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The Voice 2025 coaches line-up leaked

The Voice Australia appears set to have a major cast shake up, following Guy Sebastian's shock <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/guy-sebastian-drops-bombshell-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener">departure</a> from the show after six years. An insider told Yahoo Lifestyle that current coaches Kate Miller-Heidke and Adam Lambert are also saying goodbye to the show. Channel Seven is said to be in the final stages of locking their new line-up, which includes former fan favourites like Keith Urban. “The line-up that Channel Seven wants is Keith Urban, Jessica Mauboy, Ronan Keating and LeAnn Rimes,” the source told Yahoo Lifestyle. “They’ve all been on the show before and conversations had started a few months back.” Urban last appeared on the singing competition as coach in 2022, and fans were overjoyed when he appeared as a guest earlier this year. "Keith was asked about returning when he recorded a performance for the grand finale and he sounded open to the idea - as long as it works with his wife Nicole Kidman's plans to be back in Australia at the same time," the insider said. The source also said that US singer Rimes is likely to return as well. "In the lead-up to this year’s finale, LeAnn's management kept talking about the next series and what she plans to do differently," they said. “LeAnn was clear about her ambition to return next year and Channel Seven are keen to have her back after her artist won.” Jessica Mauboy, who was coach for the show from 2021 to 2023, left the series this year to focus on her music and go on tour, but Channel Seven are also keen to welcome her back. “There were always plans to bring Jess back at some point and viewers really missed her contribution this season," the insider said. “The conversation about Jess had been on the cards with or without Guy. It seemed the network was already looking at flipping Kate Miller-Heidke, who seemed a little out of place on the show." As for Ronan Keating, who was last seen on the show in 2016, the source said he was keen to appear on the Australian version of the show again. Channel Seven is expected to officially announce the 2025 lineup for The Voice Australia at their upcoming Upfront event this month. “One thing is for sure The Voice Australia will go on without Guy Sebastian and 2025 looks set to have one of the best line-ups without him." Images: Channel Seven

Larry Emdur's post-Logie staff email leaked

Larry Emdur won his first ever Gold Logie on Sunday night following four decades on screen and the Channel 7 co-host has been celebrating since. Not only did he fulfil his promise to get his butt <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/larry-emdur-gets-tattooed-live-on-air" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tattooed live on air</a> on the Morning Show on Monday, a leaked email shows that the celebrations are still in full swing as he reportedly plans to throw a pizza party at the network's office. “Hi everyone, Larry here. My arse is OK, thanks for asking in the lift, in the foyer, in the carpark, in the studio, in the coffee shop,” Emdur began the email reportedly seen by news.com.au. “I know this Logie belongs to you all, it’s been a huge team effort and I know, willingly or unwillingly, most of you were roped into the Logies campaign. “I can only think of one way to thank you all, all at once. PIZZA!!!!! Please leave your lunch at home, I’ve organised a pizza truck. “Even if you voted for Andy Lee, please grab a pizza,” he concluded. Just days before the Logies, Emdur told the publication that he was confident he wouldn't win and vowed to get the nominees<a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/larry-emdur-s-crazy-pledge-ahead-of-logies" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> initials tattooed</a> on his butt live-on air if he did, and that's exactly what he did to the amusement of co-host Kylie Gillies. The tattoo design featured the shape of a Logie trophy with the other nominees’ initials engraved on it: Asher Keddie, Andy Lee, Sonia Kruger, Tony Armstrong, Robert Irwin and Julia Morris. “I love this tattoo. This for me will remind me forever of a beautiful night," he said after getting tattooed. He also took home the Silver Logie for Most Popular Presenter at this year's Logies. Images: Instagram

Wild conspiracy theory emerges over leaked horse cruelty video

The equestrian world continues to reel after <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/leaked-footage-shows-olympic-star-s-horrific-animal-abuse" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a controversial video surfaced</a> showing British dressage star Charlotte Dujardin whipping a horse 24 times, described by critics as "like a circus elephant". However, the timing of the video's release, just days before the Olympics, has led to allegations of sabotage from within the British dressage community. In a statement to members, British Dressage Chief Jason Brautigam condemned Dujardin's actions as "completely unacceptable" but expressed skepticism about the motives behind the leak. "I do find claims that this was done to 'save dressage' somewhat disingenuous, given that it was timed to cause maximum damage to our sport," Brautigam wrote. He urged members to be kind to Dujardin, acknowledging the human element in the controversy. Madeline Hall, a former dressage correspondent for Horse & Hound magazine, echoed Brautigam's sentiments. Speaking to The Daily Mail, Hall remarked, "The timing of this video days before the Olympics smells of sabotage. To me, it is suspect." The video's release has led to significant fallout for Dujardin, including the loss of sponsorships and a tarnished reputation, jeopardising her chance to become Britain's most decorated female Olympian. The identity of the individual who leaked the video remains unknown, though the complainant's lawyer, Stephan Wensing from the Netherlands, has refused to comment on the matter. Wensing's involvement has fuelled speculation, given the historic rivalry between the British and Dutch equestrian teams. The Dutch team, which Dujardin defeated at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, have quickly distanced themselves from the incident. A spokesperson for the Netherlands team stated, "We regret the expulsion of our fellow athlete but also condemn the training method used by Dujardin in the video. This has no place in our equestrian sports, where the welfare of the horse comes first." As the dressage community grapples with the scandal, Brautigam reminded people of the need for a compassionate response. "Charlotte Dujardin has done the right thing by <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/no-excuse-olympic-legend-quits-days-before-paris-games-commence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">accepting responsibility and expressing remorse</a>," he said. "While we do not condone her behaviour, we must remember that there is also a human element to this – and, regardless of what has happened, she still deserves our understanding." Dujardin, who was a favourite for a Damehood if she secured a medal in Paris, now faces an uncertain future in her sport. The dressage community continues to debate the ethical and competitive implications of the video, with calls for increased focus on the welfare of horses and the integrity of the sport. Images: Instagram / Good Morning Britain

Legal

Leaked footage shows Olympic star's horrific animal abuse

The extent of dressage star Charlotte Dujardin's "error of judgement" has been revealed, just hours after she made the snap decision to withdraw from the Olympics just days before its commencement. The British dressage star, who is a three-time gold medallist and the joint most-decorated British female Olympian, withdrew and accepted a provisional six-month ban when coming clean about her acts of <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/no-excuse-olympic-legend-quits-days-before-paris-games-commence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">animal abuse</a> in the lead up to the Paris Games. Just hours after announcing her withdrawal from the equestrian events, a disturbing video of a training session began to circulate, in which she is alleged to have beaten a horse with a long whip 24 times in one minute. The video, first released by Good Morning Britain, was taken four years ago and allegedly showed the 39-year-old mistreating a horse when trying to get the animal to slowly trot during a lesson with a young student. With the trainee rider mounted on the horse, Dujardin can allegedly be seen whipping the horse’s legs repeatedly. The video has outraged many, with hundreds of people taking to social media to voice their shock and horror at the acts. Leading British social commentator David Kurten wrote on X, “The cruel abuse of this horse by Charlotte Dujardin is horrific and a stain on our nation." “Two urgent questions need answers: Did she whip horses regularly? Are dozens or hundreds of other dressage horses regularly whipped and abused by other trainers?” Former editor of Horse and Hound Lucy Higginson also added, “It has profoundly shocked everybody in the equestrian world.” The video was sent anonymously to the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), who made the choice to suspend Dujardin just days before the Paris Olympics are set to begin. “The FEI has officially announced the provisional suspension of British Dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin effective immediately from the date of notification, 23 July 2024,” it said in a statement. “This decision renders her ineligible to participate in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games or any other events under the jurisdiction of the FEI.” “According to the information received, the footage was allegedly taken several years ago during a training session conducted by Ms Dujardin at a private stable,” the organisation said. The governing body said Dujardin had confirmed she was depicted in the video and had acknowledged that her conduct was “inappropriate”. “Charlotte Dujardin requested to be provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the investigations and voluntarily withdrew from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and also confirmed that she will not participate in any competitions pending the outcome of the FEI’s investigation,” it said. “The FEI condemns any conduct contrary to the welfare of horses and has robust rules in place to address such behaviour.” When announcing her withdrawal from the Games, Dujardin said she made an "error of judgement", saying there was "no excuse" for her behaviour. She wrote in a statement on Instagram, “What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils, however there is no excuse. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.” Image credits: Instagram / Good Morning Britain

Legal

Leaked photo of Sydney shark victim sparks urgent probe

The sanctity of patient privacy has come under scrutiny at Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital following the leak of a graphic photograph depicting the treatment of <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/woman-bitten-by-shark-in-sydney-harbour-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shark attack victim Lauren O'Neill</a>. The 29-year-old suffered a serious injury after being attacked by a bull shark near a private wharf in Elizabeth Bay, sparking both a medical and privacy crisis. The photograph in question, which we are not going to publish, shows Ms O'Neill's uncovered leg being attended to by medical staff, and has stirred concerns about the vulnerability of patient privacy in the digital age. St Vincent's Hospital has launched a comprehensive investigation into the breach, expressing deep regret and extending apologies to Ms O'Neill. "St Vincent’s has become aware of photos in the public domain that appear to have been taken in the Emergency Department and are related to those of a patient injury," said hospital spokesperson David Faktor. "We have sincerely apologised for any part St Vincent’s played in the photos being taken." The investigation aims to uncover the identity of the person responsible for taking the photograph and how it ended up in the public domain. Faktor aptly described the incident as a "wake-up call", highlighting the ease with which privacy can be compromised in today's digital landscape. Ms O'Neill, who is on track for a full recovery, expressed her gratitude to the heroic neighbours, emergency services and medical professionals who aided her. However, her appreciation comes amid the distressing breach of her privacy during a vulnerable moment. As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial for St Vincent's Hospital to implement robust protocols and security measures to prevent future breaches and reassure the public of their commitment to patient confidentiality. Images: Instagram

Caring

How household gas leaks affect your home in Adelaide

<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you're an Adelaide local, you'll know the city is as notorious for its hot summers as it is for its icy winters. One common necessity across all seasons is the reliance on gas. Be it for the central heating in winter or that gas oven whipping up a delightful roast, we can't really do without it. However, any discussion about gas and electricity supply here would be incomplete without addressing household gas leaks in Adelaide. <span style="font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Silent Stalker: Gas Leaks <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Often undetected and woefully underestimated, gas leaks can become a real concern if not addressed promptly. The main culprit in residential settings usually boils down to faulty gas appliances. An incorrectly installed gas appliance or ageing unit can develop leaks over time, silently emitting gas into your living space. <span style="font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Signs of a Gas Leak <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, what are the <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://cyberairconditioning.com.au/blog/what-do-gas-leaks-smell-like/"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">indicators of a gas leak</a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">? In the absence of an instinctive warning, we might unknowingly be dealing with a perilous scenario right at our fingertips. Luckily, nature offers us a clear heads-up: our sense of smell. Indeed, that rotten-egg-like aroma you sniff is likely due to the addition of a chemical called Mercaptan to your natural gas supply, which serves as a leak alert. Thus, if your nose detects something unpleasant in the air, it's a credible signal that a gas leak is present. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/12/GasLeaks02.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Apart from the smell, other signs include a higher-than-usual gas bill, dead patches on your lawn, or the persistent sound of a hissing near gas lines. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So what do you do if you suspect a gas leak? Well, common sense and caution are your top mates here. <span style="font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When a Gas Leak Occurs <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Start by making sure you're not creating an ignition source. This means avoiding lighting matches or using a cigarette lighter inside your home. Similarly, don't operate electrical equipment close to the suspected leak area. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ensuring good air circulation is paramount in such situations, so swing open your doors and windows to facilitate the diffusion of the gas. If the odour is overpowering, promptly guide your loved ones and pets to a secure location outdoors. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/12/GasLeaks03.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once you're in a safe position, immediately dial emergency services. And remember, attending to a gas leak isn't a task you just anyone can do. <span style="font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What Happens If a Gas Leak Goes Unnoticed <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A frequently unobserved gas leak can pose significant dangers in your home. While it's crucial to heed the signs, smell gas, and call in professional help, it's also vital to understand what can happen if a gas leak goes unnoticed. As Adelaide homeowners, it's our responsibility to remain well-informed on the consequences of an ignored gas leak and be prepared to take swift action. <span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Health Hazards <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The primary danger of an unnoticed gas leak is its potential health impacts. Being exposed to leaking gas—from devices like stoves, heaters, or your gas water heater—can induce an array of symptoms, including <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/body/6-ways-to-combat-headaches-without-painkillers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">headaches</a>, dizziness, nausea, and weariness. These minor symptoms could potentially worsen to more critical health conditions, such as breathing difficulties, memory impairment, and in severe situations, unconsciousness. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Furthermore, carbon monoxide, an invisible and odourless hazardous gas that occurs from malfunctioning gas or electrical appliances, can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. This condition can display symptoms resembling flu but can escalate to chronic neurological impairment or even prove fatal in the long run. <span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fire or Explosion Risk <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A more immediate danger of an unnoticed gas leak is the potential for a fire or explosion. When the concentration of leaked gas in the air reaches a threshold level, even the smallest spark or open flame can ignite it. This might result from someone lighting a match or a cigarette lighter or inadvertently switching on an electrical device near the gas leak source. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Consequently, the ignited gas can cause a destructive fire or explosion, leading to significant property damage, serious injuries, or fatalities. <span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Environmental Impact <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Say, for example, your outdoor gas metre is damaged or the gas pipes buried in your garden develop leaks. The escaped gas can cause harm to your plants and lawn, creating dead patches of grass, discoloured vegetation, or stunted growth. Furthermore, prolonged leaking of natural gas can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, aggravating the issues of air pollution and climate change. <span style="font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Call in the Experts: Licensed Gas Fitter <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When it comes to gas leaks, it's critical not to mess with things you're not licensed to handle. In Adelaide, turn to a licensed gas fitter for gas leak repairs. Your gas fitter is trained in gas leak detection and repair gas leaks to ensure the safety of your home. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/12/GasLeaks04.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Further, regular inspections and proper installation of gas appliances can prevent gas leaks in the first place. If you've been regularly revamping your home with advanced gas installations and didn't already know this, well, you've been living under a rock, mate. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Proactive steps in your gas supply system, like the installation of carbon monoxide detectors and reviewing your gas metre's location, can help identify potential leaks and prevent dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning, exhibiting your perfect gumption. <span style="font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wrapping Up <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As part of the Adelaide community, it's essential to be aware of the potential hazards that household gas leaks can introduce into our homes. A gas leak can spell disaster, from health risks to damage to our property. Being alert for the signs and knowing when to call in the professionals is our best defence against these leaks. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Secure your home from gas leaks with trusted <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://cyberairconditioning.com.au/locations/sa/air-conditioning-adelaide/"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Air Conditioning Services in Adelaide</a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Remember, it's always better to have a professional tend to leaks or complications with your plumbing gas system, rather than trying to be a hero and tackling it yourself. Prevent gas leaks, save lives, Adelaide! Images: Supplied. This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Cyber Air Conditioning.

Home & Garden

David Walliams sues BGT over leaked rant

David Walliams is suing Britain's Got Talent over a foul-mouth hot mic rant that was leaked. The former BGT judge is seeking significant damages after show bosses stunned viewers with the announcement he had quit the show in November 2022 after 10 years on the judging panel. The comedian abruptly left the show after a transcript of vile comments he made about contestants while his microphone was on during a filming break was made public. In the leaked transcript he called an elderly gentleman a “c***” three times, and said of another contestant, “She thinks you want to f*** her, but you don’t”. The vulgar remarks were made during an auditions round at the London Palladium in January 2020, and were then leaked to the media. After the transcript was made public, Walliams issued a grovelling apology, while his legal team argued he had never intended for his remarks to be heard by contestants or the public. Despite his apology, Walliams resigned from the show two weeks later. Walliams, who is a hugely popular figure in the UK, filed legal proceedings at London’s High Court last week. The star is accusing Fremantle, the studio behind the ITV talent show, of a data protection breach over the leaked transcript which ultimately ended his decade-long judging career. In a statement issued before he quit, Walliams said, “I would like to apologise to the people I made disrespectful comments about during breaks in filming for Britain’s Got Talent in 2020." “These were private conversations and – like most conversations with friends – were never intended to be shared. Nevertheless, I am sorry.” Image credits: Getty Images <div class="media image" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 24px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; width: 705.202209px; max-width: 100%;"> </div>

Legal

Prince William's enormous salary leaked

Prince William's extraordinary salary has been revealed, with the Prince of Wales set to rake in an eight-figure sum for the last six months alone. According to the Duchy of Cornwall’s 2023 annual report, the 41-year-old royal received a private income of just under £6 million (A$11,434,000) this year. <div id="story-primary"> William became the Duke of Cornwall following the death of Queen Elizabeth and his father, Charles’ ascension to the throne, meaning he is now also entitled to any surplus of profits from the dukedom. In the financial year of 2022 to 2023, the Duchy recorded net profits of £24.048 million ($45,800,000), according to the report, which was up £1.02 million ($1,944,260) from £23.024 million ($43,886,000) from the year before. The Prince of Wales would usually be entitled to the full $45.8 million profit as his private income, but because he only became heir halfway through the financial year, he received a fraction of his income. The Palace also asked that as a “one-off associated with the change in Dukes of Cornwall”, the Duchy team retain a proportion of the surplus for “working capital purposes” – i.e. the day-to-day costs of running of the estate. William was therefore left with an income of £5.9 million, or about $11 million AUD for his work. In a foreword for the Duchy’s financial accounts, Prince William paid tribute to his father for leaving an “indelible mark” on the dukedom and promised to work hard to make a difference in his new position. “I am committed to the cause of tackling climate change and I am proud of the estate’s efforts to contribute to this challenge,” William wrote. “If we can also help respond to social challenges such as mental health and homelessness, I will feel my term as Duke has been worthwhile.” Image credits: Getty Images </div>

Money & Banking

Devastating leaked email places Jenny Craig on brink of collapse

Weight loss firm Jenny Craig is reportedly closing its doors after four decades leading the industry. According to leaked staff communications, NBC News have shared that the company’s corporate and salaried field employees will face their final day of work on May 5, while their hourly staff will experience theirs on May 9. In the email, Jenny Craig explained that this was occurring “due to its inability to secure additional financing”. Employees were informed, however, that they would be receiving a “final pay cheque, including your full compensation earned through your last day of work and all accrued, unused paid time off”. Rumours have circled the company for some time, with Bloomberg reporting in just April 2023 that they were on the hunt for a buyer. The publication claimed that a source told them the company was “considering a bankruptcy filing” if their efforts to secure a buyer failed. Bloomberg also shared the news that the company was in around $250,000 USD in debt (~$376,000 AUD/NZD). Around the same time, corporate staff at the company’s California office received notice that they would be closing June 24, but that that day may actually be as soon as the next Friday. An FAQ was also released to them, alongside an explanation that they would be decreasing their physical operations to make way for their more e-commerce focussed business model. As a spokesperson told NBC News in the wake of the reports of potential layoffs, the company was “embarking on the next phase of our business to evolve with the changing landscape of today’s consumers. “Like many other companies, we’re currently transitioning from a brick-and-mortar retail business to a customer-friendly, e-commerce driven model. We will have more details to share in the coming weeks as our plans are solidified.” Despite this assurance, even coupled with the latest communications, it remains unclear whether or not that transition will still be taking place, with employees left in a state of limbo. The industry supergiant currently employs over 1,000 members of staff, with approximately 500 stores - both company-owned and franchised - across just the United States and Canada, with a further 600 around the rest of the world, including Australia. The company was actually founded in Melbourne in 1983, by husband and wife Jenny and Sidney Craig. The American couple went on to take their venture back to the states, but not until two years later in 1985. And while the situation looks dire overseas, an employee did tell Bloomberg that franchise-owned locations “may remain open”, though this is yet to be confirmed. Images: Getty

Body

Leaked email advises landlords to increase rent amid housing crisis

A real estate agency in Brisbane has come under fire over a leaked email in which landlords were advised to consider raising rents by more than 20 percent amid Australia’s worsening rental crisis. The email, sent by Ray White East End, asked landlords to consider whether their properties were being “under-rented” and advised them to increase rents by “above 20 percent” - more than double the rate of inflation - with potential earnings of an extra $10,000 a year. “Our property managers have been reviewing all our lease renewals and on average recommending a 17% rent increase on the leases renewed in October & November this year,” the email said, per <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/oct/17/brisbane-real-estate-agency-advises-landlords-to-increase-rents-by-over-20-amid-housing-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Guardian</a>. “As we are planning December lease renewals, the average lease renewal recommendation is above 20%. This can be as much as $10,000 per year in additional rental income.” The agency said that “many landlords are not being provided with the information to make an informed decision” about rent increases, claiming that landlords were being advised to sign long-term leases with increases of $5 to $20 a week. The email also said that most tenants “are agreeable” to the increases and would understand that it is “fair and reasonable” based on what is available on the market. “On average, apartments in West End/Highgate Hill/South Brisbane/Brisbane CBD are renting for one bedroom $480 to $520+ [a week and for] two bedrooms $675 to $850+ [a week],” the email said. “If you are not achieving these rents (at a minimum), you should be asking why?” It comes as the Queenlsand government prepares to hold a housing summit to address rising homlessness and rental stress across the state. Penny Carr, the chief executive at advocacy organisation Tenants Queensland, said the email was an example of “opportunistic price-gouging” that is happening across Australia at the moment. “Rents are unaffordable for people at the moment and tenants are having to absorb increases because of fear of not finding another property or becoming homeless,” she said. “We should only allow rent increases above CPI if they’re justifiable and there’s been major work to the property or something’s had to be replaced.” Ms Carr said rent increases have been due to vacancy rates and supply and demand, and that the email dispels the myth that a land tax proposed by the government last year for interstate investors is to blame. Meanwhile, Ray White East End principal realtor Luke O’Kelly said rental affordability relies on investors. “Over the past 12 months, Brisbane has had some of the strongest population growth in the country and this has most clearly shown up in rental growth,” Mr O’Kelly said. “Right now, Brisbane doesn’t have enough homes for those that want to live here … with rents rising so quickly, Brisbane needs more property investors.” Fiona Caniglia, executive director of not-for-profit housing and homelessness organisation Q Shelter, said the timing of the email couldn’t be worse. “It is disappointing to hear this the week of the emergency housing summit to be honest,” she told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/real-estate/renting/dont-have-enough-homes-rental-agency-ray-white-tries-to-increase-rent-by-20-per-cent/news-story/e4ff2ab4807fffe3b50b90fe81069156" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>. “We already know that many vulnerable Queenslanders are struggling to secure a rental property in the first place.” “There are record numbers of people showing up for the small number of properties listed right across Queensland. Such an increase will only benefit those on higher incomes and will of course again negatively affect vulnerable Queenslanders, forcing more people into homelessness.” Ray White’s chief economist Nerida Conisbee defended the email in a statement shared with the outlet, saying that the market is currently ideal for investors. “Right now, Brisbane doesn’t have enough homes for those that want to live here,” she said. “This is making it tough for renters but does make it a good place to invest. While red hot house price growth is unlikely to start up again in the near future, yields are increasing as rents rise.” With Australians paying an extra $7.1 billion in rent over the past year and the average renter spending $62 more a week than this time last year, Greens housing and homelessness spokesperson Max Chandler-Mather said the email showed that urgent action is needed. “It’s this sort of flagrant price-gouging that demonstrates exactly why we need a national two-year freeze on rent increases,” he said. Image: Getty Images

Real Estate

Carrie Bickmore's stunning salary leaked

Carrie Bickmore’s eye-watering salary for working just three days on The Project has been leaked. The co-host shocked viewers when she announced that she will be leaving the show at the end of the year after 13 years of being the face of The Project. Since her bombshell announcement, it has been revealed that Carrie was earning a hefty $1.1 million for three weekly episodes from 2021-2022. Her salary is also reportedly more than big names at Sunrise such as David Koch who is reportedly paid about $800,000 a year to host Channel Seven’s breakfast program four days a week. Further to that, Carrie was making more per year than her competition Tracy Grimshaw who hosted A Current Affair for 17 years. A leaked internal memo that went to another Channel Ten department showed Carrie’s massive salary. Now rumours are swirling that Carrie’s shock departure was because Ten no longer wanted to pay the large sum for just three days worth of work. “But Ten is adamant that money wasn’t the issue, and it was simply down to Bickmore wanting to spend more time with her family, particularly after her much-publicised three-month sabbatical in the UK earlier this year,” <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/why-lisa-wilkinson-wont-win-the-projects-top-job-after-carrie-bickmore-leaves/news-story/68b2fd70236dc7715e1f19ffae82ed03" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Diary</a> reported. Carrie shared the news to viewers on October 11 saying that she wanted to have more family time and to know who she was outside of the program. The Gold Logie winner has been on the show since the first episode aired in 2009, alongside Charlie Pickering. Holding back tears, Carrie said it was the “hardest decision of my professional life but it’s time for a new challenge and my next chapter”. Image: Instagram

Money & Banking

Gladys Berejiklian slams Scott Morrison in second leaked text

A second text from former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has emerged, in which she said Prime Minister Scott Morrison was more concerned with “petty political pointscoring” than human lives during the 2019-2020 bushfires. The texts were sent to an unknown colleague within the Liberal Party, and the text exchange was sent to Channel 10 journalist Peter van Onselen, which he shared parts of at the National Press Club last year. The full exchange includes Ms Berejiklian saying: “Morrison is a horrible, horrible person. He is actively spreading lies and briefing against me re the fires.” The recipient - a cabinet minister according to Mr van Onselen - then replies: “Morrison is about Morrison. Complete psycho. He is desperate and jealous. The mob have worked him out and he is a fraud.” A second screenshot, obtained and shared by <a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/federal-election/leaked-text-messages-show-gladys-berejiklian-did-call-scott-morrison-horrible-person-after-he-denied-it-on-730/news-story/874ec128d807a339714951be4d894a63" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>, shows the conversation continuing, with Ms Berejiklian replying: “Thx. I’m just so disappointed. Lives are at stake today and he is just obsessed with petty political pointscoring. So disappointed and gutted.” <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/04/texts.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: news.com.au Mr Morrison was confronted by ABC’s Leigh Sales about the texts during his appearance on 7.30 on Tuesday, where he said: “Which she (Ms Berejiklian) denies, by the way.” Mr van Onselen quickly rebutted his claim and said it was “an out and out lie”. “The Prime Minister just told ABC 7.30 Gladys Berejiklian ‘denies’ the ‘horrible, horrible person’ text. That is an out and out lie,” he said. Ms Berejiklian has never outright denied that the exchange occurred, commenting at the time of the first text emerging that she didn’t recall sending the message. “I understand there has been some commentary today concerning myself and the PM. I have no recollection of such messages,” she said at the time. “Let me reiterate my very strong support for Prime Minister Morrison and all he is doing for our nation during these very challenging times. “I also strongly believe he is the best person to lead our nation for years to come.” Mr van Onselen previously stated he received the exchange from the minister to “inform his commentary”, on the proviso he didn’t report the full contents. However, he later obtained full consent from the minister in 2022. Tuesday night’s interview between Mr Morrison and Ms Sales saw them swap barbs, with the 7.30 host asking if the biggest threat his government was facing was his own unpopularity. “Let me put it to you … that there can only be one factor that’s playing into the negative sentiment towards your coalition and that without sounding rude has to be you?” Ms Sales asked, She then read out the various descriptions of him as a liar, bully, and “horrible, horrible person”. “People are always disappointed and they’ll have an axe to grind,” Mr Morrison responded. “That’s normal in politics, particularly when you are going into an election.” “I’ve never had time for the factional games in the Liberal Party. You get plenty of enemies.” Image: Getty Images

News

"Hey, we're Aussies": Bec Maddern's classic response to leaked Djokovic footage

7News anchor Rebecca Maddern has spoken out about her leaked comments about Novak Djokovic with co-host Mike Amor. The pair of news reporters were captured speaking candidly about the Serbian tennis champion's recent deportation from Australia over his vaccination status, with Rebecca calling Novak an "a**hole".The footage of the seemingly off-air comments was leaked by an external Channel Seven staffer, with both reporters staying quiet about the blunder until now. Speaking with <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/lifestyle/stellar/rebecca-madderns-one-regret-about-viral-novak-outburst/news-story/2eae792fb5c679a41b412d36e990e0c8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stellar magazine</a>, Rebecca said her and Mike had been friends "long before" their news program together, and were simply exchanging casual banter between mates. "I'm 100 percent sure that the exact same conversation was actually happening in a pub. And lounge rooms. And workplaces," she said. "Whether you agree with what I was saying or not is actually irrelevant. Everybody was talking about this and so were we. My language was questionable, but hey, we're Aussies."The expletive-ridden rant about Novak quickly went viral on social media, with many Australians feeling divided over Mike and Rebecca's views.Rebecca hit back at critics that called her and Mike "unprofessional" and "biased", as she said the idea of impartial journalists was "antiquated"."We are human beings and part of the same community as everybody else. Just because I have an opinion on a topic doesn’t mean I can’t present or write about a topic without bias. It’s called training."When I’m on air, I’m a professional and I don’t use that language. I’ll be presenting the news straighty-180 from now on."Image credits: 7News / Channel Nine

Source of nasty Novak leak revealed!

Just one day after video footage was leaked of two Seven newsreaders slamming Novak Djokovic, an investigation by the television network <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/current-affairs/channel-7-identify-caption-company-aimedia-as-behind-rebecca-maddern-and-mike-amor-leak/news-story/e8dbb4eac4bd14079d3ea6baa8e3f3df" target="_blank">has identified the culprit</a>. All Channel 7 employees have been cleared of leaking the brutal footage, as reported by The Australian, with one key detail identifying the external company who was responsible. The footage emerged on Wednesday of Mike Amor and Rebecca Maddern calling the tennis star an “a**hole” before the airing of the 6pm bulletin, prompting the pair to <a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/caught-out-leaked-audio-as-channel-7-stars-slam-novak" target="_blank">make headlines</a> around the country. “Whatever way you look at it, Novak Djokovic is a lying, sneaky a**hole,” Maddern said in the clip. “That’s it, I mean he’s an areshole. He got a bulls*** f***ing excuse and then fell over his own f***ing lies. It’s just what happens, right, that’s what happened,” Amor said. Rumours began to swirl as some attempted to identify the source of the leak, with some speculating it was a disgruntled colleague, mischievous audio director, or even a PR ploy. However, a timestamp visible in the top corner of the footage led Seven’s internal investigators to caption company Ai-Media, which provides captions for the hard of hearing. The Australian reported that high-level discussions between Seven and Ai-Media have occurred after the discovery of the timestamp - which doesn’t appear on internal Seven video outputs - led bosses to the company. <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846787/novak-news2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d4dc1b4344a340598b9f19cbf15bb8a9" /> A timestamp in the top, right corner of the footage led investigators to identify who was responsible. Image: Twitter Staff interviews and thorough IT network tracing are currently underway to determine who recorded and distributed the footage, according to the publication. Tony Abrahams, the chief executive of Ai-Media, is reportedly leading the investigation. Seven Network Director of News and Public Affairs, Craig McPherson, said in a statement that the act of leaking the footage was “underhanded” and “cowardly”. “The illegal recording was of a private conversation between two colleagues,” Mr McPherson said on Wednesday morning. “It was an underhanded, cowardly act in breach of the Victorian Listening Devices legislation the perpetrator of which will be accordingly dealt with when found.” Channel 7 managing director Lewis Martin followed up with reassurance while appearing on 3AW radio, saying the incident was “being looked at thoroughly”. “We are going to have an outcome. What has happened here is illegal,” he said. It is understood that the investigation will be finalised on Thursday. While Maddern herself has apologised for the rant, a number of viewers have seemingly <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/current-affairs/viewers-rally-around-rebecca-maddern-for-calling-novak-djokovic-an-ahole/news-story/9d6711693a0f61d7cf6f2c8a1dbb5a63" target="_blank">deemed it unnecessary</a>. It fact, some have claimed it was the best news segment they’d seen in a long time given it reflected the mood of a number of frustrated Aussies. “Every Australian needs to stand by Rebecca Maddern & Mike Amor. They are only saying what we – & the rest of the world is thinking,” one wrote. “Great watch. Just saying what 90% of Australians think,” another agreed. “Now this is news I’d watch. Rebecca Maddern has certainly made a strong return to Channel 7 hey,” was another response. “I hope Mike Amor and Rebecca Maddern are promoted on the basis of that leaked video,” added another. Image: Twitter

Caught out! Leaked audio as Channel 7 stars slam Novak

Comments from Channel 7 newsreaders Mike Amor and Rebecca Maddern slamming Novak Djokovic have emerged, after footage of an off-air exchange in the studio <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/tennis/lying-ahole-leaked-video-shows-seven-stars-trashing-novak-djokovic/news-story/190c9cb29e21723f12ab233883000af6" target="_blank">was leaked online</a>. The clip shows the Melbourne-based presenters talking about Djokovic’s bid to stay in the country and compete in the Australian Open, calling him an “a***hole” and accusing him of faking his border entry forms. “Whatever way you look at it, Novak Djokovic is a lying, sneaky a**hole,” Maddern told her co-host. “It’s unfortunate that everybody else stuffed up around him. “To go out when you know you’re Covid-positive - well, I don’t think he was even Covid-positive…” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> “Novak Djokovic is a lying, sneaky arsehole, whatever way you look at it…” Off-air footage of Australian news anchors Mike Amor and Rebecca Maddern giving their thoughts on the Djokovic saga leaked <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/GR2GYdJ4C8">pic.twitter.com/GR2GYdJ4C8</a> — Auskar Surbakti (@AuskarSurbakti) <a href="https://twitter.com/AuskarSurbakti/status/1481006565666824197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2022</a></blockquote> Amor also called the world No.1 an “a**hole”, adding: “You’ve got a bulls**t f***ing excuse and then he fell over his own f***ing lies, which is what happens right? That’s what happened.” Maddern questioned the truth behind Djokovic’s recent travel movements which he included in his Australian Travel Declaration form, while Amor said: “I think he’s going to get away with it”. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846747/novak3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/68194194a1f8403fbfb840334b7b7237" /> Off-air footage has emerged of newsreaders Mike Amor and Rebecca Maddern hitting out at Novak Djokovic and his visa troubles. Image: Twitter “I think most fair-minded people would say, ‘This bloke’s an a**hole’. Did they do the right thing by him? I don’t know. They f***ed up. That’s the problem, isn’t it,” he said. “The fact is life is never fair. Some people fly first class… it’s never fair,” Maddern added. The presenters’ comments come as the tennis champion continues to be investigated by Border Force officials to determine whether he <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/new-visa-twist-as-more-novak-accusations-emerge" target="_blank">lied on his entry form</a>. Some have suggested Djokovic incorrectly answered a question asking whether he had travelled in the 14 days prior to flying to Australia, with social media posts emerging accusing him of being in Serbia for Christmas before flying to Spain to prepare for the year’s first grand slam. Although the decision to cancel Djokovic’s visa <a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/round-1-goes-to-novak-as-ugly-scenes-unfold-on-melbourne-streets" target="_blank">was overturned</a> in the Federal Circuit Court on Monday, there is still the possibility Djokovic could be forced to leave Australia. Immigration Minister Alex Hawke - who has personal power to cancel Djokovic’s visa - has confirmed he is considering whether to do so or not. “In line with due process, Minister Hawke will thoroughly consider the matter,” Mr Hawke’s office said on Tuesday. Image: Twitter

News

Betty White's real cause of death leaked

Image: Getty The New York Post is now reporting that the official cause of death of iconic TV star Betty White was a ‘cerebrovascular accident’. The medical term for a stroke, listed on a death certificate obtained by entertainment news outlet TMZ on Monday, occurred six days prior to Ms White's passing, and is caused by a loss of blood flow to areas of the brain, which can result in serious tissue damage. While it's not clear if Ms White underwent any behavioural or emotional changes between the time of her stroke and her death on New Year's Eve, her agent and close friend, Jeff Witjas, said in a statement to People that “Betty died peacefully in her sleep at her home.” Witjas also denied that Ms White’s death was at all related to her receiving her COVID-19 booster shot just days before. “People are saying her death was related to getting a booster shot three days earlier, but that is not true. She died of natural causes,” he told People, adding, “Her death should not be politicised — that is not the life she lived.” As it had been previously reported, White’s <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/betty-white-s-final-words">last word</a> before she died was her late husband Allen Ludden’s first name. Witjas later confirmed her death, telling People, “Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever. “I will miss her terribly and so will the animal world that she loved so much. I don’t think Betty ever feared passing because she always wanted to be with her most beloved husband, Allen Ludden. She believed she would be with him again.”

Caring

One Nation under fire for leaking Jacqui Lambie’s mobile number

Jacquie Lambie is calling for One Nation to apologise after a Tasmanian One Nation candidate reportedly published her private mobile number on his Facebook page, leading to her receiving a torrent of abuse from his supporters. Senate President Slade Brockman said on Tuesday that he would look into Senator Lambie’s call for a review of MPs’ safety. Meanwhile, Senator Malcolm Roberts has thus far refused to apologise for publicising Lambie’s number, claiming a constituent of his found Senator Lambie’s number on her Facebook page. On Monday, Lambie criticised One Nation for using the Commonwealth government to end state vaccine mandates, which led to a One Nation candidate in Tasmania, Steve Mav, posting a screenshot of a text from Senator Lambie to a constituent, saying she opposed vaccine mandates. The constituent claimed to have found the number on Lambie’s own page. Roberts then shared Mav’s post to his own Facebook page, which has a much wider audience. On Tuesday, Senator Lambie told the Senate that Senator Roberts had leaked her personal phone number. Speaking to the Senate, Lambie said, “Since then I’ve received any number of nasty, abusive and threatening phone calls and messages. I give my phone number to veterans whose mental health is not so good and are on their last legs. “These veterans know they can call me at any time of the day or night if they need someone to listen to them. If you’ve got someone’s number it’s not hard to find out personal details that are linked to it. I’m going to have to change my number because I need to make sure my family and friends are safe.” According to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/one-nation-under-fire-for-sharing-lambie-s-phone-number-triggering-wave-of-abuse-20211123-p59bfj.html" target="_blank">Sydney Morning Herald</a>, Lambie has previously posted her number to Facebook, but not in the past two years, and never in the context of the debate around vaccine mandates. Examples of the abuse she received via text can be found on other social media platforms, and include slurs and other offensive language, personal insults, and cruel references to Lambie’s son’s battle with methamphetamine use. Labor’s leader in the Senate, Penny Wong, and Finance Minister Simon Birmingham have both supported Lambie’s call for an apology, with Wong stating that civility in politics is essential, and Birmingham saying that the government was willing to let Senator Roberts speak on the matter in order to provide an apology. Roberts declined the offer, instead claiming that Lambie was misrepresenting One Nation because the party is gaining momentum in Tasmania. Image: Sam Mooy/Getty Images

Legal

Unseen texts claim Meghan Markle knew controversial letter would leak

As Meghan Markle's court battle with a British publisher continues, a major bombshell has been dropped about the authenticity of the Duchess' claims. In the lengthy legal battle, Meghan Markle claims that Associated Newspapers misused Meghan's private information when they published a letter she sent to her father before her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018. But now, Meghan's former private secretary Jason Knauf claims she was "happy for the public to read" the letter, and altered her language in the correspondence to "pull at the heartstrings" of the public. The court heard that the duchess had written, “Given I’ve only ever called him ‘daddy’ it may make sense to open as such, despite him being less than paternal, and in the unfortunate event that it leaked it would pull at the heartstrings.” “Obviously everything I have drafted is with the understanding that it could be leaked, so I have been meticulous in my word choice.” The duchess later texted Knauf again, saying: “Honestly Jason, I feel fantastic." “Cathartic and real and honest and factual. And if he leaks it then that’s on his conscience." “And at least the world will know the truth, words I could never voice.” As these revelations came to light, lawyers for Associated Newspapers are hoping to overturn the original decision of the high court by arguing the letter was crafted with the "possibility of public consumption" in mind. The letter was sent to Meghan's father Thomas after he refused to walk her down the aisle at the high-profile royal wedding, and the letter was subsequently sold by Thomas to the UK newspaper. Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

Police under investigation after social media leaks work party

Police at a Western Sydney police station are under investigation for allegedly holding a workplace party in contravention of the current Public Health Order. More than a dozen officers are said to have gathered in a common room at Mt Druitt Police station in the Blacktown Local Government Area (LGA), which is currently an LGA of concern and subject to strict lockdown rules. Photos uploaded to a police social media page showed the officers decorated with balloons and streamers to share platters of food, in a gathering to celebrate LGBTIQIA+ awareness. A caption on one of the images stated, “’Happy Wear it Purple Day. Follow your rainbow and start the conversation”. The images were deleted from social media shortly after they were posted. Hypocrisy In the eyes of many, the gathering shows a brazen disregard for the very orders these officers are strictly enforcing on the community. The Blacktown LGA has one of the highest rates of COVID cases since Sydney’s Delta outbreak began in mid-June. Internal review The NSW Police Force is now conducting an “internal review” into the incident, although no fines or court attendance notices have been issued to the allegedly offending officers or workplace. Under the current Public Health Order, emergency workers such as police officers are exempt from the rules against gatherings if this is required to perform their duties. There is a strong argument that gathering at a station for such a celebration falls outside the exemption. One officer can be seen in the photos not wearing a mask, which is a breach of the Public Health Order unless the officer has an exemption. Current rules Under current lockdown orders, gatherings at home are not permitted, and only two people from different households can be together outdoors. Masks are mandatory in indoor settings and many outdoor settings, other than homes. Failing to adhere to these restrictions can attract a hefty fine and/or being sent to court to face up to six months in prison. Workplace gatherings are discouraged In recent weeks the Chief Health officer, Dr Kerry Chant has reiterated the importance of workplaces to consider their COVID-safe plans. “Make sure you are not sharing the tea room, you are wearing masks, you have four-metre density and make sure you do not attend when you have symptoms”, she told the media. No requirement to vaccinate To date, police officers have not been designated as an industry that is required to vaccinate against COVID-19. This is despite such mandates being imposed on a range of other workplaces including quarantine workers, aged care workers and some healthcare staff, as well as construction workers. Many see this as an anomaly given that police are regularly in contact with both each other and members of the public, including physical contact when they are required to perform a search or an arrested. At a time when individuals and businesses are at their wits end after many weeks lockdowns, the conduct of police as well as their apparent special treatment by the NSW Government has many upset and even angry. Community is fed up Greater Sydney is in its 10th week of lockdowns, while the remainder of the state is in week three. There is currently no clear end in sight, with Premier Gladys Berejiklian continually changing the vaccination targets and failing to make any clear announcements about when lockdowns will come to an end. Meanwhile, businesses are closing down on a daily basis, the mental health of both adults and children is suffering, and the economy as a whole is in steady decline. Heavy-handed policing Police have been heavily criticised for their lack of compassion during the pandemic, especially their heavy-handed approach to enforcement. Many believe documented acts like throwing people to the ground for not wearing a mask are unnecessary, and can indeed amount to assault due to the use of excessive force in contravention of legislative safeguards such as section 231 of the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 as well as common law cases which make clear that arrest should only be used as a last resort. Section 231 provides that police are only permitted to “ use such force as is reasonably necessary to make the arrest or to prevent the escape of the person after arrest”. Yet, post after post shows police apparently using far greater force than appears to be required. Focus on Western Sydney Police have also been criticised over their disproportionately harsh enforcement in Western and South-Western Sydney. Social media posts regularly show hoards of people attending places like Bondi Beach without much of a police presence, while posts of the less affluent Western and South-Western Sydney show below in large number sweeping through the suburbs. And figures support these claims of disproportionality – with police issuing far more COVID fines in the West and South-West than in the affluent Northern and Eastern suburbs, even prior to the latest lockdown. Protests Earlier this week, at least 79 anti-lockdown protests were held across New South Wales, during which 153 people were arrested and nearly 600 issued with fines. The frustration and anger of significant sections of the community is only compounded when those who are empowered to enforce the law, and do so with little compassion or tolerance, are given special treatment and flout those laws themselves. Written by Sonia Hickey. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/sydney-police-post-pictures-of-work-party-on-social-media/">Sydney Criminal Lawyers.</a>

Legal

Prime suspect in Madeleine McCann case purportedly leaks taunting cartoon

A cartoon allegedly drawn by the prime suspect in Madeleine McCann’s disappearance has been discovered in a German newspaper, which appears to mock German prosecutors leading the investigation against him. 44-year-old Christian Brueckner is currently in prison in northern Germany for raping a 72-year-old American woman in a Portuguese resort in 2005. The resort, Praia de Luz, is the same location where three-year-old Madeleine disappeared from her family’s apartment in 2007. After remaining unsolved for more than a decade, German investigators made headway when they identified Brueckner as a suspect in June, also stating that Madeleine was presumed dead. The cartoon purportedly created by Brueckner was obtained by German newspaper <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.bild.de/bild-plus/news/inland/news-inland/zeichnung-aus-dem-knast-maddie-verdaechtiger-verhoehnt-staatsanwalt-77470300,view=conversionToLogin.bild.html#fromWall" target="_blank">Bild</a> and appears to show Braunschweig prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters in court, wearing legal attire and holding a €5 bill while asking a clairvoyant for new evidence. <img style="width: 500px; height: 302.3076923076923px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843674/1e1ab46353f7a6eab7de073792e434d8a6f39a41.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c56d21b0509f401e8a9c6ab424f78b58" /> Image: Bild “Is there anything new?” the judge asks a person sitting behind a curtain with a crystal ball, while the jury sleeps. The clairvoyant is believed to represent <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/new-unusual-lead-in-madeleine-mccann-case" target="_blank">Michael Schneider</a> - the clairvoyant who provided police with exact coordinates where he believed Madeleine’s body would be found. However, questions still remain about how Brueckner would have leaked the cartoon to the publication from the high-security prison he is serving his sentence in. Previously, Brueckner purportedly penned a letter from his cell which was also published by Bild, where he labelled the investigation against him as an “unbelievable scandal”. Though he is the prime suspect in the McCann case, Brueckner is yet to be questioned or charged. Image: Getty Images

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Prime suspect in Madeleine McCann case purportedly leaks taunting cartoon

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