Disney rehires James Gunn after 'pedo' tweet scandal; Twitter grapples with morals
Money ahead of children - Disney's new motto?
© Reuters / Kevork Djansezian
Disney has embraced disgraced director James Gunn back into its bosom, reinstating him as writer and director for Guardians of the Galaxy 3 after less than a year in Hollywood time-out over a history of seedy tweets.
Citing Gunn's public apology and the enthusiastic support of actors who'd worked with him on the franchise, Walt Disney Studios chair Allan Horn welcomed the Marvel director back into the fold on Friday, confirming the script he'd written before being booted off the project in July would be used for part three of the $1.6 billion franchise.
Gunn was kicked off the Marvel franchise after numerous tweets featuring comments on pedophilia, rape, masturbation, and other sexual taboos were brought to the attention of Disney executives. Gunn had characterized the tweets as "shocking jokes" but they suggested, if nothing else, an unhealthy fascination with sexual acts involving children.
Gunn was "tremendously grateful" to be given a second chance, tweeting a message that was mixed parts groveling and gratitude in his first on-Twitter act since last year’s un-personing. While in exile from Disney, he'd signed on to write and direct Suicide Squad 2, another big-budget comic book installment, for arch-rivals DC and Warner Bros., but even that act of unfaithfulness didn't ruffle the Disney crew, who'd reportedly been pleading for his return ever since he left.
Many on Twitter erupted in joy, embracing the prodigal son with references to his movies. Fans had actually crowdfunded a billboard for the director during his exile.
Victims of child sex abuse are voiceless - pedophiles and their friends are anything but.
Gunns comments on Twitter are extremely gross and disturbing. This is one of the least sickening of several:
Most of the others are so revolting I cannot reproduce them here. The man is clearly a pedophile and apparently, a violent pedophile. And yet, he's perfect for Disney and Marvel!!!!?? What a sick world we are becoming.
Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson will return to TV after sexual misconduct probe
No results from the probe, but that doesn't seem to matter
Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson will move ahead with two TV shows following the completion
of a sexual misconduct investigation, National Geographic Channel said Friday.
(Charles Sykes/Invision/The Associated Press)
Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson will return to the air on two TV shows that had been put on hold for a sexual misconduct investigation.
The National Geographic Channel said in a statement Friday that Tyson's StarTalk will return to the air in April with the 13 episodes that remain in the season.
The statement says Tyson's other show, Cosmos, will return on National Geographic TV and Fox at a date to be determined.
Late last November, National Geographic Networks and Fox said they would examine reports that Tyson behaved in a sexually inappropriate manner toward two women. Friday's statement did not address the complaints or investigation.
A message with a representative seeking a response from Tyson wasn't immediately returned.
Tyson said in December that he denied the allegations and welcomed the investigation.
Accounts from two women who claimed Tyson behaved in a sexually inappropriate manner surfaced Nov. 29 on Patheos.com, a website that describes itself as a forum for "global dialogue about religion and spirituality."
DeGrasse Tyson previously denied an accusation that he groped a woman and has also denied making sexual advances toward a production assistant at his home.
According to the New York Times, 201 men have lost their jobs or major roles in the media. 124 of them have been replaced by 70 men and 54 women. This is a significant gain for women in major media positions.
The return of Tyson and Gunn, however, reflect the reality that money and fame are far more important to media moguls than morality and decency. Expect to see more sex abusers and pedophiles returning to the fold in the next year or two. #MeToo may not be dead in America, but it is close to being on life support.
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