Through his rep, the songwriter says &34;Billy & Me&34; will not be able to &34;secure the music rights required for this project.” Billy Joel slams unauthorized biopic immediately after it's announced Through his rep, the songwriter says &34;Billy & Me&34; will not be able to &34;secure the music rights required for this project.” By Kathleen Perricone May 19, 2026 10:15 p.m. ET :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/BillyJoelTokyoDome2024051926c91ac5892452415c9e2287a8bb00fa72.jpg) Billy Joel performing at the Tokyo Dome in 2024.

Through his rep, the songwriter says "Billy & Me" will not be able to "secure the music rights required for this project.”

Billy Joel slams unauthorized biopic immediately after it's announced

Through his rep, the songwriter says "Billy & Me" will not be able to "secure the music rights required for this project.”

By Kathleen Perricone

May 19, 2026 10:15 p.m. ET

Billy Joel performing at the Tokyo Dome in 2024. Credit:

Taylor Hill/Getty

- Billy Joel is slamming a newly-announced biopic, *Billy & Me*, the same day it was officially announced.

- The film traces the origins of the singer's career and will be told from the perspective of Irwin Mazur, his first manager.

- “Billy Joel has not authorized or supported this project in any capacity,” his rep said in a statement.

For Billy Joel, it's always been a matter of trust.

The singer-songwriter has come out fighting against an unauthorized biopic, *Billy & Me*, told from the perspective of "Me": Irwin Mazur, Joel's first manager who discovered the struggling musician in 1966.

The film, written by Adam Ripp, will trace the origins of Joel's career before his 1973 breakthrough album, *Piano Man*.

Billy Joel circa 1970.

Richard E. Aaron/Redferns

"Since 2021, the parties involved have been officially notified that they do not possess Billy Joel's life rights and will not be able to secure the music rights required for this project," his rep told *Variety* in a statement. "Billy Joel has not authorized or supported this project in any capacity, and any attempt to move forward without it would be both legally and professionally misguided."

*Billy & Me*, which has been kicking around since at least 2022, will be directed by John Ottman, whose most recent project was as lead editor on *Michael*.

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Another person from Joel’s past is also involved in the biopic: Jon Small, the drummer in his pre-fame band, Hassles, and side project Attila.

The best friends had a falling out when Joel had an affair with Small's wife Elizabeth, who the singer married in 1973. Following their 1982 divorce, Joel healed his fractured friendship with Small, who went on to become a director and worked on several of his music videos, including "Uptown Girl" and "Tell Her About It."

Small, who will serve as a consultant, co-executive producer, and second unit director for *Billy & Me*, defended the project.

Billy Joel and Jon Small in 1970.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

"This is the most honest, heartfelt, and authentic portrayal of Billy's early life and rise to becoming one of the greatest musical voices of our time," Small told *Variety*.

"*Billy & Me* is grounded in truth, shaped with care, and built with the insight of people who genuinely know and love Billy," he continued. "As someone who was there from the very beginning, I can say this script captures not just the music, but the friendships, struggles, humor, and creative spark that defined those years."

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our ******EW Dispatch newsletter******.***

Casting for *Billy & Me* is currently underway, with production to begin in the fall in Winnipeg and Joel’s native New York.

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- Musical Biopic

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Billy Joel slams unauthorized biopic immediately after it's announced

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Taylor Swift had a perfect Jerome Bettis description, per Travis Kelce

Taylor Swift had a perfect Jerome Bettis description, per Travis Kelce Caroline Darney, For The WinWed, May 20, 2026 at 2:44 PM UTC 0 Taylor Swift had a perfect Jerome Bettis description, per Travis Kelce Taylor Swift may not have been a football expert before starting to date Travis Kelce, but she&x27;s becoming one now. The 14time Grammy winner and 3time Super Bowl champ started dating in the summer of 2023 before getting engaged in August 2025.

Taylor Swift had a perfect Jerome Bettis description, per Travis Kelce

Caroline Darney, For The WinWed, May 20, 2026 at 2:44 PM UTC

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Taylor Swift had a perfect Jerome Bettis description, per Travis Kelce

Taylor Swift may not have been a football expert before starting to date Travis Kelce, but she's becoming one now. The 14-time Grammy winner and 3-time Super Bowl champ started dating in the summer of 2023 before getting engaged in August 2025. Swift has been a mainstay at Kansas City Chiefs home games, turning into the type of fan that yells at big plays and has opinions on the team's draft picks. Now she's learning about NFL legends like former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis.

Kelce relayed a story on the most recent episode of the New Heights podcast about running into Bettis at dinner in Florida. "I was like telling Tay about him like, 'That dude was a [expletive] beast.'" Kelce told his brother Jason, who agreed vociferously with the description. "He was [expletive] running dudes over."

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Travis then said he showed his fiancée old highlights of Bettis'. "She was like, 'Why does he look like an offensive lineman running with the football?'"

"Because he was THE BUS," Kelce finished saying. Nailed it in one, Taylor.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Taylor Swift told Travis Kelce about Jerome Bettis description

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Taylor Swift had a perfect Jerome Bettis description, per Travis Kelce

Taylor Swift had a perfect Jerome Bettis description, per Travis Kelce Caroline Darney, For The WinWed, May 20, 2026 at 2:44 PM U...

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Mike Tyson vs. Floyd Mayweather fight moved to fall, details pending

Mike Tyson vs. Floyd Mayweather fight moved to fall, details pending Josh Peter, USA TODAYThu, May 21, 2026 at 1:00 AM UTC 0 An exhibition fight between Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. will take place in the fall instead of the spring as initially scheduled because Tyson is recovering from a broken hand suffered in training, according to the fight promoters. Tyson was seen wearing a cast on his right arm in March and, at the time, said he had sprained it during training.

Mike Tyson vs. Floyd Mayweather fight moved to fall, details pending

Josh Peter, USA TODAYThu, May 21, 2026 at 1:00 AM UTC

0

An exhibition fight between Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. will take place in the fall instead of the spring as initially scheduled because Tyson is recovering from a broken hand suffered in training, according to the fight promoters.

Tyson was seen wearing a cast on his right arm in March and, at the time, said he had sprained it during training.

The exhibition match between Tyson, 59, and Mayweather, 49, was initially scheduled for April 25 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The promoters, brothers Richard Miele and Craig Miele, cited May 30 as the initial fight date. The promoters have not announced a new date or venue but, according to the press release, will do so “shortly.’’

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This fall, Mayweather is also scheduled to fight Manny Pacquiao in a professional fight this September in Las Vegas.

Tyson’s right arm drew attention in March when he was wearing a cast. During an appearance on "The Ariel Helwani Show" Tyson said of the apparent injury, “Training, punching stuff. Just a little sprain, I have to go hard, it’s the only way I’ve got to go.’’

Later in the month, during Tyson’s trip to Thailand, there was no sign of the cast in videos and photos of Tyson.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Tyson vs. Floyd Mayweather fight set for fall in latest update

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Mike Tyson vs. Floyd Mayweather fight moved to fall, details pending Josh Peter, USA TODAYThu, May 21, 2026 at 1:00 AM UTC 0 An ...

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Steven Spielberg would like to serve as Earth's ambassador to alien life, despite Barack Obama ca...

The competition for this job is out of this world. Steven Spielberg would like to serve as Earth's ambassador to alien life, despite Barack Obama calling dibs The competition for this job is out of this world. By Emlyn Travis :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/EmlynTravisauthorphotocba6765b433b4f93b9398d18053153b1.jpg) Emlyn Travis Emlyn Travis is a news writer at . She has been working at EW since 2022. Her work has previously appeared on MTV News, Teen Vogue, and NME. EW's editorial guidelines May 20, 2026 11:27 a.m.

The competition for this job is out of this world.

Steven Spielberg would like to serve as Earth's ambassador to alien life, despite Barack Obama calling dibs

The competition for this job is out of this world.

By Emlyn Travis

Emlyn Travis

Emlyn Travis is a news writer at **. She has been working at EW since 2022. Her work has previously appeared on MTV News, Teen Vogue, and NME.

EW's editorial guidelines

May 20, 2026 11:27 a.m. ET

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Spielberg; alien; Obama. Credit:

Kevin Winter/Getty; Getty; Earl Gibson III/Getty

- Steven Spielberg is entering the race to become Earth's alien ambassador.

- The *E.T. *director revealed he thinks he'd be a good fit for the position, even though Barack Obama called dibs on the role earlier this month.

- “I love Barack. We're friends. I love him. I love his family, but he's had his eight years, you know?” Spielberg said.

Good luck to literally anyone else hoping to become Earth’s alien ambassador now that both Steven Spielberg *and* Barack Obama are vying for the role.

Spielberg, the director who shaped the world’s perception of extraterrestrial life with films like *E.T. *and *Close Encounters of the Third Kind*, explained why he considers himself to be a better candidate for the position than the former president on Tuesday’s episode of *The Late Show*.

“I think I should represent — I mean, my whole thing is it should be me!” Spielberg declared to loud cheers from the audience. Host Stephen Colbert replied, “Everybody wants the gig!”

Steven Spielberg directing 'E.T.'.

Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty

The filmmaker, whose upcoming film *Disclosure Day* also involves aliens, made it clear that he bears no ill will toward Obama in their fictional job race.

“I love Barack. We're friends. I love him,” he emphasized. “I love his family, but he's had his eight years, you know?”

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Tom DeLonge showed Trent Reznor a 'dead alien' photo at the Foo Fighters drummer's wedding

And, besides, Spielberg’s got some pretty stellar qualifications of his own, too. “I think the whole thing is, I made *Close Encounters*,” he said. “My first alien movie, I was 17 years old, was called *Firelight*, an 8-millimeter. I made *E.T. *and I co-produced *Men in Black* and *War of the Worlds*.”

Colbert interjected, “Now you’re just bragging.”

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our ******EW Dispatch newsletter******.***

“No, I'm not bragging,” Spielberg said, defending himself and his alien credentials. “Here’s the point I'm trying to make: I've made all these movies where I've kind of played an ambassadorial role. They've never shown themselves to me. Why is that? It's so unfair.”

When Colbert suggested that aliens are afraid of contacting Spielberg in case he uses footage of them in one of his films, the director replied, “I have no idea, but I'm available, guys!”

Earlier this month, Obama revealed that he believed he’d make a “good emissary for the planet” if humans ever make contact with aliens. "I've got a diverse background, some experience in statecraft and diplomacy. I'm friendly," the former president said on the May 5 episode of *The Late Show*. "So I actually think I could do a pretty good job."

He also shot down speculation that the government knew more about aliens than it was telling Americans.

“This idea of conspiracy theories… If there were aliens or alien spaceships or anything under the control of the United States government that we knew about — seen photographs, what have you — I promise you some guy guarding the installation would have taken a selfie with one of the aliens and sent it to his girlfriend to impress her,” he said. “It would leak!”

Donald Trump also beamed himself into the alien conversation, posting an AI-generated image of himself walking alongside a super tall and shredded alien in handcuffs on a military base over the weekend.

Watch Spielberg discuss aliens in the clip above.

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Steven Spielberg would like to serve as Earth's ambassador to alien life, despite Barack Obama ca...

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Carnival Cruise Ship Emerges from Dry Dock with New Design Element Honoring America’s 250th Anniversary

Carnival Cruise Ship Emerges from Dry Dock with New Design Element Honoring America’s 250th Anniversary Colson ThayerWed, May 20, 2026 at 8:40 PM UTC 0 The 'Carnival Legend' emerges from dry dock with new design element.Credit: Carnival Cruise Carnival Legend debuted a new patriotic bow crest inspired by “America the Beautiful” after 16 days in dry dock The design will roll out across Carnival&x27;s U.S.

Carnival Cruise Ship Emerges from Dry Dock with New Design Element Honoring America’s 250th Anniversary

Colson ThayerWed, May 20, 2026 at 8:40 PM UTC

0

The 'Carnival Legend' emerges from dry dock with new design element.
Credit: Carnival Cruise -

Carnival Legend debuted a new patriotic bow crest inspired by “America the Beautiful” after 16 days in dry dock

The design will roll out across Carnival's U.S. fleet except for two ships featuring Texas-themed bows

Carnival is hosting patriotic events fleetwide from June 4 to July 4 to celebrate America's 250th anniversary

Carnival Cruise Line is celebrating the United States' 250th anniversary with a new design element featured across its ships. And the first vessel to receive the upgrade has just emerged from dry dock.

After a 16-day dry dock— a maintenance period where a ship is removed from water to allow for repairs and upgrades — the Carnival Legend has returned to service with a fresh new look. Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, the 88,500-gross-ton vessel is debuting a new “From Sea to Shining Sea” bow crest.

The "From Sea to Shining Seas" bow crest on the 'Carnival Legend'
Credit: Carnival Cruise

The company says the new crest is inspired by “America the Beautiful,” celebrating the country's diverse land and seascapes. The design will roll out across all of Carnival's U.S. ships during dry docks and new builds, except for the Carnival Jubilee and upcoming Carnival Tropicale, which display the Texas star on their bows. The Carnival Magic will be the next ship to show off the new crest when it returns to PortMiami from dry dock on May 26.

Miami VA Healthcare System veterans with Carnival Cruise Line executive on May 20 in Miami
Credit: Carnival Cruise

To celebrate the reveal, Carnival invited veterans from the Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare System to see the new crest and receive the company's America250 challenge coins in honor of their service.

The celebration doesn't end there. From June 4 to July 4, guests across the company's fleet will be treated to patriotic events, including trivia, crafts and ship meet-ups to watch July 4 fireworks on both coasts.

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The 'Carnival Legend' cruise ship
Credit: Carnival Cruise

The Carnival Legend is scheduled to depart Miami the evening of May 20 for a four-day, round-trip sailing to the Bahamas, according to CruiseMapper. Port stops include Nassau and Carnival's Half Moon Cay before returning to Florida on May 24.

That same day, the vessel is scheduled to embark on a 14-day, sailing to Dover, England. After the repositioning cruise, the Legend will split its European season between departures from Dover and Rome.

— sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The 1,062-stateroom ship can accommodate up to 2,680 passengers and 930 total team members. The Spirit-class vessel first entered service in 2002.

on People

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Carnival Cruise Ship Emerges from Dry Dock with New Design Element Honoring America’s 250th Anniversary

Carnival Cruise Ship Emerges from Dry Dock with New Design Element Honoring America’s 250th Anniversary Colson ThayerWed, M...

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LIV Golf 'firmly focused' on funding solution amid bankruptcy possibility

LIV Golf &x27;firmly focused&x27; on funding solution amid bankruptcy possibility Field Level MediaWed, May 20, 2026 at 5:56 PM UTC 0 Apr 6, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; The LIV Golf logo is on display along the 10th hole during the second round of LIV Golf Miami golf tournament at Trump National Doral. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold MatayImagn Images (Reinhold MatayImagn Images) LIV Golf plans to move ahead with its new business model to potential investors amid a report that the league is putting pieces together for potential bankruptcy if it doesn&x27;t find new financing beyond this season.

LIV Golf 'firmly focused' on funding solution amid bankruptcy possibility

Field Level MediaWed, May 20, 2026 at 5:56 PM UTC

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Apr 6, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; The LIV Golf logo is on display along the 10th hole during the second round of LIV Golf Miami golf tournament at Trump National Doral. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images (Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images)

LIV Golf plans to move ahead with its new business model to potential investors amid a report that the league is putting pieces together for potential bankruptcy if it doesn't find new financing beyond this season.

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund announced last month that it will not financially back the circuit past this season.

LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil has started the search for two different levels of investors, while seeking as much as $250 million in investment capital beyond this year, Axios reported on Monday.

PIF has invested between $5 billion and $8 billion since starting LIV Golf, according to estimates, but will now focus on investments domestically. The league never has come close to turning a profit, according to reports.

Per Bloomberg, LIV Golf is mulling relocation of its headquarters to the United States to take advantage of the country's more favorable bankruptcy restructuring laws.

A LIV spokesperson offered the following to multiple media outlets in response to Bloomberg's report:

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"LIV Golf is firmly focused on securing a transaction that positions the organization for the long-term. As we begin presenting our go-forward business plan to prospective capital partners, we are focused on achieving a sustainable future and there are multiple pathways under active exploration.

"We continue to see great momentum on the course and with support through the 2026 season and a clear plan to raise capital, leadership is focused on identifying the right long-term strategic partners who believe in our mission to grow the game of golf worldwide. These conversations are just getting underway, and as they progress, the company expects to gain further clarity around the structure and timing of a potential transaction."

LIV Golf already postponed its New Orleans tournament that was slated for June but left the door open for a different version of the event later this year. The postponement leaves a gap on the schedule between LIV Golf Andalucia in Spain (June 4-7) and LIV Golf UK (July 23-26).

In that span, the U.S. Open is set for June 18-21 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y., with The Open Championship to run from July 16-19 at

Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England.

LIV Golf's next event is scheduled to be played May 28-31 at Asiad Country Club in Busan, South Korea.

--Field Level Media

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Spain's Fermin Lopez (foot) confirms he'll miss World Cup

Spain&x27;s Fermin Lopez (foot) confirms he&x27;ll miss World Cup Field Level MediaWed, May 20, 2026 at 5:50 PM UTC 0 FC Barcelona's Fermin Lopez celebrates scoring their second goal against Athletic Bilbao in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Jan. 7, 2026. (REUTERS/Stringer) Fermin Lopez of Spain is out of the World Cup following surgery to repair a fracture in his right foot, he announced Wednesday on social media. The surgery took place on Monday. The midfielder is expected to be sidelined for three months.

Spain's Fermin Lopez (foot) confirms he'll miss World Cup

Field Level MediaWed, May 20, 2026 at 5:50 PM UTC

0

FC Barcelona's Fermin Lopez celebrates scoring their second goal against Athletic Bilbao in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Jan. 7, 2026. (REUTERS/Stringer)

Fermin Lopez of Spain is out of the World Cup following surgery to repair a fracture in his right foot, he announced Wednesday on social media.

The surgery took place on Monday. The midfielder is expected to be sidelined for three months.

"Life -- and football -- can be cruel precisely when you least expect it or deserve it; yet, we must accept that it is all part of the journey," he posted on Instagram and as translated by Google. "This is a very difficult moment for me -- another challenge in my career that I will overcome. Have no doubt about that.

"Now, it is time to support the National Team and my teammates from home."

Fermin, 23, suffered the injury on Sunday in Barcelona's 3-1 win over Real Betis in LaLiga play.

Forward Lamine Yamal also is not expected to play in Spain's World Cup opener on June 15 against Cape Verde at Atlanta because of a hamstring injury, The Athletic reported Monday.

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Yamal has six goals in 25 career appearances for the Spanish national team.

Playing for Barcelona, Yamal tore his left hamstring as he scored on a penalty kick in an April 22 game against Celta Vigo.

Yamal, 18, also is doubtful to play in Spain's second Group H game against Saudi Arabia on June 21 at Atlanta.

Spain's third and final Group H game will take place June 26 against Uruguay at Guadalajara, Mexico.

Spain, currently No. 2 in FIFA's latest men's world rankings, is scheduled to announce its World Cup roster next Monday.

--Field Level Media

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Spain's Fermin Lopez (foot) confirms he'll miss World Cup

Spain&x27;s Fermin Lopez (foot) confirms he&x27;ll miss World Cup Field Level MediaWed, May 20, 2026 at 5:50 PM UTC 0 FC Ba...

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