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Miley Cyrus’ ‘LOL’: What Went Wrong?

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

A movie expert weighs in on why the teen dramedy was a box-office flop. By Jocelyn Vena Miley Cyrus in “LOL” Photo: Lionsgate Last Friday, Miley Cyrus’ soapy teen dramedy “LOL” opened to a limited release in nine states on Friday. The film, by all accounts, didn’t perform the way a film starring Cyrus, “Twilight” star Ashley Greene and one-time screen siren Demi Moore, might be expected to. “LOL,” an English-language adaptation of a French Film of the same name, grossed only $46,500 in 105 theaters. While it’s hard to tell why the film underperformed, it seems that a lack of marketing leading up to its debut may have played a role in that. The flick follows the story of a teen, Lola (played by Cyrus), as she faces the strife of first love in a world driven by technology. “It’s really hard to say because we’ve heard absolutely nothing about it. I think there was some buzz about this was sort of going to be a different type of breakout role for Miley. I’m not a fan of Miley, but I would actually like to see that and I think a lot of people would,” Brooke Tarnoff, a senior editor at Next Movie, told MTV News about the lackluster interest in the flick once it dropped. With so few eyes on the release leading up to May 4, it’s hard to tell if the performance had anything to do with Cyrus. Tarnoff added, “Maybe the selling power of Miley has diminished. I think her fanbase may be less loyal than it was in the ‘Hannah Montana’ days, but it’s all kind of moot.” The film had gotten some attention when Cyrus and Greene were spotted filming it back in 2010 . But, after shooting wrapped, little else was heard about the film until a trailer dropped in mid-April, three weeks before the limited release. “There’s obviously an audience for pretty much anything,” she continued. “And this one having a ‘Twilight’ star and Miley Cyrus, who still has some cache, it’s just [a missed opportunity].” Regardless of the film’s box-office performance, Cyrus seemed proud of it. She took to Twitter over the weekend and brushed off the low numbers. “Thank u so much for everyone who went to see LOL,” she wrote. “It is a film I loved making and I am proud of…. That’s really all that matters to me.” Thank u so much for everyone who went to see LOL. It is a film I loved making and I am proud of…. That’s really all that matters to me. ? — Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) May 7, 2012 Lisa Azuelos, who wrote and directed both versions, talked about the box-office response in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. “I really thought this movie could be universal,” she said. “Usually teen movies are tender or scary or have vampires in them, but they’re never realistic. This story isn’t too dirty and not too stupid.” Have you seen or do you plan on seeing “LOL”? Leave your comment below! Related Artists Miley Cyrus

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‘American Idol’ California Dreamin’ Night: What Should The Top Four Sing?

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

MTV News’ ‘Idol’ experts share their choices for Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet, Phillip Phillips and Hollie Cavanagh. By Gil Kaufman and James Montgomery Phillip Phillips, Hollie Cavanagh, Joshua Ledet and Jessica Sanchez on “American Idol” Photo: Michael Becker/ Fox For the most part, the themes on this season’s “American Idol” have been pretty straightforward: Queen, Whitney Houston, Personal Idols, Songs From the Year You Were Born, Songs From the 1980s, More Songs About Buildings and Food ( look it up ). But when the final four take the stage Wednesday night (May 9), they’ll be tasked with performing two songs in one of the most ambiguous, wide-open themes in the show’s history: California Dreamin’ (songs by Californians) and Songs I Wish I’d Written. Considering that the only singer left on the show who might reasonably write his own songs is Phillip Phillips (sample chorus: “Growwwwwl”) and that Joshua Ledet has proven time and again that he has a thin-at-best grasp on musical history, the second challenge is a big one. That leaves the California theme, which is equally amorphous since, well, half the hit songs of the past 50 years have been born on the Golden Coast. Maybe more. At least that leaves Adele out of the mix for once, not to mention Mariah and Whitney Houston — so, good luck, Jessica Sanchez and Hollie Cavanagh! Those and other conundrums have been placed in the very capable hands of MTV News’ resident “Idol” experts, Gil Kaufman and James Montgomery, who will once again post their secret ballots without peeking at the other’s picks (we swear) and let us know which songs the top four should tackle. Joshua Ledet He still hasn’t set off the charisma bomb that will turn him from a good singer with a bland personality into what the judges seem to think is one of the (allegedly) best “Idol” contestants of all time. We’re not expecting fireworks this week, but for his Cali song, he has to go with Detroit-to-L.A. transplant Marvin Gaye. Elise Testone already snagged “Let’s Get It On,” so I say hit up “Sexual Healing.” It’s hard to tell what genre Josh is most familiar with, but we’ll assume gospel or soul, in which case, let’s split the difference with preacher/shouter Al Green and go with “Love and Happiness” or Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come.” — Kaufman I’d just like to go on record as saying it would be awesome if Joshua covered that “Californians” sketch from “SNL” a few weeks back, since it’d be way more interesting than anything we’re actually gonna hear tonight. That’ll never happen, of course, so for his Cali tune, I think he’ll swing for the fences and do a simmering version of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game.” We know he’s talented, but it’s time for him to take a chance if he wants to win this thing. As for the song he wished he wrote, I think he goes big. Though he might think he’s nasty, I say Josh does R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly.” Bonus points if he sings it in a cornfield . — Montgomery Jessica Sanchez It’s safe to say that Katy Perry’s un-showy “California Gurls” will turn up in a girl medley at some point Wednesday, which means Bebe would be wise to go with something like No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak.” What song does the stiletto Barbie wish she’d written? That’s a tough one. Like Josh, Jessica hasn’t given us much insight into her musical taste, but considering she’s a 16-year-old girl, her repertoire has got to be pretty contemporary — and sappy. “Innocent” by Taylor Swift it is, then. — Kaufman Given that she’s actually from California, a couple weeks ago, J.Sanch probably would’ve just killed two birds with one stone and done a pair of her originals tonight. But, given that her confidence has taken a hit in recent weeks, she’ll go back to basics: namely, singing the bejeezus out of a ballad. Her Cali pick? The great Etta James’ “At Last.” With that out of the way, she’s free to let Bebe Chez do her thing, so for the song she wished she’d written, why not something from Beyonc

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Kristen Stewart, Emma Stone Among MTV Movie Awards Presenters

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Andrew Garfield, Chris Hemsworth will also hand out Golden Popcorn statuettes at June 3 show. By Kevin P. Sullivan Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth and Mila Kunis Photo: Getty Images What would the be without appearances from some of the summer’s biggest stars? A lot less interesting, probably. Thankfully, Wednesday (May 9) MTV announced that the first lineup of presenters would come from four of the season’s most anticipated blockbusters, ” The Amazing Spider-Man ,” ” Snow White and the Huntsman ,” ” Prometheus ” and ” Ted .” Emma Stone , Andrew Garfield , Kristen Stewart , Chris Hemsworth , Charlize Theron , Michael Fassbender , Mila Kunis and Mark Wahlberg will all be on hand on Sunday, June 3, to hand out the Golden Popcorn statuettes. For the 21st edition of the show, the awards are undergoing their biggest shakeup in years. With a new nomination system and new categories like Best Cast, Best Gut-Wrenching Performance and Best On-Screen Transformation, the 2012 MTV Movie Awards promise to be a night to remember. But not everything has changed. As usual, fans will be able to choose every winner on the big night. Voting in all 12 categories is open through Saturday, June 2, over at MovieAwards.MTV.com . It’s up to you to decide who goes onstage to collect their Golden Popcorn. The night’s contenders are some of the year’s biggest blockbusters, so competition is sure to be fierce. “The Hunger Games” and “Bridesmaids” lead the field with eight nominations apiece, with “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2” and “21 Jump Street” right behind them with six nods. Could this finally be the year that “Harry Potter” takes home Best Movie, or are the odds in favor of “The Hunger Games”? The MTV Movie Awards will air live from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, on Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Head over to MovieAwards.MTV.com to vote for your favorite flicks now! The 21st annual MTV Movie Awards air live Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET. Related Photos 2012 Movie Awards Presenters

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Tom Gabel Comes Out As Transgender: In Praise Of Bravery

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Why the Against Me! singer’s decision to live as a woman is also a genuine act of courage, in Bigger Than the Sound. By James Montgomery Tom Gabel of Against Me! Photo: Getty Images Tom Gabel probably didn’t want to be praised for her decision to come out as transgender ; she just wanted to be comfortable in her own body. But I’m going to praise her anyway. Because when Gabel announced to Rolling Stone on Tuesday that she planned to begin living as a woman — after struggling privately with gender dysphoria for years — it was undoubtedly the most personal thing a major recording artist has ever gone public with, an admission that’s sure to make her the target of cruel insults and petty insinuations (to say nothing about what it might mean for the future of her band, Against Me!). But rather than focus on the close-mindedness of a select few, it is certainly more worthwhile — not to mention important — to laud Gabel for what is, in its purest form, a genuine act of bravery. To be fair, Gabel is not the first musician to come out as transgender. In the 1970s, electronic artist Walter Carlos announced that he, too, suffered from gender dysphoria and underwent sexual reassignment surgery to live life as Wendy Carlos. And just last year, Life of Agony singer Keith Caputo made headlines when he became Mina Caputo. But Gabel’s case is different. Since her earliest days, she has always been a punk pariah , criticized for “selling out” at every step of her career. I got the sense this bothered her on some level (how could it not? ), because when I interviewed Gabel in 2006 for AM!’s major-label debut, New Wave, she definitely made mention of it, saying: “There is no pleasing everybody. … I guarantee our new record will get the same reaction that all our records get. Some will be like ‘It’s awesome,’ and others will be like ‘I absolutely hate it.’ But fast-forward a few years, and the ones who said they hated it are the ones who say they loved it all along.” It will be interesting to see how Against Me!’s fans — and detractors — react when Gabel begins living life as Laura Jane Grace, because they definitely can’t accuse her of selling out anymore. If anything, her decision to begin gender reassignment treatments is the most punk-rock thing imaginable: being true to one’s self, being unafraid to be different, speaking out regardless of the repercussions. These are the tenets the genre (and, for what it’s worth, way of life) were founded on — and, really, what they should still be about today. If you have a problem with Gabel’s decision, you’re probably not a punk at all. In coming out as transgender, Gabel will undoubtedly inspire others to do the same. She is proof that the truth is nothing to be ashamed of, that there is nothing as important — or admirable — as living the life you want to, on your own terms, detractors be damned. And the fact that Gabel’s wife, Heather, will remain by her side as she begins this new chapter is not only equally inspiring, but, in the wake of the passage of North Carolina’s Amendment 1 , which made law that only a “marriage between one man and one woman” would be recognized by the state, it seems even more important. Because truly, is there any greater definition of love — or support, or dedication or unwavering union — than what they share? You can quote biblical verses to deny that fact, but really, you’d be missing the point. For years, fans like me have marveled at Gabel’s pained yet poignant lyrics, with their searing desires to break free and find a place in the world (on the standout New Wave track “The Ocean,” Gabel growled, “And if I could have chosen/ I would have been born a woman”). It turns out, it went much deeper than that: Gabel was at war with her own body, and now, finally, she’s found the courage to make peace with that conflict. It’s beyond admirable; it’s downright brave. Like she told me six years ago, “There is no pleasing everybody.” Ultimately, you’ve got to please yourself. And with courage and conviction, Gabel has done that. No matter how you feel about her new life, you can’t deny that it’s everyone’s basic right to live life on their terms. That goes beyond music or politics or religion: It’s humanity, pure and simple. Related Artists Against Me!

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Tom Gabel Comes Out As Transgender: In Praise Of Bravery

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Why the Against Me! singer’s decision to live as a woman is also a genuine act of courage, in Bigger Than the Sound. By James Montgomery Tom Gabel of Against Me! Photo: Getty Images Tom Gabel probably didn’t want to be praised for her decision to come out as transgender ; she just wanted to be comfortable in her own body. But I’m going to praise her anyway. Because when Gabel announced to Rolling Stone on Tuesday that she planned to begin living as a woman — after struggling privately with gender dysphoria for years — it was undoubtedly the most personal thing a major recording artist has ever gone public with, an admission that’s sure to make her the target of cruel insults and petty insinuations (to say nothing about what it might mean for the future of her band, Against Me!). But rather than focus on the close-mindedness of a select few, it is certainly more worthwhile — not to mention important — to laud Gabel for what is, in its purest form, a genuine act of bravery. To be fair, Gabel is not the first musician to come out as transgender. In the 1970s, electronic artist Walter Carlos announced that he, too, suffered from gender dysphoria and underwent sexual reassignment surgery to live life as Wendy Carlos. And just last year, Life of Agony singer Keith Caputo made headlines when he became Mina Caputo. But Gabel’s case is different. Since her earliest days, she has always been a punk pariah , criticized for “selling out” at every step of her career. I got the sense this bothered her on some level (how could it not? ), because when I interviewed Gabel in 2006 for AM!’s major-label debut, New Wave, she definitely made mention of it, saying: “There is no pleasing everybody. … I guarantee our new record will get the same reaction that all our records get. Some will be like ‘It’s awesome,’ and others will be like ‘I absolutely hate it.’ But fast-forward a few years, and the ones who said they hated it are the ones who say they loved it all along.” It will be interesting to see how Against Me!’s fans — and detractors — react when Gabel begins living life as Laura Jane Grace, because they definitely can’t accuse her of selling out anymore. If anything, her decision to begin gender reassignment treatments is the most punk-rock thing imaginable: being true to one’s self, being unafraid to be different, speaking out regardless of the repercussions. These are the tenets the genre (and, for what it’s worth, way of life) were founded on — and, really, what they should still be about today. If you have a problem with Gabel’s decision, you’re probably not a punk at all. In coming out as transgender, Gabel will undoubtedly inspire others to do the same. She is proof that the truth is nothing to be ashamed of, that there is nothing as important — or admirable — as living the life you want to, on your own terms, detractors be damned. And the fact that Gabel’s wife, Heather, will remain by her side as she begins this new chapter is not only equally inspiring, but, in the wake of the passage of North Carolina’s Amendment 1 , which made law that only a “marriage between one man and one woman” would be recognized by the state, it seems even more important. Because truly, is there any greater definition of love — or support, or dedication or unwavering union — than what they share? You can quote biblical verses to deny that fact, but really, you’d be missing the point. For years, fans like me have marveled at Gabel’s pained yet poignant lyrics, with their searing desires to break free and find a place in the world (on the standout New Wave track “The Ocean,” Gabel growled, “And if I could have chosen/ I would have been born a woman”). It turns out, it went much deeper than that: Gabel was at war with her own body, and now, finally, she’s found the courage to make peace with that conflict. It’s beyond admirable; it’s downright brave. Like she told me six years ago, “There is no pleasing everybody.” Ultimately, you’ve got to please yourself. And with courage and conviction, Gabel has done that. No matter how you feel about her new life, you can’t deny that it’s everyone’s basic right to live life on their terms. That goes beyond music or politics or religion: It’s humanity, pure and simple. Related Artists Against Me!

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Kristen Stewart Admits She’s ‘Overtly Aware’ Of Her Insecurities

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

During ‘MTV First: Snow White and the Huntsman,’ actress confesses, ‘My palms are sweating right now.’ By Fallon Prinzivalli, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Josh Horowitz, Kristen Stewart and Sam Claflin on “MTV First: Snow White and the Huntsman” Photo: MTV News On Tuesday night’s “MTV First: Snow White and the Huntsman,” MTV News’ Josh Horowitz caught up with Kristen Stewart , Chris Hemsworth , Charlize Theron and Sam Claflin to get the juicy details behind their highly anticipated summer flick. The cast was in good spirits as Horowitz took them through a series of rapid-fire questions known as the “Yes/No Show” and Theron joked about how battling her costumes was more difficult than fighting Stewart. But the actors also discussed the more serious topic of insecurities and their perception of beauty. As the underlying message of the film deals with the notion of beauty and outward appearance, Horowitz asked, “[As actors,] are you naturally vain people? Can you look in the mirror and not feel insecure like the rest of us?” He threw the question to Hemsworth, who replied, “I think we all have our insecurities and whatever. Do I like who I see in the mirror? Yeah, I like myself because I feel like I’m a good person, and I think in the film, the Queen is there and obsessed with beauty on the surface. I think the message is it’s what’s underneath that counts and that’s what’s going to survive and conquer at the end of the day.” Hemsworth’s co-star Stewart was thrust into the spotlight upon her unexpected “Twilight Saga” fame. With her privacy invaded and gossip blogs picking apart every outfit and hairstyle choice, you’d think the actress would get wrapped up in her insecurities. But the actress said she’s feels secure in herself and Theron echoed that sentiment: “You are,” the “Young Adult” actress said of Stewart. “I can say that. Seriously, it’s incredible. I never had that at her age.” And while Stewart still gets nervous like the rest of us, she gives credit to her parents for raising her well and teaching her that self-worth doesn’t come from appearances. “I’m still fully and completely overtly aware of my insecurities. My palms are sweating right now,” she said. “I was raised well. My parents are really great. They’ve always told me the right things about how you should feel — I mean, there’s no should. That was the whole thing: ‘Be yourself, baby doll.’ ” Theron chimed in: “And, in a way, the film almost has that because Snow White’s mother basically tells her, ‘What you have here is special and good, and don’t ever lose that.’ And it’s the encouragement of ‘Be a good a person.’ And Ravenna, the evil queen, has a mother that basically tells her the only way you will survive in this world is through beauty and youth. “I think those are the things that guide you in a way, so if you’re being told that, and you go through life having that be the importance of your existence or your success, than that’s what it’s going to be.” In the movie, Ravenna says that men use women and then discard them. Theron said that while those words might not mirror her view on men, it was some of her favorite writing in the script, and she feels the sentiment rings true for a lot of women. “I thought it was incredibly brave, because you’re kind of putting yourself out there to create and say pretty early on in the film that this character is driven by this belief that she has,” she explained. “But I thought it was really truthful for her , and I do think that is the truth for a lot of people. “I think that there will be women who have experienced that sometimes in their life. I don’t think everyone has the same experiences, but I felt like that was very truthful for Ravenna. You know, this idea that at 8, she’s being given to a king, and by 16, she’s already being replaced by somebody else. How can you come from that world and not think that men only use you for a certain period of time and then they’re done with you?” Check out everything we’ve got on “Snow White and the Huntsman.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV First: Snow White And The Huntsman

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‘Dancing With The Stars’: Roshon Fegan And Melissa Gilbert Get The Boot

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Chris Brown performed on show’s double-elimination night leading into semi-finals. By Kelley L. Carter Roshon Fegan on “Dancing With the Stars” Photo: ABC The “Dancing With the Stars” contestants were warned on Monday night that two couples would be sent packing on Tuesday, but that didn’t make the sting any less bitter. Chris Brown was the night’s performer, and after he ran through a new song from his forthcoming album Turn Up the Music, the remaining celebrities got the bad news. In the end, the first couple to get the boot was Disney star Roshon Fegan and his partner Chelsie Hightower. Fegan smiled through the announcement and said, “I am happy to add ballroom dancing to my super-duper dance moves.” Fegan actually scored pretty well on Monday night, earning 29 out of 30 for his individual performance. The judges told him that watching him perform was like watching a young Mickey Rooney. Fegan’s pleasant reaction to getting sent home was the exact opposite of that by the second celebrity to get the boot: actress Melissa Gilbert, whose dance partner was Maks Chmerkovskiy. She had to wipe tears away after her name was called. It was Gilbert’s 48th birthday, and the moment was emotional. Gilbert landed at the bottom of the leaderboard on Monday’s telecast, with judges telling her that her footwork was spotty. “I can’t even describe what a learning and growing experience this has been. It’s been a real blessing and a joy,” she said upon her departure. “Maks has been amazing. An incredible teacher. An incredible friend.” “DWTS” semi-finals begin next week, with the remaining four celebrities — Donald Driver, Katherine Jenkins, Maria Menounos and William Levy — in the running for the mirrorball trophy.

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Whitney Houston To Be Honored By VH1’s ‘Divas’

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

December show will pay homage to singer who appeared on ‘Divas’ three times. By Gil Kaufman Whitney Houston Photo: Ron Galella/WireImage The next installment of the “VH1 Divas” franchise will pay tribute to one of the all-time divas: . According to Billboard when the special is taped in Los Angeles in December, Houston’s longtime musical director, Ricky Minor, will serve as executive producer of the event. Houston appeared on “Divas” three times during her life, in 1999, 2002 and 2003 and the tribute has already gotten the green-light from Houston’s family and her label, Sony. No performers have been announced yet for the show. “We all felt that if any show could pay tribute to Whitney’s music, it would be ‘Divas,'” VH1 president Tom Calderone said. “December felt like enough time where it wouldn’t be sad anymore, you’d want to celebrate her music.” Houston died 
 on February 11 from what the coroner determined was an accidental drowning 
 with the “effects of atherosclerotic heart disease and cocaine use” as contributing factors. In the months since a number of shows have paid homage to the “I Will Always Love You” singer, including the Grammy Awards 
, “Glee” and “American Idol.” 
 Since its 1998 debut, “Divas” has been one of VH1’s most-watched and beloved franchises, with memorable performances from the likes of Mariah Carey, Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion, Cher, Beyonce, Aretha Franklin, Shakira, Miley Cyrus and Diana Ross. The past two years have focused mostly on modern-generation performers, including Nicki Minaj, Sugarland, Grace Potter, Keri Hilson, Paramore, Katy Perry, Jennifer Hudson, Jessie J and Florence Welch. Related Videos Whitney Houston: Life And Music Of An Icon Related Photos Whitney Houston: A Life In Photos Related Artists Whitney Houston

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Johnny Depp Drawn To ‘Reluctant Vampire’ In ‘Dark Shadows’

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Actor especially enjoyed placing the ‘hyper-elegant figure from the late 18th century into one of the weirdest times of all time.’ By Kara Warner Johnny Depp in “Dark Shadows” Photo: Warner Bros. Those familiar with the work of Johnny Depp are likely aware of his penchant for exploring characters who are quirky and misunderstood — so his decision to take on the role of conflicted vampire Barnabas Collins in “Dark Shadows” is not at all surprising. The Tim Burton-directed family melodrama is an adaptation of the popular TV soap opera of the same name, which began airing in the late 1960s and interested Depp not just because he was a fan of the show and had always dreamed of playing a vampire, but because this particular vampire never wanted to be one in the first place and has to learn how to exist in the strange and curious setting of the 1970s. “Playing a kind of reluctant vampire, in a sense, the reluctant vampire who has been locked in a box for 200 years and his misfortune to be let out in an age when things are probably at their most surreal in terms of 1972,” Depp explained of why Barnabas is more interesting than your average fictional bloodsucker. “It’s a very odd period. Things are changing radically; the sort of peace and love thing was over with, and we were rapidly approaching disco, so musically and aesthetically, that was the fun of it, to place this hyper-elegant figure from the late 18th century into one of the weirdest times of all time.” Depp’s conflicted Barnabas is supported by an equally strange cast of characters played by Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Chlo

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Against Me! Singer Tom Gabel Comes Out As Transgender

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Gabel reveals plans to Rolling Stone to take the name Laura Jane Grace after undergoing gender transition. By Katie Byrne Tom Gabel of Against Me! Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images Against Me! singer Tom Gabel has come out as transgender and discussed plans to begin living as a woman in the next issue of Rolling Stone. Gabel, who will go by Laura Jane Grace and remain married to wife Heather, will undergo electrolysis treatments and take hormones to make the transition from male to female. “For me, the most terrifying thing about this was how she would accept the news,” Gabel told Rolling Stone of Heather. “But she’s been super-amazing and understanding.” Gabel has dealt with gender dysphoria for years and decided it was a good time to speak up about the private struggle, telling only a few family members and friends about the upcoming transition before talking with the magazine. “I’m going to have embarrassing moments, and that won’t be fun,” Gabel said of coming out. “But that’s part of what talking to you is about — is hoping people will understand, and hoping they’ll be fairly kind.” Though Gabel is the first major rock star to undergo a gender transformation, she’s hardly the first celebrity. Larry Wachowski, half of the Wachowski-brother directing duo behind the “Matrix” trilogy, has been credited as Lana Wachowki in recent work and seems to now identify as a woman, though neither sibling has spoken publicly on the subject. Chaz Bono, meanwhile, made a very public run on “Dancing With the Stars” as the first transgender contestant . Chaz, born the daughter of Cher and Sonny Bono, underwent female-to-male gender transition between 2008 and 2010. In the next issue of Rolling Stone, due Friday, Gabel will tell her full story, including what the revelation means for the future of Against Me! Related Artists Against Me!

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