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Robert Downey Jr announces shock Marvel return

<p>Robert Downey Jr. has sensationally announced his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe at the San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday. </p> <p>The actor, who has been instrumental in the build up of the franchise with his role as Iron Man/ Tony Stark, before the character was killed off in the <em>Avengers: Endgame</em> finale, will return to screens as one of Marvel Comics' original villains, Dr. Doom. </p> <p>The moment Downey Jr.'s return was unveiled has since gone viral.</p> <p>In the video clip, studio head Kevin Feige announced two upcoming films <em>Avengers: Doomsday</em> and <em>Avengers: Secret Wars, </em>while surrounded by rows of figures in green robes wearing Doom's iconic metal mask. </p> <p>Joe Russo, one of the directors for <em>Avengers: Infinity War</em> and <em>Endgame</em>, then said: </p> <p>"As proof of the unlimited possibilities of the Marvel [Multiverse], we give you the one person who could play Victor von Doom."</p> <p>Downey Jr, among the dozens of others wearing metal masks dressed as Dr. Doom, coyly walked to the front of the stage and took of his mask to a thunderous response from the crowd. </p> <p>"New mask, same task," the actor said.</p> <p> He added, "I tell ya, I like playing complicated characters."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C98vrwXvgSc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C98vrwXvgSc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Marvel Studios (@marvelstudios)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“If we’re going to bring Doctor Doom to the screen — he is one of the most complex characters, most entertaining characters in all of fiction,” said Joe Russo.</p> <p>“If we’re going to do this … then we are going to need the greatest actor in the world,” he added.</p> <p><em>Avengers: Doomsday </em>will be out in cinemas on May 2026, with <em>Avengers: Secret Wars</em> set to be released the following year. </p> <p><em>Image: John Salangsang/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Movies

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Olympic flame is lit at birthplace of ancient games

<p>The flame for the 2024 Paris Olympics was lit on Tuesday at the site of the ancient games in Ancient Olympia, southern Greece. </p> <p>Despite the gloomy weather which prevented the traditional lighting<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">- which involves an ancient Greek priestess using the sun to ignite the torch after offering a prayer to Apollo, the ancient Greek sun god - actress Mary Mina, used a back up flame to kickstart the epic torch relay. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Normally, the </span>group of priestesses would use a parabolic mirror to light the torch using the sun's rays, but because of the cloudy skies, they had to use a back up flame that was kept in a copy of an ancient Greek pot and lit on the same spot during their final rehearsals on Monday. </p> <p>International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said the flame lighting combined "a pilgrimage to our past in ancient Olympia, and an act of faith in our future."</p> <p>A relay of torchbearers will carry the flame along a 5,000-kilometre route through Greece, including several islands, until the handover to Paris Games organisers in Athens on April 26.</p> <p>"In these difficult times ... with wars and conflicts on the rise, people are fed up with all the hate, the aggression and negative news," Bach said. </p> <p>"We are longing for something which brings us together; something that is unifying; something that gives us hope."</p> <p>Thousands of spectators from all over the world packed Olympia for the event, amid the ruins of temples and sports grounds where the ancient games were held from 776 BC - 393 AD.</p> <p>The first torchbearer was Greek rower Stefanos Douskos, who was a gold medalist in 2021, followed by Laure Manaudou, a French swimmer who won three medals at Athens in 2004. </p> <p>Manaudou then handed it over to a Greek senior European Union official, Margaritis Schinas. </p> <p>From Greece, the Olympic flame will travel from Athens' port of Piraeus on the Belem, a French three-masted sailing ship built in 1896 - the year that the first modern games began in Athens. </p> <p>On May 8, it's due in the southern French port of Marseille, a city founded by Greek colonists around 2600 years ago. </p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p> <p> </p>

International Travel

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Harry Connick Jr shares tragic family update

<p>Harry Connick Jr has shared the tragic news that his father, Harry Connick Sr has passed away aged 97. </p> <p>The former <em>Australian Idol</em> judge's father, who was New Orleans’ district attorney for three decades, died peacefully at his home on Thursday surrounded by family. </p> <p>The cause of death has not been revealed. </p> <p>Harry Connick Jr greatly admired his father who he called his “hero and inspiration.”</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Harry Connick Sr </span>passed on his love for music to his son, as prior to his career in law he owned two record stores in New Orleans and regularly performed in bands around the city’s French Quarter, according to <em>People</em> magazine. </p> <p>He then began his career as a New Orleans district attorney from 1973 until his retirement in 2003. </p> <p>New Orleans’ current district attorney, Jason Williams, has shared his condolences to Connick's family. </p> <p>“Mr. Connick remains the longest tenured District Attorney, serving from 1973-2003. Such a longstanding public servant gives an enormous amount of themselves to their community — as do their families,” he wrote.</p> <p>“Our thoughts are with the Connick family during this difficult time.”</p> <p>Despite often travelling out of the US  for his music and acting commitments, Harry Connick Jr loved spending time with his father. </p> <p>One of the last few pictures he shared of them together was posted last October, where he described “hanging with my dad” as “my FAVOURITE thing in the world”.</p> <p>“I come to see him about once a month in New Orleans, and it’s still not enough!” he wrote on Instagram.</p> <p>“At 97, he continues to be my hero and inspiration ... I love you sooooo much, dad!!!”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Harry Connick Jnr finally comes clean on feud with Kyle

<p>Kyle Sandilands and Harry Connick Jr. have hashed out their rumoured ongoing feud, calling a truce live on air. </p> <p>The radio shock jock welcomed the singer on <em>The Kyle and Jackie O Show</em> on Wednesday morning to discuss his upcoming Australian tour, when Sandilands brought up their long-running beef. </p> <p>“You know what I admire about Harry, and I’ve watched Harry too,” he told co-host Jackie O when Connick Jr. was on the line.</p> <p>“When you think some doesn't like you, you watch them, you, over-analyse them and you start getting in your head, ‘I wonder why he doesn’t like me?’”</p> <p>Kyle then discussed some lessons he had learned from Harry during their time on Australian Idol together, “What I do know about Harry, and he told the Idol contestants this last year, is read the room. You’ve got to perform to whoever is there, whether it’s an auditorium or it’s to three people on a TV show.”</p> <p>Rather than welcoming the compliment, Connick Jr. thought Sandilands was being sarcastic and "tricky" by stirring the pot. </p> <p>“I see how tricky you are, slipping in there that I don’t like you,” the star said on air. “I don’t know where you got that from. I do like you very much and I really enjoyed our time together. So I see you trying to flip that in there, but you’re not gonna get that past me, pal.”</p> <p>Henderson said Sandilands may have been “paranoid”, while he agreed he “misread” the situation.</p> <p>“So this whole time, I should’ve maybe asked,” he told Connick Jr, who replied: “I love my wife and kids, and I’ve been very lucky in may career. Life is too short for any kind of … I just love life. So when you say I don’t like you, I’m not sure where that comes from, but for the record, I do like you very much and so everything is cool from my end.”</p> <p>While he accepted the explanation, Sandilands also remained slightly sceptical because Connick Jr “is a very good actor” after all, he said.</p> <p>“But Kyle the thing about actors is we don’t lie – we tell the truth,” replied Connick Jr.</p> <p>“You gotta tell the truth in the scene because, if you’re lying, you’re not being true to your character.”</p> <p>Sandilands then urged listeners to forget “everything I’ve ever said about Harry”.</p> <p><em>Image credits: KIIS FM / Getty Images</em></p>

TV

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"Come forward": Young girl's message to driver who ran her over

<p>Perth student Alexis Lloyd has shared a message to the person who ran her over, leaving her with serious injuries. </p> <p>The 12-year-old was hit by a car at a pedestrian crossing outside Willetton Senior High School last Tuesday, with the driver speeding away from the scene. </p> <p>Alexis will spend at least six weeks in a wheelchair after suffering a broken leg and collarbone in the hit-and-run incident, as she has pleaded with the driver to make themselves known to police. </p> <p>“I just wanted to say you should come forward and not keep hiding because the police are going to find you eventually,” Alexis told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/perth/perth-student-alexis-lloyd-delivers-message-to-driver-who-ran-her-down-outside-willetton-senior-high-school-c-11165198" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>7News</em></a>.</p> <p>The Year 7 student said the incident “happened really fast”.</p> <p>“I just remember the lollipop man blowing the whistle, and then I walked out, and then the car just kinda came,” she said.</p> <p>“Next thing I knew, I was just laying on the floor.”</p> <p>Alexis spent five nights in the Perth Children's Hospital before being discharged on Sunday to continue her long recovery at home. </p> <p>Almost a week on and police are still working to track down the white Suzuki Baleno that struck Alexis, which is proving to be difficult as police do not have a registration plate to work with.</p> <p>Alexis’s mum Tory Carter previously shared her frustration that the driver had not made contact with police.</p> <p>“It’s hard to fathom that someone would collide with a child and not stop,” she said last week.</p> <p>“I understand sometimes people might panic in the moment but it’s a bit disheartening that it’s been almost three days and nobody’s come forward.”</p> <p>Anyone who saw the crash on Tuesday June 27th at around 8:30am, or has any information about the incident, should contact Crime Stoppers.</p> <p><em>Image credits: 7News</em></p>

Legal

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Kyle and Harry’s feud moves to the live stage

<p>Kyle Sandilands and Harry Connick Jr have traded ‘respectful’ slights while offering feedback to one young contestant during live shows for <em>Australian Idol</em>. </p> <p>The pair were unable to see eye-to-eye on how one singer should approach her next performance, after having taken the judging table by surprise with her position in the bottom four, and made no secret of their differing industry opinions. </p> <p>“You could really throw a curveball,” Harry, who is halfway towards an EGOT [an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award winner], suggested to her. “And do something completely unproduced, completely stripped down, just bare.” </p> <p>Kyle interrupted with a series of disagreeing noises, prompting Harry to ask, “you disagree?” </p> <p>“No, that would stress– I love your musical knowledge, but the contest side panics me,” Kyle said, “I love what you’re saying to her, because as an artist that’s valuable. But in the contest - right at the end, ‘oh, let’s do something different’.” </p> <p>“No, but there’s the thing,” Harry said, addressing the young singer on stage, “I’m telling you as objectively as I can, that’s what I would do. Because we’ve already seen this, every single week it’s like a ten, ten, ten, ten, ten.”</p> <p>After fumbling over his words, Harry then stated “no, actually, I’m talking to Kyle. If Kyle understands.” </p> <p>“This is what I understand,” Kyle shot back. “You show up in a Ferrari not a Datsun with some mag wheels on it.”</p> <p>Immediately, Harry responded to tell everyone “therein lies the difference. I understand what Kyle says but I don’t think - respectfully - you understand what I’m saying.” </p> <p>Kyle went on to try and convince the contestants that their best plan of attack would be not to try and impress Harry, but instead to consider the people watching the competition. </p> <p>“This is a place where you sing to win,” he stated. “You win the record deal, then you go and you do your ‘airy fairy artist party stuff’.” </p> <p>The 51-year-old radio host had previously opened up to <em>Daily Mail Australia </em>about their relationship, telling them, “it's not bulls***. There's no drama really. It's like, you know when someone just doesn't like you, you can tell?”</p> <p>He went on to admit that while he doesn’t hate Harry, the two don’t spend a lot of time with each other. He noted that he doesn’t believe there’s any real rivalry or drama, instead suggesting that the two are just too busy, but seemed to acknowledge the tension between them when he added, “maybe it's because he doesn't run around and praise me, which I don't expect him to. </p> <p>“Like, it's tongue in cheek, but he's at one end and I'm at the other.”</p> <p><em>Images: Australian Idol / Seven</em></p>

TV

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“I'm never speaking to him again": Kyle's feud with Harry Connick Jnr leaps to another level

<p>Kyle Sandilands is in for a bout of silent treatment with his co-star Harry Connick Jr after a prank drew a far from desirable response from the exasperated American. </p> <p>The pair, who star as judges on 2023’s season of <em>Australian Idol</em>, had been unsure about each other from the beginning. </p> <p>On <em>KIIS FM </em>with Will and Woody, Kyle confessed that “I don’t think he gelled with me. If someone doesn’t like you, and you feel it, you just don’t like them automatically.”</p> <p>With tensions already between them, Kyle recalled a critical phone call that led to the pair ceasing communication off the set, “I just thought ‘what a flop’ and hung up. That was it. Friendship over.”</p> <p>On set, however, their situation wasn’t much better, and things boiled over when one of Kyle’s <em>KIIS FM </em>colleagues decided to play a little prank on the judges. </p> <p>The 51-year-old radio presenter saw 'Intern' Pete Deppeler from <em>KIIS FM </em>swing by the set for an audition that was doomed from the start. </p> <p>Pete, who entered in disguise with big glasses and a face mask, informed the judges that he would be performing a song titled ‘Big D**k Energy’. He went on to perform a unique rendition of Harry Styles’ hit ‘Watermelon Sugar’. </p> <p>Kyle claimed not to have any idea what was going on when the big reveal came, while Kyle’s fellow judges Amy Shark and Meghan Trainor were thoroughly entertained by the stunt, the same could not be said for Harry Connick Jr who opted to leave the set. </p> <p>As one fan put it, “obviously Harry had a tantrum and didn't want to be in on this. He seems so like he can't wait for the whole thing to be over.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CoVvj65sPaV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CoVvj65sPaV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Kyle and Jackie O (@kyleandjackieo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Discussing the prank on <em>The Kyle and Jackie O Show</em>, Kyle shared his belief that Harry is a “serious man and not into jokes” and that was why he had grown frustrated enough to storm off. </p> <p>“Harry stood up and said, ‘oh my God, we're better than this’,” Kyle said, “and walked off the set.”</p> <p>Kyle’s co-host, Jackie, had some intel of her own to share, mentioning that she’d heard a rumour Harry had asked for all footage of him responding to the prank to be “destroyed”. </p> <p>Kyle, who was at his wit’s end with Harry’s more serious attitude towards life, concluded that their friendship was over, declaring, “I'm never speaking to him again. I'm not saying a word to him on the show, I'm not even acknowledging his existence.” </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram </em></p>

TV

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Is Kyle too cruel even for Australian Idol?

<p>Kyle Sandilands, known across Australia for his controversial no-filter commentary, has once again caused a stir with his take on one<em> Australian Idol </em>contestant’s audition. </p> <p>Kyle, the only original cast member to return for the show’s reboot, was joined by Meghan Trainor, Harry Connick Jr, and fellow Australian Amy Shark.</p> <p>Ali Morriss, a 27-year-old aged care worker from Brisbane, kicked off her audition with an unusual technique - handing out copies of her young adult novel Outside to the judges. The book is published under the pen name RA Bissmire.</p> <p>Kyle’s inappropriate remark came after Ali informed the judges which song she’d be performing for her audition, <em>Untouched</em> by The Veronicas. </p> <p>“Is it because you are untouched?” Sandilands asked. </p> <p>Ali replied, “I don’t know if I can answer that.” </p> <p>Kyle’s comment, which had nothing to do with Ali’s singing ability and everything to do with his “shock jock” approach to commentary, drew varied reactions from his fellow judges. </p> <p>“Oh my god,” Meghan Trainor exclaimed, waving a hand in Kyle’s direction from her position next to him on the panel, “oh my god. It’s a family show.”</p> <p>Amy Shark managed an uncomfortable laugh, leaning away. </p> <p>Meanwhile, Harry Connick Jr did not dignify Kyle’s jab with a response, keeping his gaze down and locked on Ali’s gifted book. </p> <p>Ali’s situation wasn’t set to improve, with her rendition of <em>Untouched</em> falling short of what the judges were searching for. </p> <p>“This is a hardcore singing show,” Harry Connick Jr told her in a bid to soften the rejection, “and as lovely as you are, you’re just not ready for that.”</p> <p>Amy Shark agreed with Harry’s take, telling Ali that she’d selected a difficult song in the first place, even adding, “I feel like it’s a song only the Veronicas can crush.”</p> <p>It was then that Kyle chose to follow up on his initial approach to Ali’s audition, holding her book up as he told her, “I think you should go outside.” </p> <p>Kyle’s attitude has left a bad taste in the mouths of many viewers, especially given the show’s approach to “respecting” their talents this season. </p> <p>In a pinned tweet from January 30, producers invited the audience to join them for a “respectful season”. It appears Sandilands missed the invitation. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here's your golden ticket to a respectful season of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AustralianIdol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AustralianIdol</a> 💙 <a href="https://t.co/t1R2gZk0XO">pic.twitter.com/t1R2gZk0XO</a></p> <p>— Australian Idol (@AustralianIdol) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianIdol/status/1619954465641234432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>People were quick to share their take on that, given Kyle’s presence on the panel, and the fact that <em>Australian Idol </em>was choosing to broadcast the less-than-ideal auditions in the first place. </p> <p>“Lol lol lol lol lol,” began former journalist and reporter Mark Kearney, “says the show that’s platforming serial misogynist Kyle Sandilands?”</p> <p>“So why put them up for public ridicule?” asked one fan. </p> <p>“Except the judges are reacting and comment some terrible stuff,” wrote another, “and being straight up rude- it’s not even funny.”</p> <p>One commenter took the opportunity to point out the show’s hypocrisy, posing the question to the <em>Australian Idol</em> account, “aren’t you using people as a platform knowing they are terrible?”</p> <p>It appears that <em>Australian Idol </em>is shaping up to be a bumpy ride, with some noting that it hasn't changed in the 14 years since its previous seasons, surmising that it’s “back to its old ways of humiliating young people.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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"Where is the diversity?": Australian Idol judging panel hits first major snag

<p dir="ltr"><em>Australian Idol </em>is yet to hit the screens but it’s already facing a major problem with its lack of diversity.</p> <p dir="ltr">Radio shock jock <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/he-s-a-real-crooner-kyle-reveals-judging-line-up-for-return-of-australian-idol" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kyle Sandilands announced</a> that he will be joined by US singers Meghan Trainor and Harry Connick Jr and Australian pop star Amy Shark as judges on the talent show.</p> <p dir="ltr">The show’s social media accounts also shared the news but many people asked about the lack of diversity with the judges.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Where is the diversity?” queried former ABC News reporter Mark Kearney.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The OG Australian Idol had at the heart of its panel Marcia Hines. This one has … a foul shock jock with a history of racism, misogyny and homophobia? Yucky.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Co-founder of Media Diversity AU Antoinette Lattouf sarcastically said there was a bit of diversity because one of the judges has a hyphen in their name.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CjBmkvnhDq_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CjBmkvnhDq_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Australian Idol (@australianidol)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“This is an epic and exciting opportunity to get judged by six white people. (To be fair there is some diversity, one has a hyphen in their name.)” she tweeted.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Not sure why anyone is surprised about the Australian Idol judging panel - the other talent shows on our screens are just as bad. If they want diversity they always just have Mel B on,” someone else commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I LoVe tHiS rEpReSenTatiOn oF oUr MuLtiCuLtuRaL cOunTrY,” another wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Australian Idol</em> first hit the screen 10 years ago and will come back on Channel 7 in 2023.</p> <p dir="ltr">“(We) start filming the auditions next week. It’ll be me. The other Australian I’ve chosen, Amy Shark will be the other Australian. She’s excellent. She’s a nice girl but she’s been busy, she writes songs, she works hard, she’ll be fabulous,” Sandilands said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Meghan Trainor … and from American Idol … Harry Connick Jr. Yes grannies, get your panties wet now. Harry Connick Jr. is on Australian Idol. He’s a real crooner.”</p> <p dir="ltr">It will take back its old format in which contestants from around Australia will audition before a top 12 is chosen for live shows.</p> <p dir="ltr">Past seasons have come out with incredible stars including Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy and Casey Donovan.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Mid-flight singalong strikes the wrong chord

<p dir="ltr">A man who sang a Christian worship song while strumming his guitar on board a plane has gone viral for all the wrong reasons. </p> <p dir="ltr">Jonathan Neo was on an easyJet flight when he started to sing to his fellow passengers mid-flight.</p> <p dir="ltr">Footage of the singing was shared online by the pastor of the group Jack Jensz Jr who captioned it: “Worshipping our King Jesus 30,000 feet in the air!”</p> <p dir="ltr">The video, which received a whopping 31 million views in just two days, showed a few of the passengers singing along with Jonathan while others looked on angrily. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CcIbSzRD7dm/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CcIbSzRD7dm/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jack Jensz Jr. (@jackjenszjr_)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Many people in the comments section slammed the group for inconveniencing passengers and for their lack of respect.</p> <p dir="ltr">“No self awareness here at all. I'll be praying for you guys to actually learn some,” one wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I would rather go to Jesus right NOW than endure that nightmare of a flight,” another commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Do you feel good about holding people hostage? Did Jesus say to force feed His word against people's will? Disgraceful,” another person wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“What a self-righteous, presumptuous, and annoying thing to inflict on a plane full of strangers,” someone else commented.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Thomas Markle Jr pens apology letter to sister Meghan

<p dir="ltr">Thomas Markle Jr opened up about his relationship with estranged half-sister Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, on Big Brother VIP on Monday night, with the support of fellow housemate and former<span> </span><em>Survivor<span> </span></em>favourite Luke Toki.</p> <p dir="ltr">On Monday night’s episode, Toki, who’s been developing a friendship with Markle, was called into the diary room and asked to read the infamous letter Markle wrote to Prince Harry. In the letter, Markle urged Harry to reconsider his marriage, and called the pair’s marriage “the biggest mistake in royal wedding history”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Toki was asked for his thoughts on the letter, and he was incredibly supportive of his newfound friend, saying, “He’s so upset, he’s seen his sister being given so many opportunities. Some people like to climb the corporate ladder and not look back. I understand - there are two sides to every tale.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But from everything I know - I like Tom, and I think he loves his sister. As brothers and sisters we give each other s**t and we fight and get back together. At the end of the day family is family.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Tom really wants to reconnect with his sister - he loves his sister,” Toki said while tearing up and adding, “I’m actually getting quite emotional over this - sorry.” Asked by Big Brother if this struck a chord with him, Toki replied, “A little bit… A little bit… I haven’t spoken to my sister for the last two or three years, I just started speaking to her again.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Family is family and deep down the love is always going to be there, it doesn’t matter what happens.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Toki was then asked to convince Markle to write an apology to Meghan, which Markle agreed to do. Asked what it was like growing up with Meghan, Markle said, “It was fun. There was a whole lot of love growing up. Her first nickname as a child was ‘flower' because her bedroom she had these decorative flowers over her crib, so when she woke up that’s the first thing she would see.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“She’s my sister and she’s my blood and I love the hell out of her.”</p> <p dir="ltr">After taking some time to write the letter, Markle read it aloud. He had written, ”Dear Meghan and Harry, the first thing I want to say to you two is that I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart for the awful, mean letter I wrote to you prior to your wedding.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I want both of you to know that it didn’t come from the real person I am, but came from the very dark, hurt part of my heart. I am not a mean person at all and I have more love inside me to give than anyone I know.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The letter was definitely written from my feeling hurt and confused from your response that I was ‘distant family’ and that you ‘didn’t know those people’. I was hurt and confused because of the amazing bond and relationship we shared growing up together, and all I could do was put up a defensive wall to protect my heart.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I know that the letter was immature and wrong and I truly regret it. When your relationship with Harry first became known to the public, I - along with all of our family - became public figures overnight - no more privacy.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Let me tell you, It was very, very stressful to deal with it all alone with no help at all. A real nightmare and constant pressure, and I if I could turn back the clock and do it all over knowing what I know now. I would never have tried to communicate any of my feeling to the media. I feel like a complete ass after what I’ve done and I am truly sorry for that.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Meg, if I could turn the clock back, I would tell you that I'm so, so proud of you and I'm truly happy for you and Harry and I love you. You’re my little sister, my family, and you always will be. Now you’ve found the love of your life and started a family of your own, I couldn’t be more proud.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The last several years of my life I have grown and learned more about myself, and I must say what I did to you with that letter is quite possibly the biggest mistake of my life. I hope you and Harry can find it in your hearts to accept my sincere apology because this is the real Tom Markle. I truly love you guys. I wish you, Harry and Meghan, and Archie and Lili the happiest most loving life possible. Sincerely, your big brother, Tom.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Following the exercise, Markle said it felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, and that he felt indebted to Big Brother, who confirmed he would be sending the letter to the couple.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve grown exponentially since my stay here,” Markle added.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images</em></p>

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Thomas Markle Jr spills secrets on Big Brother

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Appearing on </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Big Brother VIP</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in the UK, Thomas Markle Jr has begun to share intimate details about his half-sister Meghan. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He claims that since marrying into the Royal Family in 2018, Meghan treats her family as if “she’s embarrassed of where she comes from”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thomas said he was once close to his sister, but the last time he saw her was at their grandmother’s funeral in 2011. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“She took off after that anyway and went to Canada... What happened to her? Nobody can figure it out,” Thomas said of his half-sister.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Money changed her I guess. Money and fame just went to her head really bad.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thomas also went on to discuss Meghan’s first marriage to American film producer Trevor Engelson, who she was married to between 2011 and 2013. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to their divorice papers, the pair split due to “irreconcilable differences”, as Trevor described the way Meghan handled the divorce as “cold”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The thing that gets to me is the guy that she was married to the first time, Trevor. This guy just took care of her like, man she was adored by him and she just walked all over him and dumped him, that fast... after being married,” Thomas told his fellow </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Big Brother </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">housemates.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Sent the ring back in the mail. Is that cold or what?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“But Harry’s next, Harry’s on the chopping block next,” he told them.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He doesn’t seem like a bad guy,” Bernard Curry told Thomas.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The only difference between now and then is all the photos prior to that he had a smile on his face, all the ones after he doesn’t,” Thomas replied.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Meghan’s family have repeatedly slated her in the media, with her father, Thomas Markle Sr, repeatedly giving </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">incendiary interviews about the royal family. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the 2021 interview with Oprah, Meghan said she has felt “betrayed” by her family’s actions over the years. </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credits: Channel 7 / Getty Images</span></em></p>

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Donald Trump Jr selling T-shirts mocking Alec Baldwin shooting

<p><em>Image: Getty</em></p> <p>Donald Trump Jr is using Alec Baldwin’s recent tragedy to mock the actor who skewered his father on<span> </span><em>Saturday Night Live</em>.</p> <p>Selling for $US27.99 is a T-shirt that reads “Guns Don’t Kill People, Alec Baldwin Kills People” on a merchandise site linked to the former US President’s son.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845083/new-project-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/0d810f5a26ac459a9c7d1b2e645fc2b4" /></p> <p><em>Image: Shopdonjr</em></p> <p>This was of course in reference to last week’s incident during which cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was hit by discharge from a prop gun while working on the set of Baldwin’s new film<span> </span><em>Rust</em>.</p> <p>Baldwin, the film’s star, was handling the weapon from which the fatal shot was fired. The movie’s director was injured too.</p> <p>Trump Jr’s merchandise platform also sells shirts that read “My God, My Family, My Guns &amp; My Freedom.”</p> <p>The 43-year-old is a vocal gun advocate who frequently poses with firearms and posts photos of animals he’s killed. Last year, he hosted an Alaskan hunting trip to raise money for Safari Club International.</p> <p>Other right-wing pundits also teed up on the Baldwin hunt after Hutchin’s death. Commentator Candace Owens accused Baldwin of the “murder” of “innocent people”, which she later corrected.</p> <p>Republican lawmaker Lauren Boebert and Republican Senate Candidate JD Vance took to Twitter to mock Baldwin, with the latter asking that the former president be reinstated on Twitter so he could address his former tormentor.</p> <p>These comments drew fire from his Democratic rival in Ohio, Tim Ryan, who tweeted “Someone died, you a-hole.”</p> <p>Even Fox News host Janice Dean urged Vance to take down his tweet.</p> <p>Baldwin's impression of former president Donald Trump on SNL angered Trump, who questioned the long-running program's legality in a 2018 Twitter rant about "unfair news coverage".</p> <p>Trump and Baldwin feuded on Twitter in March of that year with the 45th president claiming the actor's "dying mediocre career" was revived by his impersonation of the commander in chief. Trump was banned from the platform following the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol.</p> <p>Baldwin tweeted his feelings of "shock and sadness" following Thursday’s shooting and said he was cooperating with investigators. He had reportedly been told the firearms was "cold".</p> <p>According to a new affidavit, Baldwin was training his pistol on a camera when the shot was fired from his gun. Joel Souza, the<em><span> </span>Rust</em><span> </span>director, reportedly claimed Baldwin was rehearsing a "cross draw" at the time of the killing. The filmmaker said he was looking over Hutchins' shoulder and heard "a whip and then loud pop" before the two of them were struck.</p> <p>Hilaria Baldwin, the 63-year-old actor's wife, tweeted her sympathies for Hutchins, her family and her own husband as well.</p> <p>"My heart is with Halyna," she wrote Monday on Instagram.</p>

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“Disbelief and disgust”: Serena Williams' feud deepens

<p><span>Serena Williams' husband has copped a lashing online after he came for a tennis star on Tuesday night.</span><br /><br /><span>Williams' has fought tooth and nail to get into the Australian Open semi-finals with a sensational straight sets win over Simona Halep.</span><br /><br /><span>Alexis Ohanian — who co-founded popular online forum Reddit — took to Twitter to call out Romanian Olympic tennis star, tournament organised and billionaire businessman Ion Tirac.</span><br /><br /><span>After he said Williams' should quit because of her age and weight, Ohanian wrote: “Good thing no one listens to that racist sexist (clown emoji) Ion Tiriac.”</span><br /><br /><span>“This is my wife. I have a platform. I have privilege. If I can use my platform + privilege to make a billionaire even a little uncomfortable about racist + sexist statements he’s made, it’s a win. Bonus is that other people will see it and reflect on it.”</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839938/serena-williams-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d44c55689fda4b37bffd1b7cec59e5b8" /><br /><br /><span>Earlier this year Tiriac said of Williams: “At this age and the weight she is now, she does not move as easily as she did 15 years ago.</span><br /><br /><span>“Serena was a sensational player. If she had a little decency, she would retire.”</span><br /><br /><span>Tiriac has attacked Williams multiple times, including in 2018 when he was asked about her, saying: “With all due respect, 36 years old and 90kg …”</span><br /><br /><span>At the time, the 23-time grand slam champion hit back saying: “It’s an ignorant comment and it’s a sexist comment. Maybe he’s an ignorant man.”</span><br /><br /><span>But Tiriac’s son Alexandru didn’t take kindly to Ohanian’s insult on Tuesday night.</span><br /><br /><span>He took to social media to share an open letter he wrote to the tech guru.</span><br /><br /><span>“To Mrs Williams’ husband, I read your tweet with a mix of disbelief and disgust,” Alexandru wrote.</span><br /><br /><span>“The name Tiriac has a 70-year tradition in the world of sports and the gentleman you are referring to has written a few important chapters that have contributed to the book of tennis along these decades.</span><br /><br /><span>“From the player, to the coach, to the manager, to the tournament promoter, the respected person you are bad wording in these derogatory terms has (been) and still is, at the age of 82, one of the strongest advocates of this sport.</span><br /><br /><span>“The respect he has (Ion Tiriac) for Mrs. Williams is tremendous, as it should be.</span></p> <p><span>Alexandru Tiriac continued by saying: “She is and will remain in history as one of the best 20-25 players who have highly contributed to this sport.</span><br /><br /><span>“She has a personality that has opened many doors for young generations of athletes, in all fields of sports and in all social walks of life. For that, we are very grateful to her.</span><br /><br /><span>“Mr Williams', the only reason I reply to your unnecessary tweet is that words are misused and misinterpreted in today’s world through the various platforms in existence.</span><br /><br /><span>“Free speech should not be wrongly replaced with inappropriate slander.</span><br /><br /><span>“As Mrs Williams’ husband, you can no longer only represent your own views when you talk about sports, but also the voice of an icon.</span><br /><br /><span>“It would be a real shame to cast an erroneous image on her legacy through emotional baseless tweets.”</span></p>

Relationships

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Billionaire launches scathing attack at Serena Williams over her weight

<p>Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian has accused Madrid Open owner Ian Tiriac of being racist and sexist after he told the American athlete to retire.</p> <p>The former Olympic tennis star turned billionaire Tiriac urged the 39-year-old to retire due to her age and weight.</p> <p>“At this age and the weight she is now, she does not move as easily as she did 15 years ago,” Tiriac said on Romanian TV. “Serena was a sensational player. If she had a little decency, she would retire.”</p> <p>This isn't the first time Tiriac has taken aim at Serena's weight.</p> <p>In 2018, when asked about the state of women's tennis, he took aim at the champion by saying: “With all due respect, 36 years old and 90kg …”</p> <p>Serena then responded: “It’s an ignorant comment and it’s a sexist comment. Maybe he’s an ignorant man.”</p> <p>And now, after Tiriac's most recent comments, William's husband and father to their three-year-old daughter Alexis Olympia, has hit back on Twitter.</p> <p>Co-founder of Reddit Ohanian mocked 81-year-old Tiriac.</p> <p>After a quick Google search, Ohanian discovered Tiriac had not won a single Grand Slam single, tweeting: “Safe to say no one gives a damn what Ion Tiriac thinks.”</p> <p>Ohanian added: “Had to Google it … turns out my 3 year old has more Grand Slam victories than this.”</p> <p>He then responded to a fellow Twitter user, who tried to defend Tiriac.</p> <p>Ohanian wrote: “Keep defending your racist, sexist clown.”</p> <p>He later added: “2021 and no holding back when a racist/sexist clown with a platform comes for my family.”</p> <p>Williams needs just one more Grand Slam title to equal Margaret Court’s incredible record.</p> <p>She also boasts 16 Grand Slam doubles titles and four Olympic gold medals.</p> <p>Tiriac, meanwhile, never made it past the fourth-round at a Grand Slam in singles.</p> <p>He did win the 1970 French Open doubles title, however.</p>

Body

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Serena Williams gives rare look into beautiful home

<p><span>Serena Williams has given an update on her daughter Olympia from the comfort of her glamorous walk-in-wardrobe.</span><br /><br /><span>The star revealed she had signed her little girl up for tennis lessons on Thursday in an Instagram video, while perched behind her was her clothing and handbags.</span><br /><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838404/serena-williams-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4a2be5edc8404957b4262881273fa370" /><br /><span>The 39-year-old's items could be seen neatly placed in sectioned compartments, and fans could also see the room's lush wooden flooring.</span><br /><br /><span>As she walked around the stunning space, Serena explained: "I signed Olympia up for tennis lessons. Don't even start with me, because I'm not giving her tennis lessons.</span><br /><br /><span>“I signed her up for some, but the lady has no idea that it's my daughter.</span><br /><br /><span>“So we'll see how that goes. I'm not a pushy mum, but I know how I like techniques. I wanna make sure she's good."</span><br /><br /><span>The stars personalised show space for bag’s was also showing behind her along with a select few pairs of expensive footwear.</span><br /><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838407/serena-williams.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/884ac43e24eb48048271c17b81e88277" /><br /><span>Serena is reportedly living in her stunning mansion that she has owned for over two decades, in Palm Beach, Florida.</span><br /><br /><span>The star is living with her husband Alexis Ohanian and daughter Olympia.</span></p> <p><span><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838406/serena-williams-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/26fcf5e316064b6b9c3ca64b40b9c807" /></span></p>

Real Estate

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Serena Williams’ heartwarming tribute to two-year-old daughter

<p>To celebrate two years since their daughter, Alexis was born, Serena has shared a poignant message to her followers. </p> <p>The tennis star took to instagram to post a snap taken the day she was born, with Alxis Olympia on her chest and her husband looking lovingly at both of them. </p> <p>"The last two years have been my greatest accomplishment,” the photograph was captioned with. </p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B13pSRjnwv0/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B13pSRjnwv0/" target="_blank">The last 2 years have been my greatest accomplishment</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/serenawilliams/" target="_blank"> Serena Williams</a> (@serenawilliams) on Sep 1, 2019 at 5:59am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The image straight away garnered thousands of happy comments from celebrity friends, family and supporters who took turn gushing over the first-time mother’s loving message. </p> <p>"This photo just made me tear up. So beautiful," wrote model Ashley Graham who is currently waiting on the arrival of her first child.</p> <p>"Love you sis," wrote ex-Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, before finishing with, "Ps. Who looks that GORGEOUS after just giving birth!?!"</p> <p>While pop artist Ciara simply wrote: "Proud of you mama. God is so good."</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B133ieNFtE5/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B133ieNFtE5/" target="_blank">A post shared by Alexis Ohanian Sr. (@alexisohanian)</a> on Sep 1, 2019 at 8:03am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Serena’s husband, co-founder of social news site Reddit, Alexis Ohanian, also shared a warm message for his baby girl’s birthday where he wrote:  “How has it already been two years? Happy cake day @olympiaohanian. </p> <p>“Thank you for being the greatest thing we've ever done. And thank you for teaching me that every parent in the US deserves those first months with their newborn. I'm a better business leader because of it.”</p> <p>Ohanian has been championing for the rights of males to receive paid paternity leave since having his first child. </p> <p>Serean and Alexis have previously shared the frightening moments in anticipation of their firstborn’s birth, with the tennis star admitting she “almost died” due to a series of complications.</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see Serena and Alexis' special moments with their daughter over the last two years. </p>

Family & Pets

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“Lowest point of my life”: Meghan Markle’s brother reveals he is homeless

<p>While the Duchess of Sussex celebrates her new bundle of joy alongside her husband, Prince Harry, life is much different for her brother.</p> <p>Thomas Markle Jr has opened up to the media, admitting for the last two months he has been living in a hotel room with his fiancé Darlene and her son and their two dogs.</p> <p>The 52-year-old older sibling to Duchess Meghan claims his life has been on a downward spiral after losing his job, home and being unable to find elsewhere to live.</p> <p>Mr Markle believes his name and the notoriety of his sister in his hometown of Grants Pass in the US has left him with little to no income and no one willing to lease him a house or give him a job.</p> <p>The unemployed Markle Jr admitted to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/uncategorized/9033062/meghan-markles-brother-homeless-lowest-point-life-after-losing-house-job-forced-hotel/" target="_blank"><em>Sun Online</em></a> that his current circumstances have left him at “the lowest point” of his life.</p> <p>“Living in a small hotel room is really taking its toll on Darlene and her son – on all of us," he admitted.</p> <p>“And it’s all because my life suddenly got catapulted into the spotlight – through no fault of my own.</p> <p>“My every move has been put under the microscope – not just for me but all my family.</p> <p>“Now there’s been so much said about me – both true and untrue – no one wants to lease me a house or give me a job.”</p> <p>Mr Markle says his problems began earlier in the year after he fell ill and was unable to continue his work as a glazier. The situation left him with an eviction notice from his landlord. While the pair went to court and both agreed the 52-year-old would leave the property without an eviction, the landlord claimed the half-brother to Duchess Meghan was a “low life” and had trashed the property.</p> <p>“Suddenly every local station was talking about how I was evicted, how I trashed this house,” Thomas Jr explained.</p> <p>“But it was all untrue – I have pictures proving I left the house in a good condition.</p> <p>“I took 55 pictures of every square foot of that house – I left it in good shape.</p> <p>Mr Markle said the false accusations have made it difficult to find another landlord willing to lease him a home.</p> <p>“This has never happened to me before in my life. The problem is I’m known as Thomas Markle, Meghan’s crazy brother now,” he said.</p> <p>Thomas Jr said his relationship with his fiancé Darlene has also taken a huge toll due to living in a small hotel room.</p> <p>“It’s very uncomfortable and expensive – we don’t know how we are going to afford it. We have two dogs and Darlene’s son staying with us a lot of the time, I had to get a big storage unit so we have none of our stuff with us — it’s not a nice way to live.</p> <p>While the family is struggling to make ends meet, Thomas Jr says they are trying to stay positive and hoping that his upcoming celebrity boxing match will help him in his time of need.</p> <p>The 52-year-old signed a deal with Damon Feldman – a boding promoter to fight Henry “Nacho” Laun, who is an actor and close friend of Mark Wahlberg.</p> <p>The event is set to take place next month.</p> <p>“I don’t want to bad mouth Meghan but I think this could have all been handled better at the beginning," Markle Jr said. </p> <p>“She could have helped me deal with all this attention and it’s still in her power to help me now.</p> <p>“I wish her all the best with her new baby but it is hard when I see how much she’s spending on baby showers and things and I’ve got nothing.</p> <p>“The kind of money she spends would set me up for life.”</p>

News

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“The happiest man alive”: Never-before-seen footage of JFK Jr’s secret wedding

<p>Viewers will be able to get a glimpse into the secret wedding of John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette later this year thanks to a new special.</p> <p>The special, which was first announced in 2018, will share footage shot by Kennedy’s friend during his wedding to Bessette in 1996 on Cumberland Island in Georgia.</p> <p>“On an island off of Georgia we came together on this 18th century plantation. In this dirty, dilapidated, shuttered church next to a pig sty,” a friend says in the preview.</p> <p>“No air conditioning, very little power on the island. It was the best place for them to host a secret ceremony.”</p> <p>That same friend then says afterwards: “Nobody would have expected that three years later we’d be at another church for another reason.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">More trailer footage...JFK Jr &amp; Carolyn Bessette: A Camelot Wedding <a href="https://t.co/Nl08voKU7f">pic.twitter.com/Nl08voKU7f</a></p> — Mrs. M ☀️ (@MrsMogul) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrsMogul/status/1128341652773396480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">14 May 2019</a></blockquote> <p>The former first son fell victim to what many call the “Kennedy curse” and faced a tragic death. Speaking to <a rel="noopener" href="https://people.com/" target="_blank"><em>People</em></a> magazine in 2018, John Jr’s former assistant RoseMarie Terenzino said that the former bachelor was kept on his toes as Carolyn didn’t immediately agree to tie the knot.</p> <p>“He went into this thing about how everything’s better with a partner, not just fishing but life,” she said.</p> <p>But despite his determination, Carolyn found the fame that came with being John Jr's partner to be daunting.</p> <p>“She held off the proposal for about three weeks. I think it made him all the more intent on marrying her,” said Terenzino.</p> <p>They eventually married one another in a private ceremony, but the happiness was short-lived as three years later, the pair were killed in a plane crash as they travelled to the same island where John Jr first popped the question.</p> <p>The tragedy occurred on July 16, 1999 as the couple and John Jr’s sister-in-law Lauren were en route to the wedding of his cousin Rory, with John Jr flying the plane.</p> <p>They never made it.</p> <p>It was later revealed that extreme weather conditions caused the plane to crash, claiming all three lives.</p> <p>Their lives were cut short, during a period where the couple were still very much in love.</p> <p>“To say their relationship was on the rocks is just inaccurate,” said Carole Radziwill, the former wife of John Jr’s cousin Anthony Radziwill.</p> <p>“They loved each other – Carolyn was quite the loveable person.</p> <p>“She was clever, she was naughty and she had the balance of being able to be really serious and deep yet funny.”</p> <p>She went on to say: “I still miss her after all these years.”</p>

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