The Brett Cooper Show: Is Taylor Swift Lying About Her Role in the Blake Lively Drama? | Episode 31
Release Date: May 15, 2025
1. The New American Pope and His Brothers
Brett Cooper kicks off Episode 31 with a hot take on the recent election of Robert Francis Prevost as the first-ever American Pope, adopting the name Pope Leo. Highlighting the media frenzy surrounding this unprecedented event, Cooper humorously critiques a misreported Gen Z slang term used by mainstream media:
"They have to turn in their phones. They don't have access to social media or the outside world. They are raw dogging the conclave." (03:00)
Cooper delves into the unique dynamics of Pope Leo's family, particularly focusing on his older brother, who is described as a "Facebook MAGA Florida man." This contrast between the Pope's centrist views and his brother's staunch conservative stance exemplifies the generational and cultural shifts discussed throughout the show.
A poignant moment comes when Louis Prevost, Pope Leo's brother, shares his affectionate yet complicated relationship:
"To me, he's my little brother. If I get to see him again, I'm gonna treat him like I treat my little brother until somebody slaps me and says, you can't talk to the Pope like that. He's not the Pope." (03:35)
This familial interplay not only humanizes the Pope but also underscores the tension between personal relationships and public roles in today’s digital age.
2. Casting Controversy: Cynthia Erivo as Jesus in 'Jesus Christ Superstar'
Transitioning to the realm of entertainment, Cooper addresses the controversial casting of Cynthia Erivo as Jesus in the upcoming production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl. He critiques the decision, emphasizing the backlash from traditionalists:
"The most offensive part about this is that a lesbian, a female, is playing Jesus. It's just ridiculous." (17:30)
Cooper acknowledges the musical's non-traditional approach but argues that this casting choice pushes boundaries further than previous innovative decisions. He juxtaposes this with Adam Lambert's casting as Judas, highlighting the stark contrast in character representation.
3. The Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Lawsuit Involving Taylor Swift
A significant portion of the episode centers on the escalating lawsuit involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, with Taylor Swift now subpoenaed as a key figure. Cooper provides a detailed account of the controversy, including the abrupt firing of composer Brian Tyler:
"Brian Tyler was devastated. He had never been fired before. He was worried about this ruining his career and his reputation." (10:00)
The discussion reveals internal conflicts within the film's production, suggesting that Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds may have orchestrated the replacement to assert greater creative control. Cooper speculates on Taylor Swift's alleged involvement, citing leaked text messages and conflicting statements from involved parties.
Louis Prevost adds depth to the narrative by sharing insider quotes:
"I had brought in and showed her casting tape to Blake and Taylor, and they were both like, yes, her. And that's a true story." (24:28)
Despite Swift's official denial of involvement, Cooper remains skeptical, pointing to the amassed evidence and testimonies that suggest otherwise. The episode underscores the complexities of celebrity influence and the fragile nature of public perception.
4. Cannes Film Festival Bans Nudity on Red Carpet
Shifting focus to industry-wide changes, Cooper discusses the Cannes Film Festival's recent decision to prohibit nudity on the red carpet. He critiques the move, balancing between traditional decency and artistic expression:
"We don't want to see tits. We don't want to see ass cheeks. We don't want huge trains getting in the middle of people's faces and complicating seating in the theater." (27:00)
By showcasing various celebrities who previously pushed the envelope with their red carpet appearances, Cooper illustrates the festival's stance as a response to excessive displays of nudity. He humorously references past controversies, including Bianca Censori’s bold appearance at the Grammys and Julia Fox’s infamous red carpet moments, to argue that the ban is a necessary step towards maintaining decorum.
5. Disney's Snow White Re-release Flop
In a critical analysis of Disney's strategic missteps, Cooper covers the company's attempt to reignite interest in Snow White by re-releasing it in 1,300 theaters. Highlighting the film's poor financial performance, he underscores the inefficacy of this move:
"They re-released the film in 1300 theaters across the country. Guess how much money they made. Just think of a number in your head. $300,000." (29:00)
Cooper mocks the minimal per-theater revenue, associating the failure with broader trends in Disney’s film strategy, such as the cancellation of new live-action projects like Rapunzel. He warns that this might signify a scaling back of Disney’s ambitious business model.
6. Conclusion
Wrapping up the episode, Cooper reflects on the week's tumultuous events, from a new American Pope with divided familial ties to high-profile Hollywood lawsuits and industry shifts. He underscores the persistent theme of generational and cultural flux, emphasizing the podcast's commitment to dissecting how these changes reshape societal values and behaviors.
"Unhinged family members will always come back to make us laugh and possibly embarrass you, Taylor Swift." (32:00)
As the episode closes, Cooper hints at upcoming discussions, including the ongoing Diddy trial, promising continued exploration of the dynamic interplay between public figures and cultural trends.
Notable Quotes:
- Brett Cooper: "They're raw dogging this conclave." (03:00)
- Louis Prevost: "To me, he's my little brother... What are you gonna say to him, Louis?" (03:35)
- Louis Prevost: "I had brought in and showed her casting tape to Blake and Taylor, and they were both like, yes, her." (24:28)
- Brett Cooper: "Unhinged family members will always come back to make us laugh and possibly embarrass you, Taylor Swift." (32:00)
Final Thoughts
Episode 31 of The Brett Cooper Show offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of current cultural and entertainment controversies. By intertwining humor with critical analysis, Cooper delivers a nuanced commentary on the intersection of fame, family, and modern societal norms. Whether dissecting the multifaceted persona of the new American Pope or unraveling the intricate legal drama involving Taylor Swift, this episode provides listeners with insightful perspectives on navigating a world in constant flux.