China has abruptly canceled concerts by Japanese musicians across the country due to escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Among those affected is renowned 80-year-old jazz bassist Yoshio Suzuki, whose performance in Beijing was interrupted by plainclothes police officers during a soundcheck on Thursday.
Suzuki and his quintet had undergone a months-long approval process to obtain visas for their performances in China. Concert promoter Petersen-Clausen described the devastating impact on the musicians, saying "They were totally excited to come to China. Now the band is devastated." The interruption came suddenly when, after less than a minute of police presence, the venue owner informed Petersen-Clausen that authorities had ordered the cancellation of all concerts featuring Japanese performers.
This incident is part of a broader pattern, with approximately a dozen concerts in major Chinese cities being canceled this week. The diplomatic crisis was triggered by statements made by Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi earlier this month. She declared that a Chinese attack on Taiwan threatening Japan's survival could provoke a military response from Tokyo. China, which considers the democratically governed island part of its territory, reacted angrily and announced consequences for these remarks.
In other cultural news, the spectacular Louvre heist in Paris is being adapted into a documentary film. Director Laurent Bouzereau, working with American producer R.J. Cutler through Nedland Film in Los Angeles, will focus on the unprecedented break-in, the subsequent investigations, and the media spectacle surrounding the case. The documentary will feature interviews with eyewitnesses, museum staff, and investigators involved in the case.
The October 19 heist saw thieves use a hydraulic lift to access the first floor of the Louvre, stealing jewelry worth approximately 88 million euros. While several suspects have been arrested, the stolen treasure remains missing. Bouzereau, known for documentaries about blockbuster films like "Jaws," legendary composer John Williams, and actress Faye Dunaway, brings significant experience to this true crime project.
Meanwhile, the art auction world witnessed a historic moment when a painting by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo sold for $54.7 million at Sotheby's in New York, making it the most expensive artwork by a woman ever sold at auction. The painting, titled "El sueño (La cama)" and created around 1940, depicts Kahlo lying in bed. Two bidders engaged in a five-minute bidding war for the piece, though the winning bidder's identity was not immediately disclosed.
The sale represents an extraordinary appreciation in value, as the same painting was last auctioned in 1980 for just $51,000 – approximately one-thousandth of its current price. A Sotheby's representative noted that the auction demonstrates "how far we've come in recognizing female artists." This record came during New York's traditional fall auction season, which also saw Gustav Klimt's painting sell for $236.4 million, making it the second-most expensive artwork ever sold at auction.
In entertainment legal news, rapper Eminem has filed a lawsuit against Australian beachwear company Swim Shady, according to The Guardian. The company recently secured a trademark in the United States, prompting the musician – who has released several albums under the name Slim Shady – to claim trademark infringement. Eminem's legal team argues that consumers might mistakenly believe he or his rap alter-ego is associated with the Sydney-based brand, which sells shade-providing beach sails, swim bags, towels, and shorts.
Company owner Jeremy Scott confirmed the legal proceedings to Guardian Australia, stating that Swim Shady would contest the allegations. "Swim Shady is a grassroots Australian company that was founded to protect people from the harsh Australian sun," Scott explained. Eminem is demanding that the company withdraw its U.S. trademark, while separate proceedings are also underway in Australia.
Finally, after 35 years, beloved character Alice Glick has died in "The Simpsons." In the current episode "Sashes to Sashes," the elderly organist collapsed while playing during a church service. Glick, who debuted in 1991 during the show's second season, was known as a lovable, slightly absent-minded neighbor. One of her most memorable moments came in season seven when she performed the rock classic "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" on the church organ.
Although Glick was previously killed off in a 2011 episode by a robotic seal, she mysteriously returned without explanation. However, producer Tim Long confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that "Alice is stone dead" this time. While most characters have existed for decades in the long-running series, several have permanently died over the years, including Maude Flanders and Larry the Barfly. "The Simpsons" is currently in its 37th season and has been renewed through season 40, with a second feature film planned for July 2027.
