plans to return for more stories ahead on the Apple TV+ series, knowing that with good behavior, Sam could be out ruling over suburbia again in no time. 'I am really interested to see how season two is unfolding. Jonathan Tropper and [writer] Jamie Rosengard have been working on season two since we ended season one. I signed on for one season and Jonathan Tropper said like, 'From the beginning, if you decide you want to stay on after season two, please let us know.' I wasn't sure because I had a baby girl coming and I had more treatment and a lot of stuff, but I just love the character in the world so much. I loved working on this show so much with everyone involved, that when we were wrapping up season one, he asked me to have lunch and gave me the outline for what's happening in season two. It was a very quick and easy yes.' As I concluded my conversation with Munn, I asked the celebrated actress my original and signature interview question, wondering what she would say to her Your Friends & Neighbors character Sam, if only she could, after understanding her objective and her wants out of life. What does Munn feel that Sam needs to hear? Olivia Munn in "Your Friends & Neighbors" 'That's a great question. No one has ever asked me that. I would tell her to believe in herself much more than she is right now. I would tell her that everything that she thinks is important isn't important - that she can rebuild, that her children are okay, that she has her mother & father who love her, that she shouldn't put so much importance on things that she has now found out are things that can slip away. I would tell her that she's much stronger than she realizes and that she's about to go down a path that she will deeply regret, and to stop and assess the situation and pull back. I would definitely tell her to stop and think about what she's about to do, because what she's about to do has so much more risk than it does reward, and she doesn't need it. She doesn't need to go down that path, but everything that she wants and needs is already right there in front of her, and that she has the ability to pull her and her family out of any financial strains that she has, and to walk away from this plan. I would tell her to just walk away. This is an insane plan and it is not going to end up well.'