Calendar: Aug. 14-20

Joaquin Phoenix broke his silence on his quick split from Todd Haynes’ NC-17 gay romance film during a Venice Film Festival press conference.The 49-year-old actor — who appeared alongside Lady Gaga and director Todd Phillips ahead of the Joker: Folie à Deux premiere — made headlines after exiting the project just five days before production started, leaving the cast, crew, and co-star Danny Ramirez hanging.Further complicating the matter was the fact Phoenix initially brought the idea for the “sexually dangerous” LGBTQ+ film to Phillips. Now, insiders in Hollywood’s producing community call for “legal action to be brought” against him.Subscribe to our newsletter for your front-row seat to all things entertainment with a sprinkle of everything else queer.Joaquin Phoenix on his departure from a gay romance movie directed by Todd Haynes, at a Venice press conference for #JokerFolieADeux #Venezia81 pic.twitter.com/jsmsBapEBBStill, if the Oscar winner worries about legal ramifications or feels remorse for leaving the project on ice, he isn’t showing it.Phoenix gave a slow but evasive answer after a reporter asked if he wanted to comment on the controversy.“If I do [address the exit], I’d just be sharing my opinion from my perspective, and the other creatives aren’t here to say their piece,” he explained.

Need a boost to get over Hump Day? The Hot Sheet is Queerty’s midweek pop culture catch-up, highlighting the entertainment stories everyone’s talking about, the ones you might’ve missed, and the notable LGBTQ+ film & TV releases in the days ahead. Here’s everything you need to stay in-the-know:STILL STANDING: A year after saying “Goodbye, Yellow Brick Road” on his farewell tour, Sir Elton John has shared news of an eye infection that left him partially blend, adding he’s “healing, but it’s an extremely slow process.” [The Daily Beast]VACATION HUSBAND: Queerty favorite comic Joel Kim Booster‘s recent rip to South Korea took a surprise detour when he got down on one knee and proposed to his long-time partner, John-Michael Sudsina! “No matter where I am, he’s my home.” Aww, congrats you two! [Queerty]BRING A TOWEL: Brat Summer might be over, but Sweat Fall is just beginning! Before Troye Sivan & Charli XCX link up for their highly anticipated co-headlining tour, the iconic besties reflect on modern pop stardom in a new interview feature with photos that’ll make you… well, sweat! [i-D]A post shared by i-D (@i_d)SWEET GREEN MOTHER: Beloved Drag Race superstar Latrice Royale is serving fierce flora realness as Little Shop Of Horror‘s man-eating plant Audrey II in her musical debut, and she’s sharing how her whole career’s been leading up to this moment. [INTO] YEP, I’M GAY RETIRING: Netflix has announced a September 24 premiere date for Ellen Degeneres‘ new comedy special For Your Approval, which we’re told will address the former TV host getting “kicked out of show business”—and will be her final special ever.

Kamala Harris’ alleged accent.During Tuesday’s White House press briefing, Doocy asked, “Since when does the vice president have what sounds like a Southern accent?”In case you’re not up to date on the right’s latest dose of propaganda, in recent days, conservative media outlets have pivoted their indignation away from Harris’ laugh to instead criticize to her voice. Stay woke with our briefing while staying informed on all things LGBTQ+ entertainment, life, and more!More specifically, they’ve been calling her out for an imagined Southern accent only they can hear and which they insist she’s adopted on the campaign trail.Yesterday, Fox News played a clip of the sitting VP at a rally in Detroit, during which she said, “You better thank a union member,” and asserted that she was using a different speaking voice than usual.

Minnesota governor and Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz will be the keynote speaker at the Human Rights Campaign National Dinner on Saturday, the organization announced on X.

Steven J. Horowitz Senior Music Writer It’s rare these days to get new music from Sade — after all, she hasn’t released an album since 2010’s “Soldier of Love” — but in just a few months, she’s set to put out her first new song in years. The reclusive singer-songwriter will release “Young Lion” as part of the “Transa” benefit album, arriving on Nov.