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The Boss has released an angry anthem called “Streets of Minneapolis” – with multiple political references, including to “Trump’s federal thugs” – in reaction to the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.

“I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis,” Springsteen said in a Wednesday, Jan. 28, statement on social media. “It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.”

He signed the message with, “Stay free, Bruce Springsteen.”

In the song, Springsteen sings: “King Trump’s private army from the DHS / Guns belted to their coats / Came to Minneapolis to enforce the law / Or so their story goes.”

The lyrics also include: “Then we heard the gunshots / Then Alex Pretti lay in the snow, dead / Their claim was self-defense, sir / Just don’t believe your eyes / It’s our blood and bones and these whistles and phones / Against Miller and Noem’s dirty lies.”

Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was shot and killed during a confrontation with federal agents who were conducting an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on Jan. 24. Pretti was the second person, after 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, to be fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis since President Donald Trump commenced what he’s called the “largest immigration enforcement operation ever” in Minnesota.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller was met with blowback for labeling Pretti a “terrorist” who was attempting to “murder federal agents,” in the immediate aftermath of Pretti’s killing.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also called Pretti a “domestic terrorist” and said Pretti approached officers with a pistol; bystander videos showed Pretti holding a phone, rather than a gun, though DHS said Pretti was in possession of a handgun and two magazines at the time of his killing. Tricia McLaughlin, the DHS assistant secretary for public affairs, on Jan. 24 said the agent had “fired defensive shots.”

On Jan. 28, during an appearance on Fox Business, McLaughlin blamed U.S. Customs and Border Protection for Noem’s and other Trump administration officials’ initial statements about the details of Pretti’s killing. Federal agencies are investigating the incident.

Trump administration blasts ‘random songs with irrelevant opinions’

When reached for comment about Springsteen’s song, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said, “The Trump Administration is focused on encouraging state and local Democrats to work with federal law enforcement officers on removing dangerous criminal illegal aliens from their communities — not random songs with irrelevant opinions and inaccurate information.”

The statement continued, “The media should cover how Democrats have refused to work with the Administration, and instead, opted to provide sanctuary for these criminal illegals.”

In a statement to USA TODAY, McLaughlin of the DHS said, “We eagerly await Mr. Springsteen’s songs dedicated to the thousands of American citizens killed by criminal illegal aliens. Every day, the brave men and women of ICE are saving lives by arresting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens, including murderers, rapists, pedophiles, drug dealers, gang members, and terrorists.”

Federal data show that non-criminals have been detained during the Trump administration’s increased immigration enforcement raids across the country. The libertarian Cato Institute said in a November report that “leaked” Immigration and Customs Enforcement data showed 5% of people had violent convictions, and 73% had no criminal convictions. The Guardian reported the following month that the record-high ICE detention numbers mostly comprised immigrants with no criminal records.

Listen to Bruce Springsteen song ‘Streets of Minneapolis’

The track has a folk foundation but soon picks up steam thanks to a crunchy electric guitar, swirling organ and the Boss’ intensifying intonation.

Springsteen spoke out about the federal action in Minnesota prior to performing “The Promised Land” at the Jan. 17 Light of Day show.

“Those values and those ideals have never been as endangered as they are right now,” Springsteen said. “So as we gather tonight in this beautiful display of love and care and thoughtfulness and community, if you believe in democracy and liberty and believe the truth still matters, you must speak out, and it’s worth fighting for.

“If you believe in the power of the law and that no one stands above it. If you stand against heavily armed masked federal troops invading an American city, using Gestapo tactics against our fellow citizens. If you believe you don’t deserve to be murdered for exercising your American right to protest, send a message to this president as the mayor of that city has said, ICE should get … out of Minneapolis.”

Springsteen, a frequent critic of Trump’s, previously delivered state of democracy speeches, which also criticized the Trump administration, during the E Street Band’s tour of Europe last year.

Macaulay Culkin is mourning the death of Catherine O’Hara, who played his mother in the 1990 smash comedy “Home Alone” and its 1992 sequel, “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.”

O’Hara died at the age of 71, her manager confirmed to NBC News. A cause of death has not been indicated.

“Mama. I thought we had time. I wanted more,” Culkin wrote on Instagram Jan. 30. “I wanted to sit in a chair next to you. I heard you. But I had so much more to say. I love you. I’ll see you later.

The pair had crossed paths in the years after “Home Alone.” In 2023, O’Hara spoke when Culkin received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, complimenting his work playing a young child whose parents accidentally left him behind while on a family trip in the first film, a theme that would recur in the sequel.

“Thank you for including me, your fake mom who left you home alone not once, but twice, to share in this happy occasion. I’m so proud of you,” she said.

“I know you worked really hard. I know you did,” she continued. “But you made acting look like the most natural thing in the world to do. It really was as if we had ambushed the home of this real little boy named Kevin to make a movie and he just went along with it for the fun of it. It’s the dearest thing.”

She has also recalled that she has been mistaken for being Culkin’s real mother, including at the Walk of Fame ceremony when he was asked to take some photos with Culkin and actor Natasha Lyonne, who was also on hand.

Macaulay Culkin Honored With Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame
Catherine O’Hara and Macaulay Culkin at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2023.Amy Sussman / Getty Images

“His mother was not able to make it at that time. But we’re all posing, posing, posing,” she told TODAY’s Willie Geist during a 2024 Sunday Sitdown. “And then — now Natasha, now so-and-so. ‘OK, now just you and the mother.’ And I walk away and he said, ‘Just with the mother.’

“Then he puts his arm around, he goes, ‘Oh, no, my mom wasn’t able to make it,’” she continued. “‘Well then, I’m honored to be here. Thank you.’”

The “Home Alone” role would stick with O’Hara throughout her career.

“A child came up to me, like, a little 8-year-old, in a mall,” she told Willie.

“’Are you Kevin’s mom?’ I said, ‘Well, yeah, I played Kevin’s mom in a movie, yes.’ ‘Why did you leave him?’ ‘Sorry. It was in the script.’”

Hollywood is buzzing with what insiders are calling one of the most disruptive creative shifts in years. According to multiple industry sources, Pierce Brosnan is reportedly stepping away from the traditional major-studio system to align himself with Mel Gibson and his newly launched, no-filter production banner. If confirmed, the move marks a decisive break from polished studio politics and a turn toward a far bolder, uncensored vision of filmmaking—one that has sent ripples of anxiety through executive suites at Disney and Warner Bros..

This is not a quiet transition. It’s a statement.

From Tuxedos To Truth-Telling

For decades, Pierce Brosnan has embodied elegance, restraint, and studio-era sophistication. Whether as a globe-trotting spy or a refined leading man, his image has been inseparable from the prestige machinery of Hollywood. That’s precisely why this reported move feels seismic. According to insiders, Brosnan has described the decision as “the right move for the future of storytelling”—a phrase that suggests more than a single project or passing curiosity.

The tuxedo, it seems, has been retired. In its place: creative gloves off, sleeves rolled up, and a willingness to engage stories without filters, committees, or brand safety overlays.

The Mel Gibson Factor

Mel Gibson’s return to prominence has been gradual, deliberate, and unmistakably independent. His new production banner—described by sources as a no-censorship, creator-first operation—is reportedly designed to give filmmakers contractual protection against creative interference. Central to that protection is an ironclad anti-censorship clause, which insiders say was the decisive factor in securing Brosnan’s involvement.

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This clause, sources claim, guarantees final-cut authority, script integrity, and insulation from post-production dilution—terms that are increasingly rare in studio-backed projects. For Brosnan, the appeal appears to be clarity and control rather than scale.

A Controversial First Project—Already Fast-Tracke

While details remain closely guarded, sources say the duo is already fast-tracking a provocative first project. Early descriptions hint at a narrative that tackles uncomfortable themes head-on—topics often softened or sidelined within studio pipelines. Whether historical, political, or culturally incendiary, the project is reportedly designed to test the limits of what mainstream audiences are willing to engage with when the safety rails are removed.

What’s clear is intent: this will not be a compromise picture. The anti-censorship clause reportedly extends from script development through marketing, ensuring that the final product reaches audiences without corporate hedging.

Why Studios Are Nervous

Behind closed doors, executives at major studios are said to be scrambling—not because of a single film, but because of what it represents. Brosnan is not a fringe figure. He is establishment royalty. If an actor of his stature can walk away from the studio system and find creative fulfillment—and commercial viability—elsewhere, it challenges a foundational assumption of modern Hollywood.

Studios rely on prestige talent to anchor franchises, awards campaigns, and global marketing strategies. A visible defection signals to other A-listers that alternatives exist—and that autonomy may outweigh access to blockbuster budgets.

The Economics Of Independence

Industry analysts note that the economics of filmmaking have quietly shifted. Streaming fragmentation, ballooning budgets, and risk-averse greenlighting have made studios more conservative than ever. In contrast, leaner independent operations can move faster, take sharper risks, and speak more directly to niche—but passionate—audiences.

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For Brosnan and Gibson, the calculation may be simple: smaller scale, larger voice. Creative ownership replaces back-end complexity. Cultural impact replaces algorithmic approval.


A Broader Cultural Undercurrent

This reported alliance arrives amid a wider conversation about artistic freedom in Hollywood. Writers, directors, and actors alike have voiced frustration with notes-driven storytelling and the perceived dilution of challenging material. Brosnan’s move—if realized—would place him squarely within a growing cohort of established creatives choosing independence over insulation.

Some insiders describe this as a “quiet rebellion” that’s been building for years. Brosnan’s involvement, however, makes it loud.

Reactions Across The Industry

Reactions have been sharply divided. Supporters frame the move as courageous, even necessary—a reclaiming of narrative sovereignty. Critics argue that the studio system exists for a reason: to balance art with accountability and to prevent excess.

Social media discourse has mirrored this divide. Some hail Brosnan’s decision as overdue. Others warn that abandoning studio oversight risks alienating broader audiences. Either way, the conversation itself underscores the moment’s significance.


One-Off Rebellion—Or The First Crack

The central question remains: Is this a singular act of defiance, or the first visible crack in a larger celebrity exodus? If Brosnan’s collaboration proves artistically successful—or commercially viable—it could embolden others. Contracts may be renegotiated. Clauses reconsidered. Leverage recalculated.

Hollywood has seen revolutions before, but they rarely announce themselves so plainly. This one arrives dressed not in scandal, but in resolve.

What Comes Next

For now, all eyes are on the first project. Its tone, reception, and reach will determine whether this move is remembered as an experiment or a turning point. What’s undeniable is that Pierce Brosnan has chosen a side—and it’s not the one he’s long been associated with.

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🎬 The tuxedo is gone. The gloves are off.
Whether this marks a solitary rebellion or the beginning of a broader realignment, Hollywood has been put on notice: creative power is no longer guaranteed by proximity to a studio lot.

And the industry will be watching closely to see who, if anyone, follows Brosnan out the door.

Pierce Brosnan and Keely Shaye Smith have one of Hollywood’s most enduring and inspiring love stories, marked by unwavering devotion and mutual admiration. Their relationship began in 1994 when they met at a party in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Keely, a journalist at the time, captivated Pierce with her intelligence, charm, and warmth. For Pierce, who had endured the tragic loss of his first wife, Cassandra Harris, Keely brought light and hope back into his life.
The couple married in 2001 in an intimate ceremony in Ireland, blending tradition with their deeply personal love story. Over the years, their bond has only grown stronger, marked by an openness to celebrating each other’s successes and weathering life’s challenges together.
Pierce often speaks with glowing affection about Keely, crediting her as his rock and muse. Whether walking the red carpet or sharing quiet moments away from the spotlight, their mutual respect and admiration are evident. Keely, a committed environmentalist and philanthropist, has supported Pierce in his artistic and advocacy endeavors, while Pierce has championed her passions and stood by her side.
The couple shares two sons, Dylan and Paris, and they’ve cultivated a family life rooted in love and stability. Together, they also embrace a shared love for nature, often retreating to their stunning home in Hawaii, where they enjoy painting, gardening, and connecting with the environment.
Pierce and Keely’s relationship defies the fleeting nature often associated with celebrity romances. Their love is a testament to the power of partnership, resilience, and shared purpose. Over three decades later, their connection remains a beacon of true, enduring love—proving that a deep bond, built on friendship and respect, only grows richer with time.

Adam Lambert’s $13.5 Million Netflix Deal: A Rock Icon’s Boldest Move Yet

The entertainment world was thrown into a frenzy this week when news broke that Adam Lambert — the glam-rock powerhouse who redefined what it means to be a modern icon — has signed a jaw-dropping $13.5 million deal with Netflix. But this isn’t just another flashy celebrity contract. This is Lambert’s declaration to the world that his journey, his struggles, and his triumphs deserve to be etched into history — not just as music, but as living, breathing testimony.

The project, set to span seven episodes, promises more than glitter and arena lights. Fans won’t simply see Adam belting high notes or dazzling in sequins. Instead, they’ll walk through the fire with him: the lonely hotel rooms after sold-out shows, the heartbreak of rejection, the relentless fight to be himself in an industry that once told him to tone it down. Lambert is not watering down his story — he’s pouring it out, raw and unfiltered.

And if the deal itself wasn’t shocking enough, Lambert’s next move left the world in awe. In a gesture as bold as his legendary stage presence, he announced that a significant portion of his Netflix windfall will go directly toward LGBTQ+ youth initiatives and music education programs. At a time when many stars keep their earnings locked behind mansion gates, Lambert is choosing to transform his success into something far greater: hope for the next generation.

A Journey Written in Fire and Glitter

Adam Lambert has never walked the easy path. From his breakout on American Idol to becoming the voice that brought Queen’s music roaring back to life, his career has been defined by risk-taking. There were critics who doubted him, whispers that he was “too much” — too flamboyant, too bold, too unapologetically himself. But Lambert turned every doubt into fuel.

The Netflix series will chronicle these battles in intimate detail. Sources close to the production say viewers can expect to see candid footage of Lambert in his lowest moments — nights when he almost gave it all up, mornings when the weight of expectations felt unbearable. But in classic Lambert fashion, each setback is followed by a phoenix-like rise. The series, insiders say, is about resilience as much as music.

And then, of course, there’s the stage. The series promises to dive deep into his groundbreaking performances — the soaring vocals that shattered ceilings, the fashion that blurred lines between rock god and theatrical genius, the nights when fans screamed his name like a prayer. Every sequin, every high note, every tear-streaked encore will find its place in this cinematic tribute.

Why $13.5 Million Feels Different

Yes, Hollywood is no stranger to big-money deals. But this one resonates differently. $13.5 million is not just a paycheck — it’s validation. It’s Netflix telling the world: Adam Lambert’s story matters. Not just because of his chart-topping hits, but because of what he represents — courage in the face of conformity, authenticity in an industry often built on facades.

And Lambert knows this. In a recent interview teaser, he was quoted saying: “This isn’t about me looking back at my career and patting myself on the back. This is about showing people what’s possible when you refuse to dim your light. This is about the kids who need to know that they don’t have to hide who they are.”

That’s where the true shockwave hit. When fans learned Lambert would be channeling part of this massive deal into LGBTQ+ youth support and music programs, social media erupted. “He’s not just a star,” one fan tweeted, “he’s a lifeline.” Another wrote: “Adam Lambert just turned a Netflix deal into a revolution.”

A Global Reaction

The announcement ignited headlines worldwide. In Los Angeles, murals of Lambert began popping up with the words “Shine On.” In London, Queen fans gathered outside venues where Lambert had once performed with the band, holding rainbow flags and blasting “Somebody to Love.” From New York to Tokyo, fans spoke not just of excitement for the series, but of admiration for Lambert’s decision to give back.

Critics, too, are taking notice. Some call the deal a “masterstroke,” a way for Netflix to blend music, identity, and social activism into a cultural event. Others argue it will cement Lambert’s legacy not only as a performer but as a humanitarian voice of his era.

Adam Lambert's Voice Is Velvet Singing "I Don't Care Much"

More Than Entertainment

What makes this upcoming series so magnetic is the balance between spectacle and substance. Yes, viewers will see the Lambert they love: the glittering jackets, the impossibly high notes, the unapologetic swagger. But they’ll also see the man behind the eyeliner — a vulnerable, complex human being who clawed his way through doubt and prejudice.

And by pledging to give back, Lambert ensures that the series becomes more than entertainment. Every streaming subscription, every binge-watch, indirectly fuels programs that may save lives or ignite future stars. It transforms passive viewing into active change.

The Shockwave of Generosity

For Lambert, generosity has always been second nature. Long before this deal, he quietly supported charities, lent his voice to causes, and championed equality. But this $13.5 million move takes it to a new level. It is, quite literally, history-making.

Imagine a young LGBTQ+ teen, struggling in silence, finding refuge in a program funded by Lambert’s contribution. Imagine a child discovering music because Lambert’s donation put an instrument in their hands. This is how legends are built — not just on stages, but in the lives they touch far beyond the spotlight.

Adam Lambert

The Road Ahead

Production for the Netflix series is already underway, with whispers that the final episode may feature an all-star concert event — a fusion of Lambert’s solo work, Queen’s timeless anthems, and surprise collaborations with some of today’s biggest names. If true, it could become one of the most iconic televised music moments of the decade.

But even without the glittering finale, one thing is clear: Adam Lambert has shattered expectations once again. He’s not just telling his story; he’s rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a modern artist.

As the cameras roll and fans wait with bated breath, the world is realizing that this series is more than a documentary. It is a manifesto. A reminder that resilience, authenticity, and generosity are the true hallmarks of greatness.

And when the first episode finally streams, millions will watch — not just to see the music, but to witness the courage of a man who refused to compromise.

Because Adam Lambert’s story isn’t just his own. It belongs to anyone who has ever been told they were too much, too loud, too different. It belongs to every dreamer who needed a reminder that sometimes, the very thing that sets you apart is what makes you unforgettable.

Vince Gill is known for his voice.
But last night, that voice broke.

Standing before a stunned room, the country music legend confirmed a truth that landed like a punch to the chest: Alex Pretti — the 37-year-old ICU nurse killed on a Minneapolis street — was someone deeply connected to his world.Not a headline. Not a statistic. A person. A presence. Someone who mattered.

 

There was no polished statement. No distance. Vince didn’t speak as an icon — he spoke as a man whose sense of safety had just been shattered. His hands trembled. His words came slow. And when he said, “He was part of us,” the room understood exactly what he meant.

Alex Pretti spent his life caring for others — long nights, critical moments, people hanging between life and death. And yet, his own life ended in chaos, in a moment that has now ignited grief, anger, and questions far bigger than one family.

In a quiet but powerful act of solidarity, the Gill family stepped forward to cover all funeral expenses, choosing presence over publicity. No announcement. No fanfare. Just standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a family that woke up to a nightmare they never saw coming.

There would be no performance that night. No music. Just silence — heavy, respectful, and full of meaning.

A weekend meant for celebration turned into collective mourning. And as the lights dimmed, it became clear this wasn’t about fame or stages anymore. It was about loss, dignity, and the justice a grieving family is still waiting for.

In the end, nothing else needed to be said.

Because some moments don’t belong to entertainment.
They belong to humanity.

On Monday (January 26), Budweiser dropped its highly anticipated 2026 Super Bowl commercial. They released the ad early, two weeks before the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots will face off in Super Bowl LX on February 8.

Budweiser had been teasing its new commercial for several days leading up to its release. One teaser, titled “Stable,” showed the Budweiser Clydesdales watching a mystery animal wiggle under a bucket. Budweiser asked the public to guess the creature’s identity.

A second teaser, titled “Foal,” starred the youngest Clydesdale to ever be featured in one of Budweiser’s commercials. People were left wondering how the foal was connected to the mystery animal shown in the previous teaser.

The mystery creature’s identity was finally revealed in the full-length commercial. Set to the tune of Lynyrd Skynyrd‘s “Free Bird,” the ad shows the baby Clydesdale befriending an eaglet who can’t fly.

Their friendship grows as the seasons change. The Clydesdale helps the eaglet learn how to fly, and neither creature gives up on the other, despite the challenges they face.

Budweiser executive shares meaning behind 2026 Super Bowl commercial

In an awe-inspiring moment near the end, the now-grown Clydesdale leaps over a fallen tree. A large set of wings spreads behind the magnificent animal as the sun beams down, making it look like a mythical Pegasus.

Then, we see the eaglet, now a fully grown bald eagle, emerge from the Clydesdale’s back and take flight.

Titled “American Icons,” Budweiser’s 2026 Super Bowl commercial was an instant hit. Many deemed it “another classic,” calling it one of the best ads in the brand’s history.

Budweiser clydesdale foal meets baby eagle in 2026 Super Bowl ad
A friendship between a Clydesdale foal and a bald eagle chick was showcased in Budweiser’s 2026 Super Bowl commercial. (Photo Credit: Budweiser / YouTube)

Budweiser Executive Shares The Meaning Behind The Brand’s Latest Super Bowl Ad

The name “American Icons” seems fitting for Budweiser’s 2026 Super Bowl commercial. The ad showcases two beloved American animals, a bald eagle and a Budweiser Clydesdale.

Plus, “Free Bird,” the song featured in the commercial, is one of America’s most iconic rock songs. Lynyrd Skynyrd, the band behind “Free Bird,” originated in Jacksonville, Florida.

The Americana theming was intentional on Budweiser’s part. The U.S. is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year (2026), and the brand wanted to play into it. Plus, Budweiser is celebrating a birthday of its own, as it turns 150 this year.

Todd Allen, the SVP of Marketing for Budweiser at Anheuser-Busch, told PEOPLE about the meaning behind the 2026 Super Bowl commercial.

“As we celebrate Budweiser’s 150th anniversary and America’s 250th birthday, we knew we had to rise to the occasion in a way only Budweiser can,” Allen said. “‘American Icons’ brings our heritage to life through powerful storytelling with the Budweiser Clydesdales and an American Bald Eagle. This year’s spot will leave fans awestruck and proud to enjoy a Budweiser as they celebrate our shared milestone moments.”

You can now watch Budweiser’s new Super Bowl commercial in the video below.

About a year before he was fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis, nurse Alex Pretti paid tribute to one of his patients — in a moment that is now being widely shared online in the wake of his own controversial death.

“Today we remember that freedom is not free. We have to work at it, nurture it, protect it and even sacrifice for it,” Pretti, who worked in the intensive care unit at Minneapolis’ VA Medical Center, said of Terrance Lee Randolph shortly after Randolph died on Dec. 10, 2024.

According to Randolph’s obituary, he was a “cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend” and died at 77.

ICU nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti identified as victim of ...
Alex Pretti.

A clip of Pretti marking Randolph’s military service and memory was shared on social media last week after Pretti was killed. A user describing himself as Randolph’s son, Mac, wrote that Pretti had been his father’s nurse in the ICU.

“He read my dad’s final salute at the VA after he passed away. Never wanted to share this video, but his speech is very on point,” Mac wrote in a caption.

 

 

In the footage, Pretti reads aloud at the head of what appears to be Randolph’s hospital bed after his death.

“May we never forget to always remember our brothers and sisters who have served so we may enjoy the gift of freedom,” Pretti says before there is a moment of silence and the bed is escorted away.

 

 

 

Alex Pretti's 'life was just starting,' mentor says - ABC News
Alex Pretti.va.gov

Pretti, 37, was shot and killed by federal officers in Minneapolis on Saturday, Jan. 24, amid a crackdown there on immigrants without legal status — a signature Trump campaign promise — that has sparked widespread protests and unrest.

There have been several competing accounts of what led to Pretti’s death, with Homeland Security officials painting him as an armed agitator intent on violence who was killed as part of a “defensive” shooting.

Video from the scene seems to plainly contradict this, showing him holding a phone before being swarmed by agents.

Pretti was carrying a weapon at the time but was not holding it, according to videos from the altercation.

His name is Alex Jeffrey Pretti. He was 37 years old. He was a licensed ICU nurse. He was recording ICE and defending a female protester then he was maced and then

He was seemingly disarmed by the agents around him, and he was licensed to carry a handgun.

“The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting,” his family said in a statement.

“Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs,” his family continued. “He has his phone in his right hand, and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper sprayed.”

Trump administration officials have taken the opposite view.

“The suspect decided to inject himself into a law enforcement action,” Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino said on CNN on Sunday, Jan. 25.

“What’s not being said here is the fact that Border Patrol agents and law enforcement are conducting a targeted law enforcement effort against a violent illegal alien that was nearby,“ Bovino said, “and that suspect injected himself into that law enforcement situation with a weapon.”

An investigation is ongoing.

Concerts are usually loud, chaotic, and fast-paced. But last Friday night, during a sold-out show in the heart of Tennessee, time seemed to stand still. It wasn’t because of a  guitar solo or a pyrotechnic display. It was because of a crumpled piece of notebook paper and a man who looked like he had walked through hell to get there.

The Disturbance in the Front Row

The energy in the arena was electric. Jelly Roll was midway through his set, pouring his soul into the microphone. But down in the pit, right against the metal barricade, there was a commotion.

A man was trying desperately to get the singer’s attention. He didn’t look like your typical VIP guest. He was covered in tattoos, his clothes were worn and dusty, and his face carried the deep lines of a hard life. To the security team, he looked like a threat.

When the man tried to toss a folded piece of paper onto the stage, instinct kicked in. Two large security guards rushed forward, grabbing the man’s arms to escort him out. The crowd nearby backed away, assuming the worst.

“Wait! Back Off!”

Jelly Roll, known for his sharp eye and deep connection with his fans, saw the panic in the man’s eyes. He didn’t ignore it. He didn’t keep singing.

He cut the music.

Portable speakers

“Hey! Let him go!” Jelly bellowed into the mic, his voice booming through the speakers. He pointed a tattooed finger at the guards. “Let him through.”

The music stopped. The guards froze. The stadium went silent.

Jelly Roll walked to the edge of the stage, reached down, and asked the man to hand him the paper that had caused all the trouble. The man’s hands were shaking so hard he almost dropped it.

The Note That Silenced 20,000 People

Jelly Roll unfolded the crinkled page. He scanned it for a second, and his expression changed from concern to pure heartbreak. He looked back at the man, nodded once, and then leaned into the microphone to read the note aloud to the silent arena.

“I listened to your music in my cell for 10 years. Today is my first day of freedom. You were the only light in the dark.”

A collective gasp swept through the crowd. The judgment that people had felt moments ago vanished, replaced by a wave of instant empathy. This wasn’t a troublemaker; this was a survivor.

A Celebration of Survival

Jelly Roll didn’t just smile and wave. He signaled to the crew. “Help him up here,” he commanded.

As the man was pulled onto the stage, the crowd erupted—not in fear, but in applause. Jelly Roll, a man who has been open about his own time in the justice system and his battles with addiction, walked over and pulled the stranger into a crushing hug.

“This isn’t my show anymore,” Jelly announced, tears welling up in his eyes. “This is a celebration of survival.”

The two men stood shoulder to shoulder—different paths, same struggle. The band began to play the soft, haunting chords of “Save Me.”

The Words That Left Us Speechless

But before he sang, Jelly Roll did something unexpected. He handed his  microphone to the fan.

The man looked out at the sea of lights. He took a shaky breath. He didn’t ask for money, and he didn’t shout out his name. He said something that will stick with everyone in that building forever:

“They told me my life was over,” the man whispered, his voice cracking. “But tonight, looking at all of you… I finally believe that my life is just beginning.”

Jelly Roll wiped his eyes, put his arm around the man’s shoulder, and together, they sang the chorus. It wasn’t perfect. It was off-key and raw. But it was the most beautiful thing anyone had ever heard.

A Lesson in Redemption

We often talk about “second chances,” but rarely do we see them happen in real-time. That night, Jelly Roll didn’t just perform a concert; he validated a human being who the world had written off.

He reminded us that no matter how rough someone looks, or where they’ve been, they possess a story worthy of being heard.

As the show ended and the  lights came up, strangers were high-fiving the man as he walked back to the floor. He walked in as an outcast, but he left as a brother.

Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman are receiving rave reviews for their new film Song Sung Blue, based on the true story of Mike and Claire Sardina, who performed as the Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning & Thunder in the 1980s. Kate and Hugh have been touring the world to premiere the film, and in London on November 21, Kate spoke of the “vulnerable” position she found herself in while connecting with her co-star.

“Craig [Brewer, the director] wanted to start in the recording studio, that was really the first time Hugh and I connected which was really nice because it’s very quiet, and you’re quite vulnerable when you’re in a recording studio,” Kate told the audience, which included HELLO! “You make a lot of mistakes and so it was great to break the ice that way,” she said, which you can watch in the video above.

Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman attend the "Song Sung Blue" UK Premiere at Picturehouse Central on November 21, 2025 in London, England.©Jeff Spicer/WireImage
Kate and Hugh attend the Song Sung Blue UK premiere

Mom-of-three Kate went on to share that, aside from finding the voices of Mike and Clare, working in the studio also helped her and Hugh to find their own voices together as actors.

“Craig gave me great freedom for my harmonies and pushed me as well at times, saying, ‘You can lean into that more,’ and it was a wonderful way to begin this whole process,” she said.

Two people sing into a microphone on stage © Universal Pictures
Kate and Hugh star in Song Sung Blue

Song Sung Blue is based on the 2008 documentary of the same name about Mike and Claire , who met in 1987 and formed the tribute band Lightning and Thunder. The pair fell in love, and performed in the Milwaukee and Chicago area throughout the 1980s and 1990s, even opening for Pearl Jam.

Deadline praised the film for “never losing the delicate tone of this musical comedy/drama” and called Kate “simply sensational,” and that Hugh “is as good as he has ever been playing a complicated guy who finds his groove in the music of an iconic singer”.

“This is the kind of robust entertainment — wholesome though not at all toothless, alternately joyful and heart-wrenching — that doesn’t get made much anymore,” wrote The Hollywood Reporter.