The actor emphasized that cultivating a genuine connection with God has been instrumental in his healing journey.
Alan Ritchson attends the Los Angeles special screening of Prime Video series “Reacher” Season 2 at the Culver Theater in Culver City, Calif., on Dec. 13, 2023. (David Livingston/Getty Images)
Alan Ritchson, known for his roles in Prime Video’s “Reacher” and notable films like “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” and “Fast X,” recently shared his journey of mental health struggles and faith. Despite his success, Ritchson has been candid about the challenges he faced.
In a conversation with The Christian Post, Ritchson discussed how his faith played a crucial role in his healing journey after a suicide attempt. He emphasized the importance of serving others and building a genuine relationship with God.
Raised in a Catholic household, Ritchson reflected on a pivotal moment during a podcast episode with Christian Huff. He described experiencing a midlife crisis, grappling with marital issues, fame’s toxicity, and career-related stress. Despite feeling distant from God, he realized that divine presence never waned.
Transitioning through this period wasn’t easy. Ritchson battled emotions like anger and shame but committed to daily prayer and scripture reading. He recounted moments of despair when he felt God’s presence most intensely, leading to a transformation.
Today, Ritchson’s Christian faith guides his life. He launched the YouTube channel “InstaChurch,” sharing uplifting content on various topics anchored in faith. Open about his struggles with addiction, depression, and bipolar disorder, he believes in the power of shared experiences to foster connection and healing.
Ritchson hopes his openness encourages others to share their stories, believing that vulnerability leads to deeper connections and empathy. He sees it as a collective responsibility to nurture such conversations, fostering understanding and support.
Mike Posner, the American singer, renounced both illegal substance use and materialism.
Mike Posner attends ESPN And CFP’s Allstate Party At The Playoff Event at The Majestic Downtown in Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan. 7, 2023. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
When Mike Posner, the American singer, spoke out against illicit drug use and materialism last week, experts in addiction and publicity welcomed the move but questioned why it took the 36-year-old so long to address substance abuse openly.
In his 2015 hit song “I Took a Pill in Ibiza,” Posner’s lyrics depicted a narrative involving alcohol consumption at an Avicii concert, accepting a pill from a stranger, and consuming it. Avicii, a successful Swedish DJ and producer, collaborated with Posner on another song titled “Stay with You.”
The track soared to the top of European music charts and reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2016. However, nearly a decade later, Posner has undergone a significant transformation, while Avicii tragically passed away by suicide at the age of 28 in 2018.
Reflecting on Posner’s recent revelations, Benjamin Dobbs, founder of T.R.U.E. Addiction & Behavioral Health, expressed a wish that Posner had felt empowered to speak out earlier, recognizing the potential positive impact on others.
Dr. Justin Jacques (courtesy of Dr. Justin Jacques)
Posner’s recent social media posts indicate remorse for past behaviors glorifying materialism and hedonism. He now drives a Toyota 4Runner, has donated his Air Jordan basketball shoe collection, and speaks of a newfound sense of self-worth and self-love.
However, acknowledging past mistakes may pose challenges, potentially alienating fans who are not ready to abandon a party-centric lifestyle. David Triana, director of public relations at Empathy First Media, suggests that Posner’s shift in messaging could alienate some fans while attracting a new audience.
A 2022 study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration highlighted the prevalence of alcohol and drug use disorders in the United States, underscoring the importance of addressing substance abuse issues openly.
Posner’s admission about the ecstasy pill referenced in his song reflects a journey of personal growth and redemption. Dr. Justin Jacques, a licensed professional counselor, suggests that peer pressure and low self-esteem often contribute to substance abuse, with shame about past behavior serving as a common consequence.
Posner’s current stance prioritizes self-worth over external validation, signaling a shift towards a healthier mindset. While some speculate on the motivations behind Posner’s public statements, the dangers of substance misuse, particularly those involving drugs like fentanyl, remain a stark reality.
With fentanyl-related deaths on the rise, the potential consequences of substance use are more severe than ever. While Posner’s journey towards self-discovery and sobriety is commendable, the challenges of overcoming past mistakes and societal pressures remain significant.
Paramount Pictures’ biopic on Bob Marley, titled ‘One Love,’ surpassed projections by claiming the top spot at the box office, earning an impressive $27.7 million during its opening weekend
This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Kingsley Ben-Adir in “Bob Marley: One Love.” (Chiabella James/Paramount Pictures via AP)
In a surprising turn, Paramount Pictures’ biographical film on Bob Marley, titled “Bob Marley: One Love,” exceeded expectations by debuting at the top spot in the box office with an impressive $27.7 million opening weekend. Conversely, Sony’s “Madame Web” failed to capture audience interest, marking one of the weakest openings for a Marvel character-centered movie.
Both films hit theaters on Valentine’s Day, aiming to attract romantic moviegoers, but it was “One Love” that emerged as the preferred choice despite facing predominantly negative reviews. Paramount had initially projected a six-day total closer to $30 million for “One Love,” but the actual turnout surpassed expectations, drawing viewers from various age groups, with the 18 to 24 demographic comprising the largest segment.
Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and produced with the involvement of the Marley estate, “One Love” explores pivotal moments in Bob Marley’s life, particularly during the creation of his iconic 1977 album “Exodus” and a significant concert in Jamaica. Despite criticism for adhering to biopic conventions, the film received an “A” CinemaScore from audiences, indicating strong potential for its theatrical run.
On the other hand, “Madame Web” struggled to gain traction, with Sony estimating a disappointing $15.2 million weekend and a six-day total of $25.8 million. The film, part of Sony’s Spider-Man universe, failed to overcome negative pre-release buzz, despite featuring Dakota Johnson as a New York paramedic with clairvoyant abilities.
The underperformance of “Madame Web” adds to the challenges facing Hollywood in 2024, with overall ticket sales down 15% compared to the previous year. However, anticipation remains high for upcoming releases like “Dune: Part Two,” set to hit theaters on March 1. Until then, “Bob Marley: One Love” continues to lead the box office charts, offering a musical journey into the life of a reggae legend.
Left: Alaqua Cox poses at the IMDb Official Portrait Studio (Corey Nickols/Getty Images for IMDb). Right: Alaqua Cox with cast members and Kevin Feige, president and chief creative officer of Marvel Studios, speak onstage during D23 Expo (Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney).
In 2020, Disney+ unveiled the Hawkeye series, spotlighting the beloved character from the Marvel Cinematic Universe films. Alongside this series debut emerged Maya Lopez, an antihero who is Native American, deaf, and an amputee. Portraying her was Alaqua Cox, an actress embodying all three characteristics. It marked the inaugural instance of a Native American character taking a central role in a Marvel Studios project.
Before completing filming for the Hawkeye series, Cox received news of an even more groundbreaking venture for her character. Marvel Studios greenlit the Echo series, dedicated entirely to Cox’s character. Premiering in January of the current year, this five-episode arc represents the first Marvel Studios project to revolve around a Native American character.
“Hawkeye is my initiation into acting,” Cox shared with The Hollywood Reporter following the Echo announcement. “And now, I’m getting my own show in the MCU? It’s surreal.”
Raised in the Menominee Indian reservation in Keshena, Wisconsin, Cox is of Menominee and Mohegan descent. After graduating from the Wisconsin School for the Deaf, she held positions at a nursing home and with delivery companies such as Amazon and FedEx.
Unlike many peers her age, Cox never harbored ambitions of being in front of the camera. In fact, she had only played a minor role in a high school play. Her trajectory shifted in 2019 and 2020 when friends alerted her to a casting call seeking a deaf, Native American actor to portray a superhero in a Marvel Studios project.
Before she knew it, Cox found herself in a Zoom meeting with Marvel executives, securing the role. Marvel Studios had cast precisely the talent they sought: an actress authentic to the fictional character.
“Alaqua is truly one-of-a-kind,” remarked Marvel’s head of casting, Sarah Finn, to The Hollywood Reporter. “She underwent an extensive audition process, and we were all rooting for her from the start.”
Following the Echo announcement’s widespread attention, Cox embarked on her first leading role, collaborating with acting veterans like Vincent D’Onofrio and Charlie Cox. The show’s cast and crew were committed to ensuring authenticity and broadening representation for Native American and deaf communities. Indigenous and deaf actors were cast for corresponding roles, crew members underwent American Sign Language (ASL) training, and Navajo native Sydney Freeland was enlisted as director. Additionally, consultations with the Choctaw Nation, the fictional character’s origin, ensured accurate on-screen representation of Lopez.
Combining these efforts with a commitment to representation resulted in a story faithful to its dialogue, character development, costumes, languages, interactions, and minutiae.
Reflecting on the endeavor with the Choctaw Nation, Freeland emphasized to Variety, “Representation was paramount to myself and the entire crew…I made it clear that we were there to engage in dialogue, not dictate. Our aim was to incorporate their input and create a more authentic portrayal of the Choctaw people and culture.”
While plans for a second season or other projects for Cox remain undisclosed, shows like Echo aspire to advance representation for Native American communities and individuals with disabilities. Cox is eager to contribute to this mission within one of today’s most renowned film franchises.
“I firmly believe that children deserve to witness inclusivity and accurate representation,” Cox shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “It will empower individuals of diverse cultures and abilities, fostering a belief that our aspirations can transcend limitations.
Simone Biles of the United States on the podium with her gold medal after her victory in the Women’s Balance Beam Final at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships-Antwerp 2023 at the Antwerp Sportpaleis on October 8th, 2023 in Antwerp, Belgium. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
In the realm of gymnastics, where precision meets elegance, Simone Biles has engraved her name in the annals of history as the most decorated gymnast of all time. As the world gears up to commemorate Black History and Heritage Month, it’s apt to cast a spotlight on this extraordinary athlete whose journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, Simone Biles burst onto the global gymnastics scene at the tender age of 6, exhibiting a blend of power, composure, and exceptional skill. Her path to becoming the most decorated gymnast commenced long before the record books took note.
Biles’ gymnastics odyssey commenced in her early years, catching the eye of coach Aimee Boorman and her mother during a preschool outing to Boorman’s gym. It became apparent swiftly that she possessed an innate talent that set her apart. Her formative years in the sport laid the groundwork for a series of groundbreaking accomplishments. Fueled by determination and an unyielding work ethic, Biles swiftly rose through the ranks of the gymnastics realm.
The pivotal moment in Biles’ trajectory arrived at the 2013 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, Belgium, where she clinched her inaugural all-around title. This triumph heralded the dawn of an era dominated by Biles, a gymnast who redefined the boundaries of the sport. Biles, not only a record-breaking gymnast but also a beacon of authenticity and resilience, has been vocal about the significance of mental well-being. Reflecting on the pressures of elite competition, Biles candidly shared with US Magazine, “My mental health is paramount over any medal. I’m confident I made the right choice for myself, and my well-being outweighs any accolade.”
This ethos underscores Biles’ commitment to prioritizing mental health over external expectations, a stance resonating throughout the sports sphere. As she gracefully defies gravity in her routines, Biles concurrently dismantles stigmas surrounding mental health, showcasing that strength transcends the physical domain.
Fast-forward to the 2023 season, and Simone Biles has officially shattered records by ascending as the most decorated gymnast in history. Her journey to this zenith involved pushing the limits of gymnastics, both physically and artistically. Biles’ routines epitomize her innovation, featuring awe-inspiring flips, twists, and combinations that mesmerize audiences and judges alike.
Beyond the applause and accolades, Biles has evolved into a symbol of resilience and empowerment. Her advocacy for mental health and candid discussions about the pressures confronting elite athletes have ignited crucial dialogues within and beyond the sports community. In moments of vulnerability, Biles has exemplified that true strength transcends physical prowess.
As we commemorate Black History and Heritage Month, Simone Biles emerges not solely as a sports luminary but also as a trailblazer who shattered barriers and kindled inspiration among a generation of aspiring athletes. Her impact extends far beyond the confines of the gymnastics arena, reshaping our perceptions of dedication, passion, and the pursuit of excellence.
In a sport where precision reigns supreme, she has not only defied gravity but also broadened the horizons for future generations. As we bear witness to her historic feats, let us pause to acknowledge the magnitude of Biles’ contribution to the gymnastics realm and the enduring legacy she imprints on the broader tapestry of sports history.
Movie-goers wait in line in front of an advertisement for Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” at a theater in New York City, on Feb. 25, 2004. (Stephen Chernin/Getty Images)
A recent study reveals a widespread desire among audiences for more authentic portrayals of faith and religion in movies and TV shows. Conducted by market research firm HarrisX in collaboration with the non-profit Faith and Media Initiative, the Global Faith and Entertainment Study surveyed nearly 10,000 people across 11 countries. It found that 80 percent of global audiences are calling for improvements in how faith is depicted in entertainment.
Participants in the study noted that their religious beliefs are often underrepresented in entertainment compared to other aspects of their identity, such as gender, race, or sexual orientation. When religion is portrayed, respondents felt it was typically done inadequately.
In the United States, 69 percent of viewers feel that the entertainment industry perpetuates religious stereotypes and sensationalizes religious identity. This sentiment is echoed globally, with 63 percent of respondents expressing similar views.
Presenting their findings during the inaugural Spirituality & Faith in Entertainment Breakfast in Los Angeles on Feb. 13, the Faith and Media Initiative discussed the study’s implications. Dritan Nesho, CEO of HarrisX, explained that the study builds upon the 2022 Global Faith and Media Study, which highlighted shifts in media coverage of spirituality, faith, and religion.
According to Nesho, there has been a decline in the media’s ability to cover these topics effectively. He pointed out that people often turn to entertainment rather than news for learning opportunities.
However, the Global Faith and Entertainment Study also revealed a significant demand for positive spiritual content in entertainment. Respondents expressed a desire for more uplifting themes rather than the common negative portrayals of conflict, power, and war seen in films and TV shows.
Nesho sees this unmet consumer need as both a business opportunity and a chance to foster better understanding among people of different beliefs, especially in today’s conflict-driven world.
Several celebrities, including Rainn Wilson and Hilary Swank, discussed the role of religion in film and television during the Spirituality & Faith in Entertainment Breakfast. Swank stars in the upcoming film ‘Ordinary Angels,’ based on the true story of Sharon Steves, a recovering alcoholic who finds renewed purpose through faith.
Swank emphasized the film’s portrayal of the power of community and acts of service. Wilson, known for his role in ‘The Office’ and his involvement in the Baha’i Faith, shared his own journey with spirituality in the media and highlighted the importance of exploring these themes.
Wilson, who co-founded the media company SoulPancake, sees storytelling as a way to explore the human condition and promote positivity and understanding.
Co-Founder and Executive Chef of Slapfish restaurant Andrew Gruel at the Huntington Beach location, Calif., on June 7, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)
Andrew Gruel has expressed his disapproval of Rep. Barbara Lee’s suggestion to raise the federal minimum wage to $50 per hour, stating it would “completely decimate every single business in the state of California.”
During a debate for the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s vacant seat in the Senate, Lee, a former mayor of Oakland, defended her proposal, citing her experience running a small business for 11 years and claimed to have created “hundreds of jobs.”
Gruel criticized Lee’s proposal, stating it would lead to the closure of every restaurant overnight. He questioned why a $50 minimum wage hadn’t been implemented for government jobs, suggesting it’s because they can’t afford it. He proposed cutting payroll taxes instead to put more money in workers’ pockets.
Gruel, who owns several California-based restaurants, reiterated his concerns on Fox News, accusing Lee of seeking votes through her proposal and predicting it would inflate the economy and eliminate independent businesses, likening it to “communism-lite.”
He also highlighted the challenges of doing business in California, citing increased crime rates and high tax rates, likening it to “gambling in a haunted casino.”
California recently raised its minimum wage to $20 per hour for fast-food employees, with Governor Gavin Newsom emphasizing it gives workers a “stronger seat at the table.”
Lee’s proposal of a $50 minimum wage is significantly higher than the current national minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. Other politicians, like Reps. Adam Schiff and Katie Porter, have suggested minimum wages ranging from $20 to $25 per hour.
Republican candidate Steve Garvey opposed further increases, arguing it would raise costs for consumers. Gruel agreed, explaining the substantial impact on restaurant costs and prices if the minimum wage were doubled.
Netflix recently made a bold $5 billion wager on the resurgence of professional wrestling.
The allure is evident. Wrestling offers the dramatic flair of reality TV amplified to the extreme. It drips with Millennial nostalgia. And its enduring appeal lies in its adherence to ‘kayfabe’—the notion that while scripted, the performers remain committed to portraying their roles authentically, blurring the lines between reality and fiction both in and out of the ring.
In essence, the wrestling world, epitomized by legends like Hulk Hogan, operates within the realm of kayfabe, a concept that mirrors various facets of our increasingly digital lives where the boundary between spectacle and substance is becoming ever more blurred. This phenomenon extends to social media, AI deepfakes, and the broader landscape of national politics.
Netflix faces potential liability due to its association with World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) influential figurehead and promoter, Vince McMahon.
McMahon, aged 78, recently stepped down as executive chairman of TKO, WWE’s parent company, following a lawsuit filed by a former employee alleging sexual abuse and trafficking within McMahon’s family-run empire. Besides this legal battle, McMahon is reportedly under federal investigation for similar charges.
McMahon vehemently denies these allegations.
Despite his departure, McMahon’s indelible mark on the wrestling landscape, cultivated over four decades, is unlikely to fade easily, according to Abraham Josephine Riesman, author of the unauthorized 2023 biography “Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America.”
In an edited interview, Riesman discusses McMahon’s influence, the evolution of kayfabe, and the future of wrestling post-McMahon era.
(Note: McMahon has faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct, with an ongoing federal investigation. He has not publicly addressed reports of substantial hush-money payments made to several women at WWE. In 2022, McMahon pledged cooperation with the investigation.)
