The Politics of HollyWeird: Cuomo’s Fall from Grace Complete

Editor’s Note: Whether on screen or off, Hollywood can always be counted on to keep us entertained. This is especially true when it comes to politics. Join us each week as we shine the spotlight on Tinseltown’s A-listers and their whacky and sometimes inspiring takes on today’s current events.

Andrew Cuomo No Longer America’s COVID Hero

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is not sitting so mightily on his throne anymore. Once celebrated as a hero politician during the COVID pandemic, the Democrat now gets his honorary Emmy award yanked from his clutches. The International Academy released a statement saying:

“In light of the New York Attorney General’s report, and Andrew Cuomo’s subsequent resignation as Governor, it is rescinding his special 2020 International Emmy Award. His name and any reference to his receiving the award will be eliminated from International Academy materials going forward.”

Ouch.

But that’s not all. The former politician is also being kicked to the doghouse by media that claim Cuomo abandoned his pup when he left office. Captain -- a mix of malamute, shepherd, and Siberian -- has gained a reputation as a biter (after nipping a few staff members) since the former governor adopted him in 2018. According to reports, when Cuomo departed the governor’s mansion, he left Captain behind, asking if “anyone would like to keep his dog,” the Albany Times Union explained.

However, senior adviser and Cuomo spokesperson Richard Azzopardi ripped into the news outlet, claiming the story was bogus. He said they were looking for someone to take care of the pooch while Cuomo was on vacation, yet the question remains: Why didn’t Captain go with Cuomo to his sister’s house?

Cheers and Jeers

Sometimes, HollyWeird players make headlines for silly or bizarre happenings, so here is a collection of newsworthy doings — honorable and dishonorable — by the tenants of Tinseltown.

Tiger Woods Sues Former Mistress

Just as Stormy Daniels had a contract with former President Donald Trump to not disclose their relationship, Tiger Woods’ mistress signed an $8 million NDA (non-disclosure agreement). And like Daniels, Rachel Uchitel broke that contract and is now being sued by the golf pro.

Woods was married at the time of the affair, and Uchitel received $5 million upon signing as well as a promise of $1 million each year for three years. In 2019, however, she spoke about her relationship with Woods for the 2021 HBO documentary Tiger. She then filed for bankruptcy, but the golfer’s lawyers are challenging her claim and instead are going after her for millions because she violated the NDA.

Tarantino: Mom’s Not Getting a Penny

Legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino said he will not give his mother any earnings from his successful career because she criticized his writing when he was a child. In July, Tarantino appeared on Brian Koppelman’s podcast, The Moment, and said that when he was a child, he’d often get into trouble for writing screenplays instead of working on his homework. One particular time, he said, his mother admonished him and criticized his career choice.  “’Oh, and by the way, this little ‘writing career’ – with finger quotes and everything – ‘this little ‘writing career’ that you’re doing? That s--- is f---ing over,’” he remembered. “When she said that to me in that sarcastic way, I was in my head and I go: ‘OK, lady, when I become a successful writer, you will never see penny one from my success.’” He continued, “There will be no house for you. There’s no vacation for you, no Elvis Cadillac for mommy. You get nothing. Because you said that.”

Other than helping when his mother got into a financial jam with the IRS, Tarantino has held true to his word, saying, “There are consequences for your words as you deal with your children. Remember there are consequences for your sarcastic tone about what’s meaningful to them.”

Tune in next week to see what else Tinseltown has planned.

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Read more from Kelli Ballard.