Madonna responds to critics of Prince tribute

Madonna responds to critics of Prince tribute

Madonna is dismissing critics of her tribute to Prince at the Billboard Music Awards with style.

A day after her performance of “Nothing Compares 2 U” and duet with Stevie Wonder on “Purple Rain,” the pop singer took to social media Monday and posted a picture of herself in a purple boa with a flower in her teeth.

She wrote that anyone who wants to do a tribute to Prince is welcome to, “whatever your age gender or skin color. If you loved him and he inspired you then show it!!! I love Prince 4 ever.” She later posted a video of her dancing with a caption that indicated the criticism didn’t bother her.

The decision to have Madonna honor Prince sparked criticism online and sparked a Change.org petition in the days before the awards show, with some asking that other musicians more closely aligned to Prince be involved as well. Madonna and Prince collaborated on “Love Song” from Madonna’s 1989 album, “Like a Prayer.”

Madonna’s performance Sunday was met by a flurry of tweets complaining about her version of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” Some were underwhelmed, and others found it inappropriate.

Cosby hearing still on

HARRISBURG, Pa.

Bill Cosby has lost a bid to delay a key hearing today in his criminal sex-assault case.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has refused to grant a delay while Cosby tries again to have the case thrown out.

The 78-year-old entertainer is appealing a ruling that upheld charges based on his 2004 encounter with a Temple University employee.

The hearing will determine if prosecutors have enough evidence to send the case to trial.

Obama dines with Bourdain in Vietnam

NEW YORK

President Barack Obama dined in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Monday with CNN personality Anthony Bourdain, whose “Parts Unknown” food travelogue is one of the network’s most-popular nonfiction series.

Bourdain met with Obama to discuss the purpose of Obama’s trip to Asia and his interest in the people, food and culture of Vietnam, CNN said.

A huge crowd gathered outside the restaurant Bun cha Huong Lien, then let out a cheer when the president came out. Obama shook a lot of hands and waved repeatedly before vanishing into the motorcade.

Bourdain later tweeted that the meal cost $6, and he picked up the check.

Vintage Mickey doll, Disney Studios desk up for auction

LOS ANGELES

An original animator’s desk from Walt Disney Studios and a vintage Mickey Mouse doll signed by Walt Disney are among the items up for bid next month in an online auction of rare Disney memorabilia.

The website of Van Eaton Galleries lists more than 700 items for sale.

Among the items listed are original production cels for Disney classics such as “The Jungle Book,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Bambi” and “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Collectors also can bid on costumes from the original “Mickey Mouse Club,” including one worn by Annette Funicello.

An exhibition titled “Collecting Disney” opens Wednesday at the gallery in Sherman Oaks, Calif., ahead of the online auction that begins June 18.

Associated Press