Arts & Entertainment
Paramount axes ‘Heathers’ series because of school shootings
The reboot is being shopped around to other networks
‘Heathers’ reboot (Screenshot via YouTube.)
Paramount Network has canceled its “Heathers” reboot series for good following a long delay of its premiere episode due to recent school shootings.
The show originally was meant to premiere on March 7 but it was postponed due to the school shooting in Parkland, Florida. It was given another air date in July but was delayed again after the school shooting in Santa Fe, Texas.
Now, Paramount has announced the show won’t be airing on its network.
“This is a high school show, we’re blowing up the school, there are guns in the school, it’s a satire and there are moments of teachers having guns. It’s hitting on so many hot topics. This company can’t be speaking out of both sides of its mouth, saying the youth movement is important for us and we’ve done all these wonderful things to support that and at the same time, we’re putting on a show that we’re not comfortable with,” Keith Cox, Paramount Network president of development and production, said in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter.
The series may possibly air elsewhere. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Viacom, which owns Paramount Network, is shopping the series around to other networks and streaming services.
“Heathers” was a remake of the 1988 black comedy, starring Winona Ryder, Christian Slater and Shannon Doherty, about high school murder and suicide. In the revamped version, Veronica Sawyer (Grace Victoria Cox) and her boyfriend J.D. (James Scully) come up with a revenge plan for Heather McNamara (Jasmine Mathews), a black lesbian, Heather Duke (Brendan Scannell), who identifies as gender-queer, and Heather Chandler (Melanie Field), a plus-size woman.
Doherty also was set to appear in a mystery role.
10 episodes had already been filmed for the first season. Writing for the show’s second season was also reportedly well underway.
Photos
PHOTOS: Tennessee all-ages drag brunch
New Beginnings in Johnson City raises $3,500 to combat gun violence in schools
New Beginnings in Johnson City, Tenn., held an all-ages drag brunch on Sunday, March 26 — just days before the state’s anti-drag law was scheduled to take effect. The event was a fundraiser for the Johnson City school system to help prevent gun violence. Organizers announced that $3,500 was raised.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Covering for @WashBlade New Beginnings in Johnson City, Tennessee defying the state at an all-ages drag brunch. Here is baby shark: pic.twitter.com/Z9iyY7zTO8
— Michael Patrick Key (@MichaelKeyWB) March 26, 2023
Arts & Entertainment
Dolly Parton-Miley Cyrus duet about rainbows banned by Wisconsin school
The School District of Waukesha says the decision is supported by its Superintendent Jim Sebert & the Board of Education was not involved
A decision by the School District of Waukesha banning Miley Cyrus’ song “Rainbowland” sung in a duet with Country superstar Dolly Parton from the Heyer Elementary School’s upcoming first-grade music concert because its too controversial has angered some parents and others labeling the decision an anti-LGBTQ move.
At issue are the lyrics: “Living in a Rainbowland where you and I go hand in hand. Oh, I’d be lying if I said this was fine. All the hurt and the hate going on here We are rainbows, me and you. Every color, every hue. Let’s shine on through. Together, we can start living in a Rainbowland,” as well as, “Wouldn’t it be nice to live in paradise… where we’re free to be exactly who we are.”
WTMJ 4, Milwaukee’s NBC News affiliate reported that a classroom teacher suggested the song to the music teacher. According to the school district, the music teacher checked with the principal to determine if the song would be acceptable to use in a first-grade music concert. The principal then checked with a central office administrator. The two reviewed the song alongside the district’s “Board Policy 2240 – Controversial Issues in the Classroom.” In accordance with the policy, they determined the song “could be deemed controversial.”
Instead, the song “Rainbow Connection” by Kermit the Frog was selected.
The School District of Waukesha says the decision is supported by its Superintendent Jim Sebert and at no time was the Board of Education involved.
FOX6 News Milwaukee interviewed a parent and others about the decision:
The Miss Charm City pageant was held at the Baltimore Eagle on Friday, March 24. Stormi Skye was crowned the winner. Both Skye and first alternate Sorority Heights qualified to compete in the upcoming Miss Gay Maryland competition later this year.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Covering Miss Charm City for @WashBlade at @EagleBaltimore . Stormi Skye takes the crown pic.twitter.com/muykQqiET6
— Michael Patrick Key (@MichaelKeyWB) March 25, 2023
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