Actress Charlize Theron urges women to stand up for equal pay
Cast member Charlize Theron poses at the premiere of 'Mad Max: Fury Road' in Hollywood, California May 7, 2015.
NEW YORK (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - After negotiating a salary equal to her male co-star for her upcoming movie, Hollywood actress Charlize Theron has called on other women to take a stand when it comes to equal pay.
Theron said she was outraged when leaked Sony emails showed a gap in what male and female actors were paid for the film "American Hustle" and she insisted on being paid on par with co-star Chris Hemsworth for the Snow White sequel "The Huntsman".
"I have to give them credit, because once I asked, they said yes," Theron said in an interview with British magazine Elle UK.
"They did not fight it. And maybe that's the message: that we just need to put our foot down."
Her call for equal pay echoes Hillary Clinton, the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination, who has also lamented the pay gap between men and women.
A report by the United Nations' International Labour Organization (ILO) this year warned that the income of women workers globally will lag behind men for another 70 years if the gender pay gap continues to narrow at the present rate.
Women globally earn 77 percent of the amount paid to men, a figure that has improved by only three percentage points in the past 20 years, the ILO said.
South African-born Theron, 39, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of a serial killer in the 2003 film "Monster", said women needed to stand up for equality and be proud to be feminists.
"This is a good time for us to bring this to a place of fairness, and girls need to know that being a feminist is a good thing," said Theron, who will be on the big screen in this month's action movie "Mad Max: Fury Road".
"It doesn't mean that you hate men. It means equal rights."
'Modern Family' actress Vergara gets Hollywood Walk of Fame star
Colombian-born actress Sofia Vergara, one of the stars of comedy hit series "Modern Family", has received a star on the Walk of Fame, the 2,551st on the renowned Hollywood Boulevard.
Vergara, the highest-paid actress on U.S. television for the last three years according to Forbes, posed by her new plaque with fiance Joe Manganiello and "Modern Family" cast members.
The actress had earlier appeared on "Good Morning America", where she spoke of her ongoing frozen embryo battle with ex-fiance Nick Loeb.
Businessman Loeb filed a lawsuit last year seeking to take two frozen embryos the couple created before they split.
In a New York Times Op-Ed last month, he wrote that after the pair separated last year, he sought to take the embryos to have them carried to term, pay all the expenses and raise the children, but Vergara refused.
"I really want to make this the last time I talk about it because I don't think it's fair," Vergara said in the television interview aired on Thursday.
"I don't want to allow this person to take more advantage of my career and try to promote himself ... This shouldn't be out there for people to give their opinion when there's nothing to talk about. There's papers signed."
Loeb appeared on NBC's "Today" program on the same day, defending his lawsuit.
"This has to do with ... moral, legal, ethical concepts that are out there about lives that we've already created," he said.
"Lives have already been created ... I wouldn't just toss them aside, no different than a child that had been born."
Sofia Vergara poses.
Disabled wrestlers in Japan challenge stereotypes in film 'Doglegs'
Two Doglegs fighters with cerebral palsy Tetsuya Nagashima (L) and Senjo no Yukiina battle during the making of the documentary film Doglegs in Japan in this October 8, 2011 handout photo.
Filmmaker Heath Cozens hopes to smash stereotypes about the disabled with his new documentary "Doglegs," about a handicapped pro-wrestling league in Japan.
The New Zealand-born director discovered the wrestlers, who sometimes fight able-bodied opponents despite their physical and mental disabilities, while living in Japan for 18 years.
The film premiered at the Canadian International Documentary Film Festival in April.
Cozens said he wanted his first feature-length documentary to take the audience on the same emotional rollercoaster he felt when he saw a Doglegs match for the first time.
“I wanted to laugh, then I felt bad about myself wanting to laugh and ashamed,” Cozens explained in an interview. “I just didn’t know how I should feel about it.”
"Doglegs" follows five members of the Tokyo league as they confront their disabilities and demons in the wrestling ring and in their personal lives.
The film shows fans cheering as fighters bash one another mercilessly and a female announcer spices up her commentary with personal details about the combatants.
Cozens said exploitation was a valid concern and initially he thought about doing an expose. But as he watched a match he saw what a positive environment it was and that they were changing peoples' attitudes about the disabled.
“I realized that what they are doing was performing brain surgery, heart surgery on the audience, changing the audience from inside out,” Cozens said. "I felt the transformation.”
Doglegs started in 1991 as a volunteer group for the disabled and morphed into its present form after two disabled men had a fight over a woman.
The skirmish gave the group's able-bodied volunteer leader Yukinori Kitajima the idea of forming a wrestling league that would challenge how the disabled are perceived.
"Doglegs" follows “Sambo” Shintaro, a sanitation worker with cerebral palsy and a star fighter for 20 years, as he approaches his retirement match against Kitajima.
Another fighter, Yuki Nakajima, who suffers from depression, seems to feed off the power he gets from climbing into the ring and facing down his demons.
“We have to keep fighting with our own weakness to move forward and get strong, even if we keep losing,” Nakajima explained in an email.
Cozens, who now lives in New York, spent five years making the film that looks at disabilities in a new way.
"Handicap is in the eye of the beholder," he said.
Newsman Thomas Roberts, TV host Kelly Ripa honored by gay media group
Televison personality Kelly Ripa arrives at the 85th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California February 24, 2013.
MSNBC news anchor Thomas Roberts and talk show host Kelly Ripa were among honorees at GLAAD's annual media awards on Saturday, which recognize representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
Roberts, 42, who came out as gay in 2006, accepted the group's Vito Russo Award for promoting equality in the gay community.
The award, named after the activist and film historian who was one of the founding member of media advocacy group GLAAD, was presented to him by Lynda Carter, best known as television's "Wonder Woman" in the 1970s.
"It was liberating, and frightening as hell," Roberts said, recalling the period when he became open about being gay.
"People like me were considered immoral at best, a joke," Roberts said, noting that while things had improved for gay people, "we have a long way to go."
Past winners of the award include Suze Orman, Rosie O'Donnell, Elton John, Tom Ford and CNN newsman Anderson Cooper.
Accepting the Excellence in Media Award from Cooper in recognition of her advocacy for gay issues, Ripa, co-host of the daily "Live With Kelly and Michael" reflected that she thought it a bit odd that "I should be celebrated for treating people like people."
In other awards handed out at the 26th annual ceremony, Sports Illustrated was cited for outstanding overall magazine coverage, with the honor accepted by groundbreaking gay athletes Jason Collins and Michael Sam.
"Lilting," about the relationship of a mother and her son's lover following the son's death, was named outstanding limited release film, while Showtime's "L Word Mississippi: Hate the Sin," about gay women living in the southern United States, won the documentary prize.
TV One's "R&B Divas: Atlanta" was named outstanding reality television show.
HBO's "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" won for outstanding talk show episode while MSNBC Live took the honor for best TV journalism segment, about anti-gay discrimination in the workplace.
Nickelodeon's "Nick News" with Linda Ellerbee, the Salt Lake City Tribune, Time magazine and Fusion.net were among winners for broadcast, print and digital journalism.
GLAAD presented other awards in Los Angeles last month, honoring "The Imitation Game," "The Normal Heart" and filmmkaer Roland Emmerich among others.
Father, aunt of Bobbi Kristina Brown named co-guardians
Bobbi Kristina Brown, daughter of the late singer Whitney Houston, poses at the premiere of ''Sparkle'' in Hollywood, California August 16, 2012.
The father and aunt of Bobbi Kristina Brown, the daughter of late singer Whitney Houston who was hospitalized in January after being found unresponsive in her bathtub, have been named her co-guardians, attorneys for the parties said on Friday.
"Both (Bobby) Brown and (Pat) Houston are jointly responsible for decisions related to (Bobbi Kristina Brown's) care and medical needs," attorneys for Brown and Houston, Christopher Brown and David Long-Daniels respectively, said in a joint statement.
Lawyer Bedelia Hargrove was appointed as Bobbi Kristina Brown's conservator, responsible for her "assets, including her likeness, rights and legal claims", the statement said.
Bobbi Kristina Brown, 22, was discovered on Jan. 31 face down and unresponsive in a bathtub in her suburban Atlanta home. Few details about her condition have been released since.
In March, she was transferred from Emory University Hospital in Atlanta to a rehabilitation center, according to her family.
Her mother Whitney Houston, a six-time Grammy Award winner and actress, drowned in a hotel bathtub in Beverly Hills, California, in February 2012 at the age of 48. Cocaine and heart disease contributed to her death, the authorities said.
Bollywood star Salman Khan convicted of hit-and-run
Bollywood actor Salman Khan smiles during a promotional event for his forthcoming movie ''Ready'' in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad May 18, 2011.
(Reuters) - An Indian court convicted Bollywood star Salman Khan on Wednesday of culpable homicide for the death of a homeless man in a hit-and-run, a verdict that could derail several big-ticket movie projects.
Judge D.W. Deshpande of the Mumbai court upheld prosecution charges that Khan, 49, was driving under the influence of alcohol and lost control of his car in the 2002 accident. Four people were injured.
The 49-year-old actor had denied being behind the wheel, in spite of several witnesses testifying against him.
Khan, who has delivered some of Bollywood's highest-grossing films in recent years, faces up to 10 years in jail but can appeal in a higher court. (reut.rs/1KL49xN)
Sentencing is expected later in the day.
Las Vegas battery case against singer Chris Brown dropped
File photo of singer Chris Brown poses at the 2015 iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles, California, March 29, 2015.
(Reuters) - A misdemeanor battery case against R&B singer Chris Brown has been dropped after the man who accused the performer of punching him during a game of basketball in Las Vegas decided against pressing charges, police said on Tuesday.
News that the Grammy-winning recording star was off the hook in his latest brush with the law came as Brown celebrated his 26th birthday.
The alleged pre-dawn confrontation occurred early Sunday on a guest court at the Palms Casino Resort hotel, and the police said the victim reported the incident in a phone call from the hospital where he was treated for his injuries.
Brown was subsequently given the option of signing a misdemeanor battery citation or having the case submitted to the Clark County District Attorney's Office for possible prosecution.
But on Tuesday the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department issued a revised statement saying the victim had told detectives "that he no longer wants to go forward with criminal charges," adding, "This case will not be pursued any further."
In Nevada, a misdemeanor battery conviction carries a maximum penalty of a $1,000 fine.
Neither Brown's attorney nor his publicist were immediately available for comment.
Brown's latest legal predicament came about six weeks after a judge in Los Angeles ended his probation stemming from the performer's 2009 guilty plea to charges of assaulting his then-girlfriend, singer Rihanna, on the eve of the Grammy Awards.
Brown's probation was revoked in 2013 after he was accused of punching a man who was trying to get a picture of the singer in Washington, D.C.
The following year, he was kicked out of a court-ordered rehab program in California for breaking the rules and was jailed on that breach of probation for nearly three months.
Prince to perform in Baltimore in wake of black man's death
Prince and his band 3rdEyeGirl present the award for British Female Solo Artist at the BRIT Awards, celebrating British pop music, at the O2 Arena in London February 19, 2014.
(Reuters) - Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Prince will perform a special concert in Baltimore on Sunday, apparently in part to honor the 25-year-old black man whose death from spinal injuries suffered in police custody sparked weeks of protest and a day of rioting.
The Grammy award-winning musician will hold his "Rally 4 Peace" show on Mother's Day along with his backing band 3RDEYEGIRL, Royal Farms Arena said in a statement on Tuesday night. The statement added that "superstar guests" were also expected to attend.
"Wear something gray," reads a promotional image for the concert, seemingly to reference Freddie Gray, who died last month after a week in the hospital following his April 12 arrest.
Gray's death became the latest flashpoint in a national outcry over police killings of unarmed black men and other minority groups in the United States, and provoked weeks of largely peaceful protests in the city punctuated by a day of arson and looting on April 27.
Last Friday, Baltimore's chief prosecutor announced charges against all six police officers involved in Gray's arrest, ranging from misconduct in office to second degree murder.
A representative for Prince could not be immediately reached for comment.
The Baltimore Sun newspaper said the artist was expected to perform a protest song, dubbed "Baltimore", which has not been released.
Actor Martin Freeman joins Marvel's 'Captain America: Civil War'
File photo of Martin Freeman at the world film premiere of ''The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies'' at Leicester Square in central London, December 1, 2014.
After solving murders in central London with "Sherlock" and traipsing through Middle Earth in "The Hobbit," actor Martin Freeman is heading into the Marvel universe, the Walt Disney Co-owned studio said on Tuesday.
Freeman, 43, who played Bilbo Baggins in "The Hobbit" trilogy and won an Emmy for his role as Dr. John Watson alongside Benedict Cumberbatch's crime-solving detective in BBC's popular "Sherlock" series, is joining the cast of "Captain America: Civil War."
It is not known yet what role he will play in Marvel Studios' third installment of "Captain America," in which Chris Evans will reprise his role as the patriotic superhero and is scheduled for release in May 2016.
"Martin's range from the dramatic to the comedic has consistently impressed us," said Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios and producer of the films.
Marvel Studios has had a string of blockbuster hits with its cinematic superhero franchises. "Avengers: Age of Ultron," its latest film, has amassed $204 million in North America since its May 1 release.
In "Civil War," which will pick up the story from the end of "Age of Ultron," the superheroes will be forced to side with Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) or Captain America as the two battle each other.
Freeman notably starred in the 2001 British mockumentary series "The Office" and more recently last year received Emmy nominations for his role as a cowed, small-town insurance salesman in FX's hit miniseries "Fargo."
Freeman's "Sherlock" co-star, Cumberbatch, will also be joining the Marvel universe as the complex lead of "Doctor Strange," scheduled for release in November 2016.
Beckham Hosting 40th Birthday Bash In Morocco
Beckham, fashion designer wife Victoria and their four children are going to the luxury Amanjena Resort near Marrakesh, where the couple renewed their marriage vows in 2004.
The Amanjena resort where the party is taking place
They are flying out friends including Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise, film director Guy Ritchie, TV chef Gordon Ramsay and football agent Dave Gardner - partner of actress Liv Tyler - to join them in their celebrations, according to sports journalist Matthew Syed.
Victoria Beckham has been dropping hints on Twitter in the run-up to the party.
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Gallery: Beckham Brood Cheer On Mum At New York Fashion Week
Gallery: Beckham Brood Cheer On Mum At New York Fashion Week
and grabbed the headlines in 1996 when he scored against Wimbledon with an audacious goal from the halfway line.
"What to wear in Marrakesh?" she tweeted posting a picture of a dress on the social media site.
"Vintage Yves Saint Laurent #DB40 x vb."
Beckham's 40 years on the planet have been eventful.
The Manchester United fan from east London signed with his club at 14
Play video "Feb 2014 - Royals' Rhino Campaign"
Two years later, he became England's most unpopular man when his petulant kick at Diego Simeone at the World Cup finals in France led to a red card, and Argentina's subsequent victory.
That, in turn, led to England's exit from the World Cup and the fury of millions of fans.
However, Beckham was rehabilitated in 2001 when his last-gasp free kick against Greece led to England qualifying for the 2002 World Cup finals.
The following year his exploits inspired the film Bend It Like Beckham, now a stage musical in the West End.
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Gallery: David Beckham Celebrates Ten-Year Anniversary Working For Charity
Gallery: David Beckham Celebrates Ten-Year Anniversary Working For Charity
After leaving Manchester United following reported bust-ups with manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Beckham enjoyed spells with Real Madrid - as one of their highly expensive and world famous "galacticos" - LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris St Germain.
Upon signing for the French club in 2013, he confirmed he would donate his entire salary during his five-month contract to a local children's charity. He retired from football at the end of that season.
He married Spice Girl Victoria in 1999 and the glamorous couple's joint career took off with worldwide branding that saw them amass a fortune from advertising and sponsorship.
The pair regularly appear in best-dressed lists of worldwide celebrities and Victoria has moved from being in the world's top girl band to being a designer in her own right.
Writer: Joke Sparked Breaking Bad Inspiration
Vince Gilligan says the idea for the hit show originally came 10 years ago when a friend made a casual joke.
13:14, UK,Friday 01 May 2015
Bryan Cranston plays Walter White. Pic: AMC
By Sky News US Team
Breaking Bad's creator has disclosed how he came up with the hit TV show.
Vince Gilligan said it was a phone conversation with a friend that first got him thinking about the show, which tells the story of a terminally ill chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin.
The talk with his friend Tom Schnauz took place about 10 years ago when both men had been writers on The X-Files and were both looking for the next gig.
Vince Gilligan also created the Breaking Bad spin-off Better Call Saul
"He made the joke that we should put a meth lab in the back of an RV and travel America - he was making a joke, but that really stuck with me," Gilligan said in an AMA session on Reddit.
"The idea of doing a show about a character that would do that seemed fun to explore - and that was the inspiration."
Gilligan also revealed that there is talk to turn the fictional fried chicken fast food chain featured in the show, Los Pollos Hermanos, into a real restaurant.
"This is not an idea that I generated personally. But it's one that's been presented to me, through the good folks at Sony, and the idea came to them from a businessman who has an interest in doing just that," Gilligan said.
Breaking Bad first aired to little fanfare in 2008
"Speaking for myself, I'd love to see that happen."
Breaking Bad ended in 2013 after five seasons. Regarded as one of the greatest TV shows of all time, it turned Bryan Cranston, who played lead character Walter White, and Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, into huge stars.
Gilligan has since worked on Breaking Bad spin-off Better Call Saul.
Sofia Vergara's Ex Defends His Embryos Lawsuit
Nick Loeb says he doesn't want the "two lives" they created to "be destroyed or sit in a freezer until the end of time".
15:17, UK,Thursday 30 April 2015
Sofia Vergara with Nick Loeb
By Sky News US Team
Actress Sofia Vergara's ex-fiance has defended his lawsuit seeking to use two frozen embryos the couple created before separating.
Businessman Nick Loeb wrote in the New York Times that he longs to become a father and doesn't want the "two lives" they created to "be destroyed or sit in a freezer until the end of time".
Mr Loeb said in his op-ed that when he and Ms Vergara, one of the stars of the hit ABC comedy Modern Family, split last year he asked her for their two embryos, offering to pay all the expenses to carry them to term.
He said he was also willing to take full parental responsibility if Ms Vergara didn't want to share custody. But he says she refused.
"When we create embryos for the purpose of life, should we not define them as life, rather than as property?" he writes.
Sofia Vergara is now dating actor Joe Manganiello
He continues: "A woman is entitled to bring a pregnancy to term even if the man objects.
"Shouldn't a man who is willing to take on all parental responsibilities be similarly entitled to bring his embryos to term even if the woman objects?"
Representatives for Colombian-born Ms Vergara, who is America's highest paid television actress, couldn't be immediately reached for comment.
Ms Vergara is America's highest paid television actress
But her lawyer, Fred Silberberg, told People magazine in a statement earlier this month that she intended to keep the embryos frozen.
He said in a statement: "Vergara, who has happily moved on with her life, is content to leave the embryos frozen indefinitely as she has no desire to have children with her ex, which should be understandable given the circumstances."
Mr Loeb says Ms Vergara's wish to keep the embryos frozen indefinitely would be "tantamount to killing them".
He acknowledges the former couple signed an agreement stipulating that the embryos could only be used if both parties consented, but he is seeking to have that voided.
Mr Loeb, the son of a former US ambassador, said he met the actress in 2010 and they became engaged two years later.
He said he began to press for them to have children, and she insisted they use a surrogate.
On their third attempt through in vitro fertilisation, they created two embryos in 2013, both female.
Mr Loeb's lawsuit was filed under pseudonyms in Santa Monica, California, last August, but only recently became public in the news media.
Orville Ventriloquist Keith Harris Dies
Stars pay tribute to the 67-year-old entertainer, who was a fixture of Saturday night TV throughout the 1980s.
10:34, UK,Wednesday 29 April 2015
Keith Harris has died aged 67
Keith Harris, the ventriloquist famous for his TV appearances with Orville, has died aged 67.
He passed away at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on Tuesday morning after a long fight with cancer, his agent said.
Harris' showbiz career spanned more than 50 years.
The father-of-three had a number-four hit with Orville's Song in 1982 - selling 400,00 copies.
Between 1982 and 1990 he was a fixture of Saturday night TV with The Keith Harris Show on BBC One.
Harris, whose other sidekick was called Cuddles, performed at both Prince William and Prince Harry's third birthdays at the request of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Harris' showbiz career spanned more than 50 years
Fellow entertainers Keith Chegwin, Paddy McGuinness, Paul Daniels and Julian Clary were among those to react to the news on Twitter.
Chegwin wrote: "So sad. A great entertainer and all round nice man Keith Harris has passed away. Best wishes to his family at this sad time. RIP x."
"RIP Keith Harris," said McGuinness. "A part of my childhood gone."
Magician Daniels posted: "R.I.P. Keith Harris ... 'bye Orville."
"Rest in peace Keith Harris. Lovely, funny talented man," added Clary.
The likes of Timmy Mallett, Les Dennis and Aled Jones also tweeted their sadness as "Keith Harris" trended number one in the UK.
After The Keith Harris Show came off air in 1990, the Hampshire-born star entertained families at Butlins.
In 2005 he won the Channel 5 programme The Farm.
Harris was diagnosed with a rare and incurable form of cancer in 2013 after suffering swelling in his abdomen.
His agent, Robert C Kelly, said: "It is with great sadness I announce the death of my friend and client Keith Harris whom I have known for well over 20 years and managed for the past 15 years.
"I spoke to Keith most days whether we had business to do or not. I think I laughed every single time we spoke.
"Keith was not only a technically great ventriloquist, he was also a gifted mimic and an extraordinarily funny man both onstage and off.
"Perhaps even rarer than that in showbiz, he was a thoroughly decent man, a great friend and a wonderful father and husband."
Winehouse Family Slam 'Misleading' Amy Film
The filmmakers of Amy defend their work after the late singer's family claim it "contains some basic untruths".
01:10, UK,Monday 27 April 2015
Play video "Amy Documentary Trailer Released"
Video: Amy Documentary Trailer ReleasedAmy Winehouse's family have condemned a documentary about the singer which is due to be shown at next month's Cannes Film Festival.
The film, called Amy, traces Winehouse's story from her early career to the fame she won with hits such as Rehab, until her death aged 27 in July 2011.
In a statement, a spokesman for the Winehouse family said they "would like to disassociate themselves from the forthcoming film about their much missed and beloved Amy", claiming that it is "misleading and contains some basic untruths".
The statement said the film suggested family members did too little to help the singer.
Winehouse, whose 2006 album Back To Black won five Grammy awards, had battled drug and alcohol abuse for several years.
Play video "Amy Winehouse Birthday Exhibition"Video: Amy Winehouse Birthday ExhibitionThe family statement said the movie did not reflect the "huge effort from all concerned to help Amy at all stages".
"Fundamentally, the Winehouse family believes that the film does a disservice to individuals and families suffering from the complicated affliction of addiction," it added.
But the filmmakers have hit back, saying in a statement that they began work with "total objectivity" and the support of the Winehouse family.
Play video "Winehouse Foundation Fundraiser"Video: Winehouse Foundation Fundraiser
They said the documentary was the result of interviews with about 100 people who knew the singer, including "friends, family, former partners and members of the music industry that worked with her".
The documentary, directed by Asif Kapadia, is among the films that will be shown at the industry get-together in the south of France from 13 May.
Kapadia has already won wide acclaim with his documentary Senna, about the Brazilian Formula 1 driver.
Avengers Stars Sorry For Superhero 'Slut' Joke
Two stars from the new Avengers movie admit their sexually derogatory jokes about a female superhero in the film are "tasteless".
12:41, UK,Friday 24 April 2015
(L-R) Renner, Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth and Evans.
Avengers stars Chris Evans and Jeremy Renner have apologised for calling the character played by co-star Scarlett Johansson a "slut" and a "whore".
The pair - who play Captain America and Hawkeye - conceded the comments they made after being asked about rumours that Black Widow wanted to be in a relationship with their characters were "tasteless" and "juvenile".
When questioned ahead of the UK premiere, Renner responded "She's a slut" as Evans burst out laughing.
Evans then added: "I was going to say something along that line. Complete whore. She's a slut."
Asked about the comments Evans said: "We answered in a juvenile and offensive way that rightfully angered some fans.
Play video "Avengers: Age Of Ultron"Video: Avengers: Age Of Ultron"I regret it and sincerely apologise."
Renner said: "I am sorry that this tasteless joke about a fictional character offended anyone.
"It was not meant to be serious in any way. Just poking fun during an exhausting and tedious press tour."
Play video "Scarlett's Love For Black Widow"Video: Scarlett's Love For Black WidowThe two actors are currently on the European leg of a global promotional tour for the new "Avengers: Age of Ultron" film.
They made the comments in a video interview with Digital Spy, when asked about Black Widow's romance with The Hulk in the film.
The movie" is the sequel to 2012's "Avengers," the third-highest-grossing movie of all time.
Play video "Avengers Movie: Robert Downey Jr"Video: Avengers Movie: Robert Downey JrIt is expected to be the biggest blockbuster film of summer 2015.
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Ex-Top Gear Boss: Axing Clarkson Was Tragedy
The Top Gear boss who quit in the wake of Jeremy Clarkson's sacking gives a candid interview about his thoughts on the departure.
16:19, UK,Friday 24 April 2015
Clarkson and ex-Top Gear executive producer Andy Wilman
Top Gear's former executive producer has said the BBC has lost an "editorial genius" in Jeremy Clarkson - and called the decision to axe him a "tragedy".
Andy Wilman has written an article for the latest issue of Top Gear magazine after quitting the long-running series in the wake of Clarkson's departure.
In it, Mr Wilman laments the decision to axe Clarkson and tells the story of how the motor show came to be developed in its current form.
He revealed that in around 2001, the then-controller of BBC2, Jane Root, had decided to axe Top Gear.
Clarkson arranged to meet Mr Wilman to discuss his ideas to revive the show.
Play video "March 25 - 'Sacking Is A Tragedy'"Video: March 25 - 'Sacking Is A Tragedy'Mr Wilman wrote: "And as I sit here now in April 2015, in a completely empty office, I think that faraway lunch absolutely encapsulates the tragedy of what the BBC has lost in getting rid of Jeremy.
"It hasn't just lost a man who can hold viewers' attention in front of a camera, it's lost a journalist who could use the discipline of print training to focus on what mattered and what didn't; it's lost an editorial genius who could look at an existing structure and then smash it up and reshape it in a blaze of light-bulb moments."
Mr Wilman said that while searching for presenters, the BBC was "adamant a woman should be in the line-up".
He said: "Their theory behind a female presenter was that if you want women to watch something, you need women presenting it."
The producer said that he and Clarkson "auditioned lots of excellent girls who were more than up to the job of presenting a car show".
Play video "Jeremy Clarkson Cancer Scare"Video: Jeremy Clarkson Cancer ScareBut the pair "already started to realise that bloke banter was going to become an important part of the show".
And so, on their insistence, Ms Root allowed them to have an all male line-up.
Wilman also recalled how Richard Hammond's original audition tape featured the presenter "doing a terrible car review while dressed for some reason as Batman".
He said that Clarkson had initially wanted to call the show's anonymous racing driver The Gimp, after the character in Quentin Tarantino film Pulp Fiction.
But after hiring original team member Perry McCarthy, he refused to be called The Gimp, and so they agreed on The Stig.
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