Entertainment News: Ginger Ale Lawsuits, Gladiator Drama & Luther's Legacy

Keurig Dr Pepper is facing a class-action lawsuit for false advertising related to its Schweppes and Canada Dry ginger ale sodas. The lawsuit claims the company misrepresented the ginger ale as “naturally flavored,” when, in fact, it contained artificial flavors. The news has caused an uproar on social media, especially among Black consumers, who have long had a cultural connection to ginger ale. One user expressed frustration, writing, “We can't have nothing around this mf!” while another posted, “If ya’ll bankrupt Canada Dry, I’ll never forgive ya’ll!” A lawyer on social media explained that when a product is artificially flavored, state and federal laws require the packaging to state “artificial flavors.” How do you feel about this lawsuit?

In other entertainment news, the drama surrounding “Gladiator II” continues. Director Ridley Scott recently denied claims made by Denzel Washington that his same-sex kiss scene was cut from the film. Scott firmly told Variety, “They acted the moment—it didn’t happen.” This response came after Denzel said in an earlier interview that he had kissed a man in the film but that the scene was removed because “they got chicken.” Denzel clarified his comments at the premiere of “Gladiator II” on Monday, stating, “It really is much ado about nothing. They’re making more of it than it was. I kissed him on his hands, I gave him a peck, and I killed him.” It seems the matter is settled for now, but fans are still reacting.

Finally, a highly anticipated documentary about Luther Vandross, Luther: Never Too Much, will air on CNN on New Year’s Day at 8 p.m. ET. The documentary will feature archival clips tracing his rise from the Apollo Theater house band to becoming a legendary master of love songs. It will also include interviews with iconic artists like Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, and Roberta Flack. In addition to the documentary, the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles hosted an exclusive screening in conjunction with the opening of the Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance exhibit. The exhibit features his stage wear, handwritten lyrics, studio notes, six Grammy Awards, and more. Luther Vandross, who passed away on July 1, 2005, at the age of 54, remains a beloved figure in music.