A$AP Rocky's lawyer explains why he turned down representing Diddy after his abruptly quits

A$AP Rocky’s lawyer explains why he turned down representing Diddy after his abruptly quits

A$AP Rocky's lawyer explains why he turned down representing Diddy after his abruptly quits

A$AP Rocky’s lawyer explains why he turned down representing Diddy after his abruptly quits

Joe Tacopina, who represented A$AP Rocky in his 2021 felony shooting case, won’t be representing Diddy

A$AP Rocky’s lawyer has explained why he turned down representing Diddy in court later this year after the disgraced rapper’s own attorney quit.

Diddy, whose real name Sean Combs, is at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center as he remains in police custody awaiting trial in May.

He was arrested at the Park Hyatt hotel in Manhattan, New York last September, and has been charged with racketeering and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion – all of which he has denied.

Earlier this month, Diddy’s lawyer, Anthony Ricco, decided to step down from the rapper’s legal team with immediate effect.

First time commercial astronauts have completed a spacewalk from a commercial spacecraft’
Diddy's lawyer quit last week (Samir Hussein/Getty Images for Sean Diddy Combs)

Diddy’s lawyer quit last week (Samir Hussein/Getty Images for Sean Diddy Combs)

Now, Joe Tacopina, who represented A$AP Rocky in his 2021 felony shooting case where he was acquitted on all charges, has said he has no interest in representing Diddy in court later this year.

Speaking on The Breakfast Club on Monday (February 24), Tacopina said his ties with Roc Nation and Jay-Z mean he would not represent Combs.

He said: “I represent Roc Nation; a lot of people in Roc I’m very close with. Jay and [Roc Nation president] Desiree Perez, who’s the most amazing, like, bomb of a boss. Jay is amazing. You know, Jay Brown, all those people are just, like, they really are special, special people.”

The lawyer went on to say Jay-Z and Diddy are not in contact these days.

“That’s sort of family to me and I don’t think they see eye to eye with P. Diddy,” he added.

In the motion for withdrawing as a representative for the Diddy, the filing dated for Thursday (February 20) read in part: “On September 22, 2024, I was retained by the defendant, Sean Combs, to serve as his counsel, and I have served as his counsel since that time.”

A$AP Rocky's lawyer explained why he won't be representing Diddy (Daniel Cole-Pool/Getty Images)

A$AP Rocky’s lawyer explained why he won’t be representing Diddy (Daniel Cole-Pool/Getty Images)

It went on: “For the reasons set forth below, this motion for withdrawal is filed so that Sean Combs may move forward with his defense and to commence jury selection and trial without any delay.”

Ricco went on to explain that the move comes about following a discussion with Combs’ lead counsel Mark Agnifilo, where they agreed he should withdraw.

The lawyer added: “While I am aware that the Local Rule requires that an application for withdrawal of counsel is supported and granted ‘only upon a showing by affidavit or otherwise of satisfactory reasons for withdrawal,’ there are sufficient reasons (related to the protections afforded by the attorney/client privilege) for brevity in my application for withdrawal as counsel in this case.”

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Bibi drinks fresh orange juice at a fancy cafe while living the good life!

Bibi drinks fresh orange juice at a fancy cafe while living the good life!

Bibi drinks fresh orange juice at a fancy cafe while living the good life! Read More
Halle Berry recalls playing 'blame game' with current partner after doctor misdiagnosed her with 'really bad case of herpes'

Halle Berry recalls playing ‘blame game’ with current partner after doctor misdiagnosed her with ‘really bad case of herpes’

Halle Berry recalls playing 'blame game' with current partner after doctor misdiagnosed her with 'really bad case of herpes'

Halle Berry recalls playing ‘blame game’ with current partner after doctor misdiagnosed her with ‘really bad case of herpes’

A simple mistake could have ruined one of Berry’s relationships

Halle Berry wasn’t afraid to open up about how a misdiagnosis by a doctor threw a spanner into the works of her relationship.

Actress Halle Berry featured on The Drew Barrymore Show this week in order to promote her latest project, Respin – a startup which aims to help woman suffering from some of the impacts of menopause.

And during her interview, the star got candid about some of her own less-than-ideal situations she has had to deal with.

Most confusingly, when she was mistakenly diagnosed with herpes as this immediately caused an issue with her new partner at the time, musician Van Hunt.

Speaking on the show, Berry joked that she manifested Hunt, and explained the relationship was going well.

Halle Berry got very honest about a mishap she had after going to the doctors (Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images)

Halle Berry got very honest about a mishap she had after going to the doctors (Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images)

Speaking to Barrymore, Berry said: “When I was 54 years old I had just met Van, I manifested this man, I had just met him and we were having the best time, I had finally met my person.

“It was amazing, it really truly was amazing, and then one morning I tried to go to the bathroom and I couldn’t go.

“It was so painful when I tried to let a little out, I couldn’t go, I had to squeeze it, it took me almost 10 minutes to empty my bladder because it was so painful.

“Substances were down there that I had never seen before and I just thought what is this.”

She continued: “I go to the doctor and he said ‘yup, I think I know what this is’, he said it is a very bad case of herpes.

“Van, my guy, drove me there because this was so swollen I couldn’t even put my legs together to drive so we spend the next 72 hours kind of doing the blame game.

Halle Berry and Van Hunt managed to get over the whole herpes situation in the end (Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival)

Halle Berry and Van Hunt managed to get over the whole herpes situation in the end (Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival)

“Trying to figure out who gave it to me, who gave it to him and then a couple hours after that my doctor called me and said you do not have herpes.

“This was the defining moment for me, he said I don’t know, that is what it looked like and that sent me on my own reconnaissance and my own researching and that is when I came up with dry vagina syndrome that women have when they are in Perimenopause.”

Perimenopause is the ‘natural process caused when your ovaries gradually stop working’, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

“Perimenopause is the transitional time around menopause. Menopause is when a woman’s periods stop. It’s marked by changes in the menstrual cycle, along with other physical and emotional symptoms,” it adds.

As you can imagine this little mishap would have put some needless strain on the relationship, but the pair were able to get past it and are still together now.

Berry closed by insisting it was important for women to get more comfortable discussing the highs and lows of menopause and in turn being open to discussing the issues so their partners can support them better.

Halle Berry recalls playing ‘blame game’ with current partner after doctor misdiagnosed her with ‘really bad case of herpes’ Read More
People lose it as they're just now realizing what the tiny pockets in jeans are for

People lose it as they’re just now realizing what the tiny pockets in jeans are for

People lose it as they're just now realizing what the tiny pockets in jeans are for

People lose it as they’re just now realizing what the tiny pockets in jeans are for

A Levi jeans historian has revealed the reason for the small pockets in jeans

If you have ever wondered why there are so many tiny pockets in jeans, today is the day you find out.

While many people may use the tiny pockets in jeans to hold their loose change or other small items, you may be surprised to learn that’s not what they were originally designed for.

The pockets in question are usually found inside the larger main pocket at the front of jeans, and they’ve been the source of a lot of speculation over the years.

People on Twitter have shared their theories for what this tiny pocket for, with one user writing: “To hide money so you’ll forget about it and remember when you are broke.”

People online have shared what they have been using the mini pockets in jeans for (Getty Stock Image)

People online have shared what they have been using the mini pockets in jeans for (Getty Stock Image)

Another said: “Mom used to say ‘A quarter for the phone’.”

But the original design of these tiny pockets spans as far back as the 1870s, when the first ever made pair of jeans was made in 1873. It was made for an item that is rarely used in modern society.

Yet the classic fashion feature of tiny pockets still exists.

What were the tiny pockets on jeans originally designed for?

Well, these pockets were intended to hold pocket watches, which is a small clock faces set within a metal case commonly used at the time of the jeans’ invention.

Of course, we don’t tend to use pocket watches now because anything with a screen can tell us the time. Although wristwatches existed at the time of these jeans, they only became more common in the 20th century and therefore pocket watches were more of a go-to to tell the time.

Historian Tracey Panek, who works for the original makers of jeans, Levi Strauss & Co’s, detailed further the reason behind this as she spoke to Insider.

Panek said: “The oldest pair of waist overalls in the Levi Strauss & Co. Archives (from 1879) include the watch pocket. Our 19th century overalls had a single back pocket on the right side of the pant beneath the leather patch.”

Waist overalls are the initial name for the blue jeans made by Levi Strauss & Co in 1873.

Why do jeans still have the tiny pockets?

But although the pocket watch is not used nowadays, there is a notable reason why jeans still include the tiny pockets inside them today in Levi jeans.

Panek explained: “One interesting fact about the watch pocket is that during WWII the two corner rivets were removed as a way to conserve metal for the war effort.”

The historian added: “The rivets returned to the watch pocket after the war. It was riveted in the top two corners and included our recognizable arch design, called the Arcuate, stitched with a single needle sewing machine.”

There is a reason mini pockets in jeans still exist today (Getty Stock Image)

There is a reason mini pockets in jeans still exist today (Getty Stock Image)

“The watch pocket was an original element of our blue jeans, like the rivets on our pockets, button fly, arched back pocket stitching and leather patch,” Panek continued.

“To preserve the integrity of the early design, Levi Strauss & Co. maintains the watch pocket.”

On the Levi’s website, she added: “This cinch-free blue jean with the uniform look of the Arcuate, a contrast to previous years when the single-needle application made each Arcuate design unique, was the blue jean of the future and you can still see it in our 501 jeans more than 70 years later.

“Levi’s emerged from World War II as fresh, modern and uniformly manufactured.

“And with a distribution that now spanned oceans, it was well on its way to becoming the world’s ubiquitous global garment that it is today.”

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'World's fastest' continent set to 'crash into' Asia which could have devastating consequences to Earth as we know it

‘World’s fastest’ continent set to ‘crash into’ Asia which could have devastating consequences to Earth as we know it

'World's fastest' continent set to 'crash into' Asia which could have devastating consequences to Earth as we know it

‘World’s fastest’ continent set to ‘crash into’ Asia which could have devastating consequences to Earth as we know it

While scientists have issued a warning, the event will not happen in our lifetime

Experts have issued an urgent warning as the ‘world’s fastest’ continent is on a collision course with Asia, which could have devastating consequences to Earth as we know it.

Scientists are constantly finding out new things about our planet and wider space, with the ‘city-destroying’ asteroid taking up the time of many boffins at NASA right now.

A bit closer to home, scientists are starting to become concerned about a natural but also potentially hazardous event that could happen in the future.

Experts have previously discovered that Australia is moving roughly 2.8 inches northwards every single year, which will see it eventually collide with Asia one day.

The whole process is due to the movement of plate tectonics, with Australia slowly moving North and separating from Antarctica over the years.

Australia is moving northwards (Getty Stock Photo)

Australia is moving northwards (Getty Stock Photo)

The Indo-Australian plate will eventually hit Asia, according to scientists, which could lead to unprecedented changes to Earth.

Not only will the collision create significant climate change, experts have warned a rise in earthquakes, mountain formations, and volcanic activity could occur due to the tectonic movements.

Professor Zheng-Xiang Li, who looked into the movement back in 2009 with Curtin University, said: “Whether we like it or not the Australian continent is going to collide with Asia.

“Australia is moving northwards 7cms every year, towards Asia. It’s very real, that’s the same speed that our fingernails grow each year.”

The professor added: “The earth is a living thing, it is always evolving. We believe that the earth evolves in a cyclic pattern, where the continents move apart and now are moving back together.

“When the continents come together, the earth’s crust will form a sort of ‘ring of fire’ around the new super-continent. Inland, the super-continent will most likely be very dry in the middle, and the climate totally different.”

The collision could have devastating consequences to Earth as we know it (Getty Stock Photo)

The collision could have devastating consequences to Earth as we know it (Getty Stock Photo)

Thankfully, if the collision is to happen – then it certainly won’t be happening in our lifetime.

Scientists predict the geographic event is millions of years away from becoming a reality.

Australia’s current rate of movement is enough to impact the country’s maps and GPS coordinates today though, despite the tectonic plate that sits underneath it moving minuscule amounts every single year.

These plates are moved by convection currents that sit deep inside our planet, with pressure from a massive underwater mountain range, aka the Indian Ocean Ridge, causing the plates to move.

‘World’s fastest’ continent set to ‘crash into’ Asia which could have devastating consequences to Earth as we know it Read More
Chris Pratt admits he was 'looking at that d**k' during brother-in-law Patrick Schwarzenegger's nude scene

Chris Pratt admits he was ‘looking at that d**k’ during brother-in-law Patrick Schwarzenegger’s nude scene

Chris Pratt admits he was 'looking at that d**k' during brother-in-law Patrick Schwarzenegger's nude scene

He said he was ‘looking at’ Schwarzenegger’s ‘penis’

No really, you read that headline correctly.

Chris Pratt has opened up about the experience of watching his brother-in-law Patrick Schwarzenegger’s newest full-frontal scene in The White Lotus.

Though many may not realise the familial connection between the two, Pratt is connected to the Schwarzeneggers via Arnie’s daughter Katherine, who the Park and Recs star married in 2019.

Pratt married Arnie's daughter in 2019 (Kevin Winter/GA via Getty Images)

Pratt married Arnie’s daughter in 2019 (Kevin Winter/GA via Getty Images)

Pratt was appearing at the premiere of his newest mega-budget Netflix film The Electric State, which he stars in alongside Millie Bobby Brown.

Patrick Schwarzenegger meanwhile has been making headlines for his role in the newest season of The White Lotus, where his character has a bizarre incestual storyline and has borne all in a scene that made headlines.

While it is not clear whether Schwarzenegger had a body double or prosthetic, that has not stopped Pratt from weighing in on his brother-in-law’s penis.

Pratt said in an interview with E! News when asked about the controversial scene: “I know where my eyes went — I’m not blood related to him, I was looking at that d*ck, bro.”

Chris Pratt in The Electric State (Netflix)

Chris Pratt in The Electric State (Netflix)

Though Pratt initially answered in a jokey way, he went on to add: “No, he looks amazing. Obviously, he’s a physical specimen, but also he’s a really solid actor, because the character he’s playing is completely different than who he is.”

Pratt is not the only member of the family to have reacted to Schwarzenegger’s full-frontal scene, as he appears to be living in some Freudian nightmare where your whole family weigh in on your penis.

Patrick’s Dad Arnie opened up about the scenes when posting to toast his son’s success, saying: “I was so pumped to take a break from filming to celebrate @patrickschwarzenegger at the White Lotus Season 3 premiere.

Pratt had only good things to say about his brother-in-law(Charley Gallay / Getty Images )

Pratt had only good things to say about his brother-in-law(Charley Gallay / Getty Images )

“What a show! I could claim to be surprised to find out he has a nude scene, but what can I say – the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

Again, a genuine nightmare, if a sweet one.

Thankfully, it appears that Chris and Arnie’s dedication to looking at Patrick’s penis was not one shared by his mum.

Maria Shriver spoke to People after watching the premiere episode where the scene takes place, saying: “My kids were like, ‘Did you see that?’ And I was like, ‘No. What?’

“So that shows you — a mother’s eyes are always in the kids’ eyes.”

She went on to give a sweet shoutout to her son, saying: “’ was so happy for him because he’s worked so hard.

“He takes classes, he’s really been grinding at it for more than a decade, and he wanted to work his way up — and he’s done it his way.”

Chris Pratt admits he was ‘looking at that d**k’ during brother-in-law Patrick Schwarzenegger’s nude scene Read More
Netflix users say 'hidden gem series' has them so 'hooked' they're bingeing it in one night

Netflix users say ‘hidden gem series’ has them so ‘hooked’ they’re bingeing it in one night

Netflix users say 'hidden gem series' has them so 'hooked' they're bingeing it in one night

Netflix users say ‘hidden gem series’ has them so ‘hooked’ they’re bingeing it in one night

The series has an almost-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes

People are raving about a Netflix series, and it’ 97 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes backs up the positive reviews.

Netflix has over 2,500 TV series and, while choice is great, sometimes having too much choice can be an problem as well.

We’ve all endlessly scrolled through the streaming platform in a bid to find the perfect show, but fellow TV fans have done the hard work for you and found your next watch.

With the buckets of content Netflix adds to its service on a weekly basis, there’s a chance you might have missed some of its old (but gold) content — one example being this series from 2019.

Natasha Lyonne stars as the lead in the series (Netflix)

Natasha Lyonne stars as the lead in the series (Netflix)

Called Russian Doll, the series stars Orange is the New Black favorite Natasha Lyonne.

The synopsis for the series, as per IMDb, reads: “A cynical young woman in New York City keeps dying and returning to the party that’s being thrown in her honor on that same evening. She tries to find a way out of this strange time loop.”

Anyone else getting Groundhog Day vibes?

Season one dropped in 2019, with a second following suit in 2022.

In the years since its debut, people have taken to Rotten Tomatoes to rave about Russian Doll, with one viewer hailing it as ‘hidden gem’.

Giving it five stars, they penned: “Bit of a ‘hidden’ gem in the way that I’ve never heard anyone really talk about it even though it’s been on Netflix’s front page.

“Witty, thoughtful, great acting and dialogues. I went in with no expectations and happily surprised.”

Another said of the show: “This mind bending comedy-drama is as addictive to watch as it is cleverly twisted, in all the best ways though.”

Someone else gushed about Russian Doll and Lyonne’s performance, writing: “Probably the most impressive TV show I’d seen in a long time. Excellent writing and Natasha Lyonne is amazing.”

There are two series of Russian Doll to binge on (Netflix)

There are two series of Russian Doll to binge on (Netflix)

Meanwhile, another fan went as far as branding the Netflix series as a ‘perfect masterpiece’.

Further noting that Russian Doll hasn’t been on people’s radars enough, a different reviewer said that it’s series ‘that deserves way more recognition’.

In regards to a third series of the well-loved show, it’s yet to be confirmed if it’s happening.

Addressing the matter last year, Russian Doll director Leslye Headland told Collider: “I haven’t heard anything [about season three happening].”

She went on: “I don’t know if it’s because Natasha’s doing Poker Face now. I don’t know if it’s gonna become a schedule thing, but I haven’t heard anything from Netflix about it.”

Netflix users say ‘hidden gem series’ has them so ‘hooked’ they’re bingeing it in one night Read More
Brian Laundrie’s parents break silence following release of Netflix documentary about Gabby Petito’s death

Brian Laundrie’s parents break silence following release of Netflix documentary about Gabby Petito’s death

Brian Laundrie’s parents break silence following release of Netflix documentary about Gabby Petito’s death

American Murder: Gabby Petito is currently available to watch on Netflix

Brian Laundrie’s parents have spoken out following the release of Netflix docuseries American Murder: Gabby Petito.

The devastating killing of 22-year-old Gabby Petito at the hands of her fiancé Brian Laundrie is currently back in the headlines thanks to the release of Netflix’s new series which promises to delve into the details behind her final days.

In August 2021, US vlogger Petito and Laundrie were stopped by police in Moab, Utah following reports of a domestic disturbance. The pair were separated by police for one night.

Two weeks on from the altercation and Petito would be declared missing, while Laundrie quietly returned home to his parents’ house in Florida, with the last sighting of the pair together being in the state of Wyoming.

Her body would later be recovered near local camping spot, with her death confirmed to be strangulation and blunt force trauma.

A month later, Laundrie’s remains were recovered alongside a confession note stating that he’d killed Petito. His cause of death was determined to be suicide.

Following the release of American Murder on Netflix, Christopher and Roberta Laundrie have now issued a statement via their attorney Steven Bertolino, claiming the three-part series is inaccurate.

“The documentary was what we expected,” Bertolino’s statement read. “One perspective depicted as the ‘truth’ as seen through their lens. Similar to Republicans and Democrats fighting it out lately. Each side believes their perspective is correct. Hard to see through the lens of the other with all the noise and distrust.

“The documentary contained many inaccuracies, incorrect juxtapositions of timelines, and misstatements and omissions of fact — perhaps deliberate to capture their ‘truth’, perhaps due to simple error.

Brian Laundrie killed Gabby Petito before taking his own life (YouTube/Nomadic Statik)

Brian Laundrie killed Gabby Petito before taking his own life (YouTube/Nomadic Statik)

“We all know Brian took Gabby’s life and Brian then took his own as well. Let the parents of both Gabby and Brian mourn and remember them in peace.”

Director Julia Willoughby Nason, who was part of the team who worked on the series previously told TODAY that Laundrie’s parents had been approached about to documentary but declined to be involved.

“They didn’t want to participate, and we respect that. This is a very difficult story,” she said of their decision.

Meanwhile Petito’s family have since spoken out about the documentary – which tracks the story of the 22-year-old’s disappearance through interviews, video footage and text messages – revealing they struggled with the use AI to recreate her voice in the documentary. It’s understood that Petito’s parents had consented to the use of AI to recreate her voice.

“I think it’s weird and because we know her actual voice, [it] is a little off. It’s just hard to hear,” Nichole Schmidt told the Independent of the decision.

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Father is desperately trying to change legal name of his toddler called 'Unakite Thirteen Hotel’

Father is desperately trying to change legal name of his toddler called ‘Unakite Thirteen Hotel’

Father is desperately trying to change legal name of his toddler called 'Unakite Thirteen Hotel’

The child received the bizarre moniker due to an unfortunate mix up

A US father is desperately trying to get his young daughter’s name changed after a bureaucratic mix-up means she is currently ineligible for healthcare.

For most parents, naming their little one should be the culmination of weeks spent scouring baby books and crossing names off of lists.

But for Nebraska father Jason Kilburn, his young daughter’s name has proven to be an absolute nightmare for both parent and child.

Due to a legal error, Jason Kilburn's daughter is legally named Unakite Thirteen Hotel (KETV)

Due to a legal error, Jason Kilburn’s daughter is legally named Unakite Thirteen Hotel (KETV)

Born in November 2022, Kilburn’s daughter is called Caroline Elizabeth but is listed in legal records as Unakite Thirteen Hotel.

So how does a child end up with a birth certificate with reads Unakite Thirteen Hotel in the first place?

According to Kilburn, the unusual moniker is a ‘computer generated name’ created during the complicated events of her birth.

Caroline was born in the neighbouring state of Iowa and immediately placed into foster care after her birth. Kilburn, who’d been in an on and off relationship with the child’s mother, later learned of her existence and sought custody.

According to an interview Kilburn gave to NBC News, Caroline’s mother doesn’t have any rights over the child and also faces allegations of neglect and drug problems.

However, the issues didn’t end with Kilburn gaining custody of Caroline.

Instead of a birth certificate, Caroline had been given a certificate of live birth – a document which records that a person is medically alive – which precedes a full birth certificate – where she’d been named Unakite Thirteen Hotel.

The mix-up has left the father and daughter in limbo (Getty Stock Images)

The mix-up has left the father and daughter in limbo (Getty Stock Images)

Kilburn is still trying to get his daughter’s name changed, as she is currently without a birth certificate and social security, and is therefore ineligible for healthcare.

“It’s like she’s a ghost,” he explained to the outlet.

“It’s been very, very taxing.”

The mix-up has also placed financial strain on Kilburn, as a check-up with the doctor currently cost him hundreds of dollars.

“It’s not like I’m trying to pull something here,” Kilburn said of the limbo Caroline was in.

“This is stuff she’s entitled to as any American is.”

Kilburn is currently working with an attorney to hopefully resolve the matter, who described his situation as ‘a circuitous, bureaucratic loop’.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has since responded by telling NBC that children’s information is ‘confidential’, but added that they are working with Kilburn the matter.

Caroline is currently ineligible for healthcare insurance due to her legal name (KETV)

Caroline is currently ineligible for healthcare insurance due to her legal name (KETV)

“DHHS is working with the child’s father’s attorney to resolve this issue. The Department cannot go into any further detail,” the statement read.

“Each state is responsible for all vital events that happen within the state including births and deaths as well as the registration of the event, the certificate, and any amendments or corrections needed.”

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John Lithgow's casting as Dumbledore confirms Harry Potter series will break major JK Rowling rule

John Lithgow’s casting as Dumbledore confirms Harry Potter series will break major JK Rowling rule

John Lithgow's casting as Dumbledore confirms Harry Potter series will break major JK Rowling rule

Could the Hogwarts be getting a transatlantic cast?

John Lithgow’s casting as Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series has already broken a major rule of JK Rowling’s when it comes to bringing the Wizarding World to life.

After months of speculation, Lithgow seemingly confirmed that he would be taking on the role of the Hogwarts headmaster in an interview with ScreenRant, saying he was ‘very excited’ for the challenge.

“It was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid. But I’m very excited,” Lithgow said, adding that he’ll be 87 at the end of the series.

Lithgow announced he would be playing Dumbledore in a recent interview (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

Lithgow announced he would be playing Dumbledore in a recent interview (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

The news is yet to be confirmed by series creator HBO, who told the outlet ‘will only confirm details as we finalise deals‘, however, Lithgow’s confirmation follows months of speculation that he’d been linked to the role.

Fans have also been quick to point out that Lithgow playing the Hogwarts professor will break one of the rules which author JK Rowling had the adaption of the films — which was to have a cast of exclusively British actors.

The rule was confirmed by casting director Janet Hirshenson, who previously told Huffington Post in an interview that Robin Williams had been turned down due to his American nationality.

“The ‘only British’ rule was so important that Robin Williams was even turned down to play Hagrid…Robin had called [Columbus] because he really wanted to be in the movie,” he explained.

“But it was a British-only edict, and once he said no to Robin, he wasn’t going to say yes to anybody else, that’s for sure. It couldn’t be.”

The role of Rubeus Hagrid would famously go to Robbie Coltrane.

However, eagle-eyed viewers will be quick to point out the ‘100% British rule’ wasn’t exactly accurate, given the fact that numerous stars, including Evanna Lynch, Domhnall Gleeson and Devon Murray, all hail from Ireland.

Albus Dumbledore was previously played by British actors Michael Gambon and Richard Harris (Warner Bros)

Albus Dumbledore was previously played by British actors Michael Gambon and Richard Harris (Warner Bros)

Two US stars would also end up making it into Harry Potter, with Eleanor Columbus and Verne Troyer playing the role’s of Susan Bones and Gringotts Bank goblin Griphook respectively.

Zoë Wanamaker, who plays the role of Quidditch teacher Madam Hooch, was also born in the States but grew up in the UK.

Griphook would end up being voiced by Filius Flitwick actor Warwick Davis to get around the US accent issue, while Columbus – who is the daughter of director Christopher Columbus – was limited to a non-speaking role. She would later be played by Emma Jayne-Corboz in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Columbus would later open up on his daughter’s brief cameo in the film, revealing that she worked for around 80 days.

“She worked about 80 days. But she never spoke because you know the rule was if you’re not British, you can’t speak,” he said.

Fortunately, Lithgow will have plenty of experience to draw upon when getting into character, as he previously used a British accent, while playing Winston Churchill in The Crown.

John Lithgow’s casting as Dumbledore confirms Harry Potter series will break major JK Rowling rule Read More