Laura Tingle shares "regret" over racism comments

<p>Laura Tingle has shared her "regret" over her <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/laura-tingle-under-fire-after-declaring-australia-a-racist-country" target="_blank" rel="noopener">comments</a> that Australia is "a racist country", as the ABC Director of News responded to her claims. </p> <p>Tingle caused outrage after she made the claims about Australia being inherently racist during a panel on Sunday as part of the Sydney Writer's Festival. </p> <p>Now, ABC News director Justin Stevens says her comments did not meet the organisation's editorial standards.</p> <p>“Although the remarks were conversational, and not made in her work capacity, the ABC and its employees have unique obligations in the Australian media,’’ he said in a <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/about/media-centre/statements-and-responses/justin-stevens-statement-on-laura-tingle/103909056" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a>. </p> <p>“Today she has explained her remarks in more detail to ensure there is a factual record of the relevant context and detail."</p> <p>“The ABC’s editorial standards serve a vital role. Laura has been reminded of their application at external events as well as in her work and I have counselled her over the remarks."</p> <p>In response to much nation-wide backlash over her comments, Tingle issued a lengthy statement clarifying her remarks and also sharing her "regret". </p> <p>“I did indeed make the observation on Sunday that we are a racist country, in the context of a discussion about the political prospects ahead,’’ Tingle said.</p> <p>“I wasn’t saying every Australian is a racist. But we clearly have an issue with racism. Without even going into the historic record, there is also ample evidence that racism remains a particular problem in our legal and policing systems."</p> <p>“In my commentary at the ABC, and at the Sydney Writers’ Festival, I expressed my concern at the risks involved in Peter Dutton pressing the hot button of housing and linking it to migration for these reasons," she continued. </p> <p>“Political leaders, by their comments, give licence to others to express opinions they may not otherwise express. That does not make them racist, but it has real world implications for many Australians.”</p> <p>She went on to add a statement of "regret", saying, “I regret that when I was making these observations at the Writers’ Festival the nature of the free-flowing panel discussion means they were not surrounded by every quote substantiating them which would have – and had – been included in what I had said earlier on the ABC."</p> <p>“This has created the opportunity for yet another anti-ABC pile-on. This is not helpful to me or to the ABC. Or to the national debate. I am proud of my work as a journalist at the ABC, on all its platforms, and I let that work speak for itself.”</p> <p>ABC News boss Justin Stevens confirmed on Thursday that Tingle had been “counselled over her remarks” and "reminded of their application at external events as well as in her work."</p> <p><em>Image credits: ABC News / DANNY CASEY/EPA-EFE / Shutterstock Editorial </em></p> <p> </p>

Legal

Laura Tingle under fire after declaring Australia "a racist country"

<p>One of the ABC's most senior journalists Laura Tingle has caused outrage after declaring Australia is "a racist country". </p> <p>The political reporter made the claims while speaking on a panel at the Sydney Writer's Festival on Sunday at an event hosted by former ABC TV <em>Insiders</em> host and Labor staffer Barrie Cassidy. </p> <p>Her comments were in response to the Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's pledge to slash permanent migration to just 140,000 a year, as well as the ABC's coverage of the war in Gaza. </p> <div> <div>“We are a racist country, let’s face it," she said. We always have been, and it’s very depressing.”</div> </div> <p>“The Opposition Leader has opened the doors to migrants being blamed not just for housing shortages but for all these other problems, too,” she added.</p> <p>On Sunday, Tingle said that after listening to Dutton's pledge, she “had this sudden flash of people turning up to try and rent a property or at an auction and they look a bit different – whatever you define different as – [and] that basically (Dutton) has given them licence to be abused, and in any circumstance where people feel like they’re missing out”.</p> <p>Her comments have prompted outrage among senators, with Indigenous Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price saying she is "really disappointed" by Tingle's comments.</p> <p>“This continued narrative … is being pushed within our country that does not provide any sense of pride for our children,” she said.</p> <p>“It absolutely creates division. We had enough of it during the [Indigenous Voice] referendum and leading journalists, well, supposedly leading journalists, like Laura Tingle should know better than to use that sort of rhetoric.”</p> <p>Price said the comments reflected Tingle’s opinion, rather than being a reflection of the whole country, as she also accused Tingle of political bias against Dutton, saying it reflected poorly on the ABC.</p> <p>“Laura has demonstrated her bias and I think [ABC chair] Kim Williams needs to explain why having someone so blatantly partisan sitting in the top political commentator position is acceptable.”</p> <p>Elsewhere, Albanese government minister Tanya Plibersek also took issue with Tingle’s comments.</p> <p>“I think it’s a fantastic multicultural country but we have to protect against incidents of racism which occur in our community as they do in every community,” Plibersek told Seven’s <em>Sunrise</em> on Monday.</p> <p>Following Tingle's comments, ABC board members have had emergency discussions over their colleague, after the Coalition on Monday demanded the public broadcaster explain Tingle’s weekend claims.</p> <p><em>Image credits: LUKAS COCH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Legal

Huge change coming to The Project after mass exodus

<p dir="ltr"><em>The Project</em> is reportedly opting for more youthful hosts following the shock resignation of their top dogs. </p> <p dir="ltr">Carrie Bickmore, Lisa Wilkinson and Peter Helliar all announced they will be leaving the news program within weeks of each other. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Studio 10</em> host Sarah Harris has already been named as Carrie’s replacement but now the network may have new faces for the show. </p> <p dir="ltr">”I did not see this coming. And I'm still trying to wrap my head around it,” Sarah said at the time of the announcement. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It's such an incredible opportunity to step into some pretty huge shoes and be part of The Project's next chapter.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I can't wait to learn more, and have some fun with Waleed and the team. This is one of the biggest jobs in TV, and feels like a once-in-a-lifetime gig.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Bachelor stars Abbie Chatfield and Laura Byrne, and the ABC's Tony Armstrong have all been possible name drops to front Channel Ten’s news program along with remaining host Waleed Aly. </p> <p dir="ltr">A strong possibility of Laura replacing Lisa has seen fans point out her appearance on the show in the previous weeks. </p> <p dir="ltr">She is also constantly sharing similar snaps as to what Carrie does, showing off her outfit. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Lisa, you’re all class and it has been a career highlight. The biggest privilege to sit at your desk,” Laura wrote on her podcast Life Uncut.</p> <p dir="ltr">“As a viewer and lover of the show, you will be so very missed.” </p> <p dir="ltr">Lisa responded: “I absolutely loved doing the show with you. I am so thrilled you are now a part of The Project family.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Watch this space. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: The Project</em></p>

TV

Hillsong founder's daughter rants against media scrutiny

<p>The daughter of Hillsong founder Brian Houston has attacked the media in an online rant, while defending the religious group's party that outraged Australia. </p> <p>Laura Toggs, one of Brian's two children, is a pastor of Hillsong's "youth ministry" along with her husband Peter, and the pair are believed to be the key organisers of the recent youth camp in Newcastle. </p> <p>The event <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/absolutely-double-standards-hillsong-accused-of-breaching-health-order">caused outrage</a> across Australia, as music festivals and concerts were cancelled due to a new public health order, yet the event was allowed to go ahead on a religious basis as attendees were filmed partying maskless. </p> <p>Hillsong Church later apologised for the "<span>perception that we were not playing our part to keep NSW safe ... we sincerely apologise to the community at large."</span></p> <p><span>Despite their apology, Laura Toggs took to Instagram to slam the media in the wake of the controversy against the religious group. </span></p> <p><span>"I have watched the media willingly disregard any fairness for the sake of click-bait and to suit whatever profit they make off their agendas," she wrote.</span></p> <p><span>She labelled the media coverage of the event as "disgusting", "horrible", "immoral" and "low", and went on to claim the news outlets were "destroying peoples' lives one cheap headline at a time."</span></p> <p><span>While Ms Toggs didn't share any of the "disgusting" news articles that seemingly slated her event, she said it was "heartbreaking to watch people believe the lies".</span></p> <p><span>She went on to tell her followers that if they wanted to fill their minds with these sources, "then go ahead and buy into whatever s*** they spoon feed you."</span></p> <p><span>"But if you want truth to frame your heart and soul and mind, let the Bible be your source of wisdom and truth and guidance."</span></p> <p><span>After sharing a video that addressed the camp party, she told followers she was "mad".</span></p> <p><span>"I'm mad at the media reports that made our youth camps not only a national disgrace but an international news story."</span></p> <p><span>Laura continued on her rant by claiming the government has changed the rules on the organisation due to "media pressure", and not because of rising Omicron cases. </span></p> <p><span>"There is a clear agenda to drag Hillsong through the mud and to destroy our name," Ms Toggs claimed.</span></p> <p><span>After the public backlash of the event, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said Hillsong would escape a fine for the camp part, but said the organisers should face the consequences of flouting Covid restrictions. </span></p> <p><span>Laura ended her rant by urging her followers to "turn off the news, turn to the Word of God".</span></p> <p><span>As news of the event broke, Mr Perrottet said that he understood why the camp party angered so many Australians.</span></p> <p class="mol-para-with-font">"I echoed the frustration and anger other people right across the state felt," he said.</p> <p class="mol-para-with-font">"Even if technically it was within the rules, it certainly wasn't in the spirit of the rules. If we have to tighten loopholes, we will."</p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"><em>Image credits: Instagram @lauratoggs @hillsong</em></p>

News

Simon Baker’s ex speaks for first time since split

<p dir="ltr">Simon Baker’s ex-girlfriend, Laura May Gibbs, fashion designer and founder of the Australian label Nagnata, has spoken publicly for the first time since Baker’s representatives confirmed the<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/simon-baker-quietly-splits-from-model-girlfriend" target="_blank">couple had split</a><span> </span>last week.</p> <p dir="ltr">There were rumours that Baker had decided to end things after Gibbs attended an anti-vaccine protest on November 7. In a video from the event that she uploaded to Instagram, a crowd can be seen dancing to ‘Power to the People’, while some hold signs with anti-vax messages and others hold Australian flags.</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/tv/CV-D5MMDtdr/?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> <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/tv/CV-D5MMDtdr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by LAURA MAY (@lauramay_)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Gibbs wrote a lengthy post explaining her justification for attending the protest, opposing vaccine mandates more generally, and seeking to quash the rumours that her anti-vax beliefs were the reason for the breakup.</p> <p dir="ltr">Gibbs wrote, “Last weekend, the Northern Rivers community gathered peacefully alongside the local police and around 10,000 others, including nurses, teachers and first responders who are being subject to unreasonable mandates, currently in place in NSW. There was a march, followed by speeches and conversation, music and hope from people across all walks of life coming together to question - what is happening in our beautiful Country?</p> <p dir="ltr">I care about these people. I care about my staff and community, without division or prejudice. Regardless of our differences we are moving through this time together. The decisions being made by those in power effect all of us, including our children and their future freedoms. I have always been here, standing up for Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Choice, despite the politics of the time or what is considered appropriately ‘trendy’.</p> <p dir="ltr">So, to the gossip columnists, who have slandered my name across their platforms and used a false narrative around the relationship I’ve been in this year - it’s simply not true. And to the tabloid media I want to say - try harder. Stop using lies and sloppy journalism to make an example out of me. I never discuss my private life, but I will say this - the friendship and respect I share with this person runs too deep for the media’s noise to have any true impact in our lives.</p> <p dir="ltr">Instead, while we’re here, let’s start talking about the REAL issues facing our country - the mental health crisis, the housing crisis and the very real health crisis. This is not just about me, or my “rights”, this is about Freedom for all. Our freedom is not something that the government gives or takes away. It is our right from the moment we are born. So I won’t apologise for voicing my concerns, when I see so many struggling, losing their livelihoods and being silenced, shamed and ridiculed for wanting to ask questions.</p> <p dir="ltr">Activism is important to me, I’ve attended numerous environmental rallies and Indigenous rights protests, and taken action in all of these areas. If the media is going to cover issues I make a stand on, then report the full scope of the matter - and while you’re at it, lead with my name.”</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/CWSNMJ4PBta/?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> <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/CWSNMJ4PBta/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by LAURA MAY (@lauramay_)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Gibbs and her brand previously made headlines for their decision to<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CU1hl96lZTl/" target="_blank">close their Byron Bay store</a><span> </span>rather than require customers to wear masks and check in using QR codes, per the NSW government’s rules for retailers after NSW’s lockdown lifted last month.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

Simon Baker quietly splits from model girlfriend

<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Mentalist </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">star Simon Baker has </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://celebrity.nine.com.au/latest/simon-baker-girlfriend-laura-may-gibbs-breakup/eb897d82-0729-487f-8945-e517868ac3ba" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">reportedly</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> ended his relationship with girlfriend Laura May Gibbs.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The news was confirmed by a representative of the Aussie actor, who told </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Daily Mail</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that the pair went their separate ways a couple months ago.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though the rep didn’t want to reveal the reason behind the breakup, they noted that it was not because of Gibb’s anti-vaxxer stance.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 36-year-old fashion designer made headlines last month after her brand Nagnata announced that its Bryon Bay store would only reopen once both vaccinated and unvaccinated customers would be allowed to enter retail venues.</span></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/CUv4my_vZGg/?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> <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/CUv4my_vZGg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by NAGNATA (@nagnata_)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a follow-up post on the store’s Instagram page, Gibbs addressed the “hate” that had been directed at the page and stated that “the majority of our Nagnata team are fully vaccinated”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The decision to close was in no way to support an ‘anti-vax’ mentality, as that is not where we stand as a team,” the caption read, accompanied by a photo of Gibbs and her sister and co-founder Hannah Gibbs.</span></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/CU1hl96lZTl/?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> <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/CU1hl96lZTl/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by NAGNATA (@nagnata_)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gibbs was also recently spotted at a protest against mandatory vaccinations and vaccine passports held by ‘Reclaim the Line’.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 52-year-old actor was last seen with Gibbs in August, after they were initially seen together earlier this year in Byron Bay.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The sighting came two months after Baker separated from his wife of 23 years, Australian actress Rebecca Rigg.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rigg and Baker were together for 29 years and said they remained “close friends” in a joint statement at the time.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Images: @snappytoes / Instagram, @lauramay_ / Instagram</span></em></p>

Relationships

"Sick and violated": MasterChef star Laura Sharrad's disturbing messages

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>MasterChef star Laura Sharrad has called out a message sent via Instagram, saying that it left her feeling "sick and violated".</p> <p>She didn't share the contents of the message with her Instagram followers but explained she was "not okay" after reading it.</p> <p>“Today I opened a really disturbing message sent to me on Instagram,” the 25-year-old wrote on her Instagram Stories.</p> <p>“It was something no woman should ever have to read. I feel so sick. I feel violated. I feel unsafe. I feel disgusted. I feel a lot of things. All of them bad things. Simply, it’s not okay.</p> <p>“I thought about posting this all afternoon as I rarely share things about how I’m actually feeling. This is meant to be a happy place. Today I am not okay.”</p> <p>Sharrad appeared on MasterChef in Season 6 before returning in last year's<span> </span><em>Back To Win</em><span> </span>series, where viewers criticised her for her "bad attitude".</p> <p>Other viewers suggested she received favourable treatment as she previously used to work with judge Jock Zonfrillo.</p> <p>Her fellow contestants, Brendan Pang and Khanh Ong, defended her when claims came out.</p> <p>“She’s a really close friend of mine and I was really surprised by how much backlash she got because I think it’s unfair," Ong said to<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nowtolove.com.au/reality-tv/masterchef/masterchef-khanh-ong-defends-laura-sharrad-64262" target="_blank"><em>Now To Love</em></a>.</p> <p>“Social media seems to jump on a beautiful woman and I think that’s what it is. They found her and instead of attacking her because they just don’t like that she’s on TV again, they’re attacking her for pasta. That’s not the reason that you’re angry, I honestly think that. It happened to Chloe (Carroll) in my year and I think it’s so unfair.”</p> </div> </div> </div>

TV

Hot car death could have easily been prevented

<p><span>A father is reeling from the loss of his daughter after 3-year-old Rylee Rose Black was found in the backseat of a boiling car in Queensland.</span><br /><br /><span>The toddler, who was the younger of four girls, was found unconscious inside her mother’s car on Friday afternoon after she was allegedly left locked inside of the hot vehicle.</span><br /><br /><span>Temperatures on the day soared to 33C, but experts claim it could have been as hot as 70C inside the locked vehicle.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838967/hot-car-queen-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a8a97249724b4faeb33b3a0e2a6c3d7f" /><br /><br /><span>Rylee’s mother, Laura Peverill, 37, and her boyfriend, Aaron Hill, took the toddler to Townsville University Hospital, but her life could not be saved.</span><br /><br /><span>A fundraiser has been created to support Rylee’s biological “loving, devoted and devastated” father and her three older sisters.</span><br /><br /><span>“Dear little Rylee Rose grew her angel wings on Friday 27th November, 2020,” the GoFundMe reads.</span><br /><br /><span>“No one should experience a loss like this.</span><br /><br /><span>“We are seeking your support to help this loving family get through this tragic time. Heartfelt thanks for your donation and words of comfort at this time.”</span><br /><br /><span>With charges now being laid against Peverill and Hill, Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Miles said that the horrific tragedy could have easily been prevented.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838966/hot-car-queen-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/46c8d4bb9792482d98fe42ecfb822718" /><br /><br /><span>“The charge of manslaughter indicates that there has been negligence on the part of the people responsible for the child’s health and wellbeing,” he told reporters on Saturday.</span><br /><br /><span>The case will next be heard on December 14.</span></p>

News

“Burn it again!” MasterChef winner jokes about runner-up

<p><span>Emilia Jackson was crowned the winner of <em>MasterChef Australia: Back To Win</em> on Monday night.</span><br /><br /><span>On Tuesday, the chef appeared on <em>The Project</em> to reflect on her glorious achievement, and couldn’t help but crack a joke at runner-up Laura Sharrad's expense, who suffered a serious burn on the night.</span><br /><br /><span>“Emilia, we often see injuries in AFL grand finals, NRL grand finals, rarely do we see an injury in the <em>MasterChef</em> grand final,” Peter Helliar said.</span><br /><br /><span>“We had Laura who burnt her hand. When you saw that she burnt her hand, did you think, hang on?”</span><br /><br /><span>Without missing a beat, Emelia comedically responded: “This is what I need! Burn it again!”</span><br /><br /><span>Carrie Bickmore asked 30-year-old who she felt would win when they entered the competition for the first time.</span><br /><br /><span>“100% had Laura picked to win from the start,”she replied, before adding: “I just thought her industry experience is amazing and her talent is just mind-blowing.”</span><br /><br /><span>Emelia took home an eye watering $250,000 cash prize on Monday night and the <em>MasterChef</em> 2020 trophy.</span><br /><br /><span>She says the money will go towards building her cake business.</span><br /><br /><span>The emotional chef embraced runner-up Laura, who came undone by her overly icy gelato dessert, which was accidentally left in an open freezer.</span><br /><br /><span>“I just can't believe it. It's been the most special experience of my life and I owe it all to the three of you,” she said, pointing to judges Melissa Leong, Andy Allen and Jock Zonfrillo.</span><br /><br /><span>She also paid homage to her competitor: “And I owe it to this little lady.</span><br /><br /><span>“Being able to reconnect with Laura after so many years has been just magic for me. She's just incredible. She's just... so amazing.”</span></p>

Food & Wine

MasterChef viewers furious over Laura's win on "The Poh Show"

<p>MasterChef fans have erupted in a fit of rage after last night’s immunity challenge result, claiming Poh Ling Yeow was “robbed” by fellow South Aussie Laura Sharrad.</p> <p>Many viewers called out the judges for favouritism and claimed Laura was handed the win purely because she hadn’t won immunity previously and it made for a good storyline.</p> <p>It was tough competition, with judges Andy Allen, Jock Zonfrillo and Melissa Leong forced to pick between one “faultless” dish (Laura’s), and one extremely creative dish with a surprising result (Poh’s).</p> <p>But those watching at home were not happy with the decision.</p> <p>Given the task to cook with unknown ingredients, it was a random selection of bits and pieces for all three contestants; Callum Hann, Poh Ling Yeow and Laura Sharrad. </p> <p>But it was Poh who ended up with the most bizarre ingredients of all: Octopus, duck, persimmon, tarragon and yuzu.</p> <p>But she pulled through as she served a delightful smoked duck breast with ocotopus and yuzu emulsion and charred persimmon but was trumped by Laura’s tasty-looking brown butter roasted Moreton Bay bugs with Jerusalem artichoke and watercress oil.</p> <p>But while both dishes looked spectacular, viewers accused the judges of overlooking Poh’s creativity to reward Laura the pin simply because it was “her turn to win”.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">They 100% picked Laura because she had never won immunity before. Like I said I would be, I am ANNOYED. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/masterchefau?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#masterchefau</a></p> — judge judgey (@tearobillot) <a href="https://twitter.com/tearobillot/status/1275379475920719872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2020</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MasterChefAU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MasterChefAU</a> Seems like Laura's win was clinched by the fact she has never won before. That is unfair on both her and Poh.</p> — 💧 Anne Smith (@samemniktom) <a href="https://twitter.com/samemniktom/status/1275380134111883265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2020</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Of course they had to give it to Laura 🙄 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MasterChefAU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MasterChefAU</a> "Any other day Poh" - except for the day we decided before you entered the kitchen that we'd gift it to Laura</p> — CoburgGirl (@coburgirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/coburgirl/status/1275379707090010113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2020</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Poh was def robbed of immunity today. Her dish was crazy creative 🙄 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MasterChefAU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MasterChefAU</a></p> — Christina ♡ (@cnguy3nx) <a href="https://twitter.com/cnguy3nx/status/1275380963455807488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>In May, Poh spoke to Fitzy and Wippa, who asked: <span>“How are you feeling with the promotion of yourself on the show, because every week you seem to be in the promo – it’s all focused around you?”</span></p> <p>The contestant responded: “I would love to stay out of it a little bit more but I seem to keep getting myself into trouble.</p> <p>“I know there’s been a few comments about, ‘Oh, it’s The Poh Show,’ but it’s because I keep doing well and then doing badly,” she said. “It means I’m in all the cooks.”</p> <p>Poh, who finished runner-up in the first season of MasterChef back in 2009, has remained one of the show’s most popular contestants, and is a frontrunner for the Back to Win crown. </p>

Food & Wine

MasterChef’s Laura Sharrad hits back at trolls who say she “cooks too much pasta”

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>MasterChef’s Laura Sharrad has responded to criticism from fans that she constantly cooks pasta for her dishes, explaining that it’s her “specialty” to cook different types of pasta.</p> <p>“We've all got our specialties. And I do own a pasta restaurant so it would be weird if I didn't cook pasta on the show,” said Laura, 24, who owns NIDO Bar and Pasta with her husband Max.</p> <p>Laura spoke about how she loves pasta and her cultural heritage as well as fellow contestant Po Ling Yeow needing to “stay out of my lane”.</p> <p>“This is what I do. This is my heritage,” she said during one episode.</p> <p>“Poh's good at everything. When she started cooking pasta, I'm like ‘Damn you, Poh! Stay out of my lane’,” Laura joked. </p> <p>Laura has previously come under fire for cooking pasta, especially during a “mystery box” episode where there were four ingredients to use in the dish. For Laura, they were apples, potatoes, mint and peas, which she used to make gnocchi.</p> <p>She was made fun of on Twitter for this move, with users joking about Laura taking out all of the pasta in supermarkets.</p> <p>“Laura’s the reason there’s not a single bag of pasta left in Coles, it’s the only thing she can cook,” one joked.</p> <p>Another agreed, saying “Three certainties in life. Death, taxes and Laura will cook pasta.”</p> <p>One even joked they could spot Laura’s dish without watching the full episode.</p> <p>“I’ve not watched this episode, but already know that the pasta dish is Laura’s,” they said.</p> </div> </div> </div>

Food & Wine

MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo turns on Laura Sharrad in tense exchange

<p><em>MasterChef<span> </span></em><span>fans have gone wild after a tense exchange between judge Jock Zonfrillo and contestant Laura Sharrad. </span></p> <p><span>On Thursday night’s episode, Jock wasn’t thrilled to hear that Laura was whipping up a roast pumpkin, garlic tortellini with ricotta, brown butter and sage.</span></p> <p><span>And he made his opinion crystal clear when he described Laura’s dish as a “yawnfest”.</span></p> <p><span>He continued: “A pumpkin-filled tortellini, how many times do you go to a restaurant and you are so disappointed by that dish?”</span></p> <p><span>The pasta expert, seemingly fired up by his response, hit back: “Well, the only time I eat it, Jock, is in my restaurant, and I’m not disappointed by it.”</span></p> <p><span>Judge Andy Allen, who was watching the situation unfold, said: “Ooh! No, you didn’t!”</span></p> <p><span>Jock warned her: “It it’s rubbish, I’ll tell you,” to which Laura snapped back: “And I know you will.”</span></p> <p><span>Fans flocked to Twitter to share their reactions, including one who said: “Jock calling Laura's pasta dish a ‘yawn fest’ damn I felt that burn.”</span></p> <p><span>Another said: “I'm here for Laura sassing Jock – who doesn't like pumpkin tortellini?”</span></p> <p><span>“Ooft Laura firing back at Jock is pretty satisfying to watch ngl (not gonna lie),” a fan wrote.</span></p> <p><span>Someone else jokingly suggested: “Get your revenge Laura, put the whole jar of chili oil in.”</span></p> <p><span>Others were taken aback at the quarrel between the two, saying: “Cannot believe Laura and Jock are gonna have a blow up?! WTF!”</span></p> <p><span>But there were some who did not care for their drama, with one writing: “Jock and Laura together are just one big yawn fest.”</span></p>

Food & Wine

​Senior celeb moments that blew us away at the Oscars 2020

<p>As the world tuned in to watched A-listers strut their stuff on the red carpet for the 92nd Academy Awards, there were a number of veterans we have become all too familiar with over the years.</p> <p>As the Hollywood award season was at an all-time high on Monday, we got to see some of Hollywood’s leading actors and actresses cheer on our favourite performances of the year.</p> <p>The Oscars not only revealed some of the best works and performances of the year, but also some gorgeous fashion moments from the over-50’s celebs who prove you can still have the IT factor at any age.</p> <p>Jane Fonda has proven to be a woman of her word after declaring in November of 2019 she would give up shopping and purchasing new items as part of a fight against climate change.</p> <p>It seems she didn’t back down after showing up in a jaw-dropping red sparkling long-sleeved gown by Elie Saab – a frock she pulled out back in 2014 for the Cannes Film Festival as well.</p> <p>The 82-year-old Grace and Frankie star did debut a fresh hair-do however, with a new short grey style to replace her chin-length blond hair.</p> <p>Among Fonda was a number of other veteran actors and actresses who managed to pull out their best looks for the 92nd Academy Awards.</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery to see some of the best senior looks from the Oscars.</p>

Movies

The stars over 50 who stole the red carpet at the Oscars

Movies

Meet Prince William and Prince Harry’s stepsister

<p>The name Laura Lopes mightn’t sound familiar, but this 40-year-old has been a member of the extended royal family for over 10 years. How, you might ask? She’s the daughter of Camilla and stepsister to Princes William and Harry.</p> <p>But after years of (understandably) wanting to avoid the media scrutiny that comes with being related to one of the world’s most powerful families, you’re about to see a bit more of Laura Lopes.</p> <p>Laura is the daughter of Camilla and her ex-husband Andrew Parker-Bowles, who have one other child, a son named Tom whom you might remember as a judge on Family Food Fight last year.</p> <p>A year after her mother married Prince Charles, Laura found her own “prince” in chartered accountant and former model Harry Lopes, whom she married in Wiltshire in 2006. The couple have three children together – a daughter named Eliza and twin boys named Louis and Gus.</p> <p>Chances are Eliza’s face will be familiar to you, as she played a very cute role in the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s 2011 nuptials.</p> <p><img width="497" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7268074/http_2f2fprodstatic9netau2f_2fmedia2f20182f022f082f142f202f180208elizalopes_497x280.jpg" alt="Http _%2F%2Fprod .static 9.net .au %2F_%2Fmedia %2F2018%2F02%2F08%2F14%2F20%2F180208elizalopes" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>The now-10-year-old stole the show as one of Kate’s adorable bridesmaids.</p> <p>Lopes has had a varied career, working as a journalist in 2001 before becoming an art gallery manager a few years later. In 2005, she became the co-founder and director of Eleven Gallery in London.</p> <p>Given that she attended stepbrother Will’s big day, it seems almost certain that she’ll be in attendance at Harry’s wedding too – although there’s no word yet on whether Eliza is set to reprise her adorable role!</p>

Family & Pets

Actor Sam Neill finds love on Twitter

<p>Kiwi actor Sam Neill has found love in a very unconventional way – particularly for a Hollywood star!</p> <p>The <em>Jurassic Park </em>actor has gone public with his relationship with Aussie political reporter Laura Tingle after the pair met through friends late last year. But that wasn’t their first interaction.</p> <p><img width="500" height="500" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7267863/8490134-1x1-700x700_500x500.jpg" alt="8490134-1x 1-700x 700" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>The couple had been flirting via Twitter since last March, when Neill tweeted Tingle claiming he wasn’t allowed into Malcolm Turnbull’s election victory party.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">The night they wouldn't let us into <a href="https://twitter.com/TurnbullMalcolm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TurnbullMalcolm</a>'s victory party.<br />Perhaps the Libs have a thing about beards. <a href="https://twitter.com/latingle?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@latingle</a> <a href="https://t.co/dbAPTP1Yjs">pic.twitter.com/dbAPTP1Yjs</a></p> — Sam Neill (@TwoPaddocks) <a href="https://twitter.com/TwoPaddocks/status/846917737825812480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2017</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Hmm possibly. Evidence suggests they have a thing about talent Sam</p> — Laura Tingle (@latingle) <a href="https://twitter.com/latingle/status/846922695212068864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2017</a></blockquote> <p>The cheeky exchange kicked off months of flirtation. In April, <span>RocKwiz</span>host Julia Zemiro joked about setting the pair up in a remake of <span>Thunderbirds</span>, where Tingle would play Lady Penelope while Neill would play the chauffeur, Parker (the two characters appear together in every episode of the classic TV series but one).</p> <p>“Works for me,” Tingle replied, adding, “As do chauffeurs uniforms”.</p> <p>And two months earlier, Tingle, 56, told Zemiro she “loved” the episode in which she interviewed 70-year-old Neill.</p> <p>Tingle even replied to one of her follower’s tweets after they confessed they were “desperately in love” with Neill, responding, “You’re only human.”</p> <p>A friend of the couple told <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/media-diary/sam-neill-laura-tingle-an-item/news-story/ca4c4387d861a2203e839663170bc880" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Australian</span></strong></em></a> the relationship was already getting “serious”.</p> <p>How sweet! Good luck to these two lovebirds.</p>

Technology

Man’s last letter to wife who died from cancer will break your heart

<p>After losing his brave wife to cancer at the age of just 29, Sam Vickery has written a touching final letter to his “soulmate, lover, best friend and favourite person in the whole world”, Laura, who was first diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2013 after begging her doctors for tests.</p> <p>“It is with a heavy heart that I have to write this,” Sam begins his tribute, shared with <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/my-beautiful-wife-lost-cancer-11860062" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mirror Online</span></strong></a>. </p> <p>“On Sunday the 14th of January 2018 at around 2.10am, my beautiful Laura passed away.</p> <p>“She had entered a hospice on the Wednesday previous, to receive rehab and me to have some respite. Due to Laura’s worsening state and weight loss, she had started to have trouble walking and even completing the simplest of tasks.</p> <p>“I on the other hand was struggling to cope after we received the news that Laura would have to have chemotherapy once again as the cancer had spread to her liver and was quickly multiplying.</p> <p>“About 1.30 am after we had been watching<em> Judge Judy</em> (Laura’s absolute favourite – sad I know) and talking about how me and Betty, our dog, would take care of her when she got home and that I would never let this happen again.</p> <p>“We laughed, we talked about how much we loved each other and that only me and her could be this unlucky as per usual. She said to me, ‘I think I am going to try and sleep, baby.’ Before she went to sleep, I said to her, ‘I want you to know how proud of you I am, how much I love you and how strong you are.’ She turned to me and replied, ‘Always and forever babe, I am going to beat this. Team Vickery.’</p> <p>“With that I chuckled and as always we said to each other, ‘Good night, I love you and I’ll see you in the morning.’ We kissed and I settled in for a long night watching over her.</p> <p>“Unfortunately at 2am, Laura took another turn. Me and the nurse were helping move her up the bed to try and assist her breathing. It was at this moment she started to slip. She grabbed for my hand and I could see the fear in her beautiful eyes. As I tried to speak to her she fell unconscious.</p> <p>“The doctors rushed in and started trying to get her breathing back on track so she could gain consciousness again. Her heartbeat had become extremely irregular and finally, the cancer and her pneumonia had overtaken her poor, weak body.</p> <p>“With that I made the hardest decision I have ever made and asked the doctors not to attempt to revive her. I couldn’t believe this was the moment.</p> <p>“I looked at my Laura, ravaged by disease and the treatment that was supposed to help her and I leant down, kissed her on the forehead and told her it was OK to let go ... Five seconds later, she breathed her last breath.</p> <p>“Her friends and family arrived, and they all took turns saying their goodbyes. After they were done, I returned to the room one last time to pack her things and say my final goodbye.</p> <p>“It was the hardest moment pulling myself away from her. I won’t say what I told her in that final goodbye as it was special to just me and Laura. I will forever hold that and her in my heart.”</p> <p>Rest in peace, Laura.</p> <p>To read the heartbreaking letter in full, <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/my-beautiful-wife-lost-cancer-11860062" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">click here</span></strong></a>.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Sam Vickery.</em></p>

Relationships

Spine-tingling a capella performances

<p>A range of a capella covers of Lady Gaga’s “Till it happens to you” have been posted on YouTube as part of a contest to raise awareness about sexual assault.</p> <p>The performances come as part of the Sing for Survivors Contest, sponsored by the White House’s “It’s On Us” initiative.</p> <p>We’ve handpicked one of the most haunting performances above, but to view some of the other haunting performances you can <a href="http://www.thehuntinggroundfilm.com/singtihty/"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">click here</span></strong></a>.</p> <p>Entries are due by March 15.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/03/couple-give-60-million-lottery-away/"><strong>Couple gives $60 million lottery win away</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/03/find-letter-t-image-puzzle/"><strong>Can you find the letter “T” in this image?</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/03/stunning-images-antarctica-remote-beauty/"><strong>Stunning images of Antarctica’s remote beauty</strong></a></em></span></p>

News