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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Address Senate Hearing on Child Safety: Protect Kids! on February 1, 2024 at 4:45 pm The Hollywood Gossip

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What did Meghan Markle and Prince Harry say to the United States Senate?

Even as Suits fans wonder if Meghan Markle will return to the hit drama series, she has more important things on her mind.

This week, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex spoke as the US Senate delves into child safety in online spaces.

Children face added perils in the age of social media. The Senate is at risk of making it worse, but Meghan and Harry hope that they’ll make things better, instead.

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Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attends the Premiere of “Bob Marley: One Love” at the Carib 5 Theatre on January 23, 2024. (Photo Credit: Marcus Ingram/Getty Images)

Social media can be an unsafe place for kids

The US Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on Wednesday, January 31, on the topic of online safety for children.

There is a lot at stake, including the safety of children and the well-being of the internet. Those aren’t mutually exclusive concerns, but there are some politicians treating it that way.

Some of Big Tech’s biggest clowns showed up to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The circus is in town, it seems.

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are not tech titans or politicians, but they released a not-quite-royal statement on the Senate hearings through the Archwell Foundation’s website.

“We applaud the bravery and determination of the thousands of parents around the country whose advocacy resulted in this hearing,” the Sussex couple wrote.

“Over the past few years, we have spent time with many of these families,” Harry and Meghan noted, “listening to their heartache and their hopes for the urgent change that is needed in the online space.”

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the 2023 Variety Power Of Women at Mother Wolf on November 16, 2023. (Photo Credit: Kayla Oaddams/Getty Images)

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle know the stories that the Senate has heard

After referring to the Archewell Foundation’s work with grieving parents and with minors who are victims of harmful online content, Meghan and Harry’s statement continued.

“This is an issue that transcends division and party lines, as we saw today at the Senate hearing,” the couple affirmed.

“The best parenting in the world cannot keep children safe from these platforms,” Harry and Meghan lamented.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the sitting volleyball finals at the Merkur Spiel-Arena during day six of the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 on September 15, 2023. (Photo Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation)

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Together, both Meghan and Harry have been working with the loved ones of victims. Given the unhinged rumors about Meghan that have circulated for years, they know what online harassment looks like.

Additionally, they have tried to use their platforms to promote positive changes that could make social media a safer place. Their goal is for politicians to implement helpful changes.

Unfortunately, many Americans — and others across the globe — fear that the Senate will do just the opposite.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the pre-closing ceremony of the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 at Merkur Spiel-Arena on September 16, 2023. (Photo Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation)

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Do Harry and Meghan really know what it’s like?

Obviously, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are both adult Millennials. They grew up with an evolving internet, but social media was in its infancy as they reached adulthood.

But they have witnessed vile hate campaigns. And Harry and Meghan have experienced targeted harassment by conspiracy theorist loons and grifters.

Being an adult millionaire is never the same as being a 14-year-old dodging cruel bullies, radicalization pipelines, predatory algorithms, and predatory men in online spaces. But that doesn’t stop them from caring about kids.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex speak onstage at The Archewell Foundation Parents’ Summit: Mental Wellness in the Digital Age during Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Festival 2023 at Hudson Yards on October 10, 2023. (Photo Credit: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Project Healthy Minds)

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Of course, caring about kids is something that most people can agree upon. It’s the details — like how to actually protect children — that matter more than the thought behind it.

The controversial Kids Only Safety Act would be a disaster, but the Senate is considering it. Even as platforms like CNBC cover how KOSA could harm minors and society as a whole, some people can’t get past the bill’s name — which, of course, is the point of the name.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 at Merkur Spiel-Arena on September 16, 2023. (Photo Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation)

Years ago, FOSTA/SESTA was a dangerous disaster, but it became law anyway. Now, many internet advocates worry that some genuinely good intentions could cause history to repeat itself with KOSA.

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It’s important to note that Harry and Meghan’s public statement cheered on the Senate hearings — but made no mention of this deeply troubling potential law.

Advocating for children’s safety is a noble pursuit. It’s how we go about protecting kids that determines whether we’re making the world better … or just making ourselves feel like we did something helpful.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Address Senate Hearing on Child Safety: Protect Kids! was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Address Senate Hearing on Child Safety: Protect Kids! was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.”}]] 

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Entertainment

California Bans AI Clones from Replacing Real Talent

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California just made a dramatic stand for human creativity, defeating the threat of AI actor clones with a sweeping new law that puts people—not algorithms—back in the Hollywood spotlight. With the stroke of Governor Gavin Newsom’s pen in October 2025, the state has sent a clear message to studios, tech companies, and the world: entertainment’s heart belongs to those who create and perform, not to digital facsimiles.

California Draws a Hard Line: No More AI Clones

For months, the entertainment industry has been divided over the use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. Studios, lured by promises of cost-cutting and creative flexibility, have invested in software that can mimic an actor’s face, voice, and even emotional range. But for performers, this wave of synthetic reproduction has triggered alarm—encouraged by chilling stories of deepfakes, unauthorized digital doubles, and contracts that let studios reuse a star’s likeness indefinitely, sometimes without pay or approval.

The new California law, anchored by AB 2602 and AB 1836, changes everything:

  • Every contract must explicitly detail how studios can use digital replicas or voice models, preventing once-common “blank check” agreements that overlooked this risk.
  • No one—not studios nor streaming giants—can create or release AI-generated clones of an actor, living or dead, without clear, written consent from the performer or their estate.
  • The law gives families new powers to defend loved ones from posthumous deepfake exploitation, closing painful loopholes that once let virtual versions of late icons appear in new ads, films, or games.

Actors Celebrate a Major Victory

The legislation rides the momentum of the recent SAG-AFTRA strike, where real-life talent demanded control over their own digital destinies. Leaders say these protections will empower artists to negotiate fair contracts and refuse participation in projects that cross ethical lines, restoring dignity and choice in an industry threatened by silent algorithms.

Stars, unions, and advocacy groups are hailing the law as the most robust defense yet against unwanted AI replications.

As one actor put it, “This isn’t just about money—it’s about identity, legacy, and respect for real artists in a synthetic age.”

A New Chapter for the Entertainment Industry

California’s move isn’t just a victory for local talent—it’s a warning shot to studios everywhere. Companies will now be forced to rethink production pipelines, consult legal counsel, and obtain proper clearance before digitally cloning anyone. Global entertainment platforms and tech developers will need to comply if they want to do business in the world’s entertainment capital.

These laws also set a template likely to ripple through other creative fields, from musicians whose voices can be synthesized to writers whose work could be mimicked by generative AI. For now, California performers finally have a powerful shield, ready to fight for the right to shape their own public image.

Conclusion: Human Talent Takes Center Stage

With its no-nonsense ban on AI actor clones, California draws a bold line, championing the work, likeness, and very humanity of its creative stars. It’s a landmark step that forces the entertainment industry to choose: respect real talent, or face real consequences. The age of the consentless digital double is over—human performers remain the true source of Hollywood magic.

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Chaos and Comedy: Darby Kingman’s “Camp Wackapoo: Rise of Glog”

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Darby Kingman’s “Camp Wackapoo: Rise of Glog” redefines summer camp comedy with a wild, energetic story about ambition, chaos, and the joy of embracing the unexpected. The film centers on a relentlessly competitive camp counselor who’s determined to finish first—only to face a motley crew of unruly campers and a summer unlike any other.

As Darby puts it, “Not everything is that deep. It really honestly was to make people laugh. She has all these kids that are not working with her and she’s just losing her mind. It’s crazy, silly, goofy, and it was a blast.”

What started as a simple scene for Darby’s acting reel evolved into a full-fledged film with encouragement from her mentor at Debbie Reynolds Acting School. Darby dove into every role—writing, directing, starring, and meticulously preparing each prop and costume. “Plan and prepare, but also be flexible and ready to be in the moment—that’s when the magic happens,” she advises.

Working with a handpicked cast of her own dance students, Darby built an atmosphere of real teamwork and camaraderie. She credits the “precious” energy of her young cast, her creative director of photography, and the overall spirit of her production team for turning the project into something bigger than herself. Her experience is an inspiring blueprint for indie filmmakers:

“Take initiative and control of your career. You can’t just sit around and wait for somebody to pick you. Figure out what you’re good at and go for it. Create something that brings joy to others.”

Her production motto? “Preparation is key, but you have to be ready to go with the flow—that’s when the magic happens.” Darby’s fearless creativity, focus on collaboration, and love for comedy shine throughout “Camp Wackapoo: Rise of Glog.” It’s more than just a camp satire—it’s a heartfelt testament to hard work, original humor, and leadership from the ground up: “People need to laugh right now. That’s a win.”

Catch “Camp Wackapoo: Rise of Glog” and experience Darby’s infectious energy and comic genius at the Deluxe Theatre on November 1, 2025. Get your tickets now at Houstoncomedyfilmfestival.com.

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Diane Keaton Dies at 79

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The world of film and entertainment is mourning the loss of Diane Keaton, an Oscar-winning actress renowned for her enduring talent, individuality, and influence on generations of performers and fans. Keaton died at the age of 79 in California on Saturday, October 11, 2025, her family confirmed. Details remain private, with her family requesting privacy as they grieve this profound loss.

A Distinctive Talent

Diane Keaton rose to fame in the 1970s through a series of memorable roles, most notably as Kay Adams in “The Godfather” trilogy and as the quirky, unforgettable lead in Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall,” for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her performances in films like “The First Wives Club,” “Something’s Gotta Give,” and the “Book Club” series solidified her reputation as an actress with unique comedic timing and dramatic depth. Keaton was celebrated not only for her artistry but also for her androgynous fashion sense, characterized by menswear-inspired looks, hats, and an easy, effortless style that influenced generations.

Legacy and Tributes

Following the news of her passing, tributes poured in from Hollywood and beyond. Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Jane Fonda were among the countless stars who expressed devastation and admiration for Keaton’s incomparable legacy. Hawn recalled their friendship and collaborations, writing: “Diane, we aren’t ready to lose you…you stole the hearts of the world and shared your genius with millions”. Midler echoed the sentiment, praising Keaton as “brilliant, beautiful, extraordinary” and a truly original presence in Hollywood.

Private Struggles and Final Months

Though fiercely independent and known for her openness, Keaton kept her declining health private in her final months. Friends and neighbors noticed her retreat from public life and social media, and she was recently seen less often in her Brentwood neighborhood. In the past, Keaton candidly discussed her ongoing battles with skin cancer and bulimia, openly advocating for personal health and authenticity.

Remembering Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton leaves behind a legacy defined by her fearless performances, unique style, and enduring influence on the arts. She is survived by her two children, Dexter and Duke. As Hollywood and her global fanbase mourn, her pioneering spirit and unmistakable voice will continue to inspire generations.

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