Search

Queen Camilla meets . . . Princess Margaret?!

In a collision of regal proportions, the world witnessed an unforgettable convergence of the fictitious and the real, as the one and only Helena Bonham Carter, famous for her portrayal of the indomitable Princess Margaret in seasons three and four of The Crown, found herself in the splendid company of none other than the Queen Consort herself, Camilla, at Clarence House. The rendezvous occurred at a glitzy reception held to celebrate 30 years of the Forward Arts Foundation. The Foundation, on a mission to spread the love of poetry throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, decided to throw this soiree just as London was gearing up for another artistic extravaganza: Frieze Week. Clearly, this was a battle for the city's cultural heart, and poetry had the honour of setting the stage. The highlight of the evening, however, was the majestic meeting of the minds between Bonham Carter and the Queen Consort. As they locked eyes, it was hard to tell who was more starstruck. The actress executed a curtsey so profound it nearly reached the Earth's core before engaging the Queen in delightful conversation. In a refreshing break from her usual attire, which would make even the most extravagant peacock jealous, Bonham Carter sported a dress adorned with bright florals and black feathers, accented by pink ribbons in her hair. Camilla, on the other hand, stole the sartorial spotlight in an arresting peacock feather print shirt dress that must've made any nearby birds quite envious. But Bonham Carter wasn't content with merely being a guest; she also graced the audience with her talents by reciting a poem. Her choice was William Stafford's "Yes," a poem that would have moved Shakespeare himself to stand up, clap and stomp his booted feet. William Sieghart, the founder of the Forward Arts Foundation, expressed his immense pride in the work of the foundation and thanked the Queen for her involvement, calling it "proof of the pudding" that they were indeed making progress. Among the distinguished guests at this intimate soirée were previous winners of the Forward Prizes for Poetry, including the Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, the actress Karen Bryson, and Bonham Carter’s former The Crown co-star, Natascha McElhone. Speaking of royalty, Netflix's juggernaut series, The Crown, has once again captured our attention. The recent announcement of the November and December release dates for the final season has ignited a whirlwind of excitement and speculation. The promotional artwork for this last hurrah features a moody and atmospheric image of the Queen, played by the talented Imelda Staunton, and a reimagining of the iconic photograph of Princess Diana poised on the diving board of a yacht in Portofino, just a week before her untimely departure from this world. While fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, it hasn't been without its controversies. Critics have <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/major-twist-in-store-for-final-season-of-the-crown" target="_blank" rel="noopener">raised their eyebrows at reports</a> suggesting that the show will include depictions of Princess Diana's "ghost". Bonham Carter herself, who graciously passed her fictitious tiara to Leslie Manville for the final seasons, has spoken out about the show's duty to distinguish between fact and artistic license. During a chat on the show's official podcast back in 2020, she insisted that The Crown carries a "moral responsibility" to remind viewers that this is a work of fiction inspired by facts, not an educational documentary. It's a reminder to us all that even the fanciest of crowns can come with a little disclaimer. So, as the final season of The Crown approaches, we can only wonder what other regal surprises are in store for us. In the meantime, let's raise a glass to the poetic evening at Clarence House, where fact met fiction, and where, for a brief moment, we were all kings and queens of our own whimsical kingdom. Images: Getty

Beauty & Style

Musician divides audiences over controversial Margaret Court slating

Phoebe Bridgers has been both praised and condemned for her brutal slating of Margaret Court. The American musician was performing to a sold out crowd in Melbourne's Margaret Court Arena, when she took aim at the venue's namesake. The 28-year-old Los Angeles native condemned the 80-year-old tennis champion-turned-Christian pastor, who has in recent years become a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage and transgender rights. Turning to the crowd during the concert on Wednesday , Bridgers declared: “So, Margaret Court. F*** that stupid***, dumb*** b****. F*** that stupid c***. Change your name!” She then encouraged the riled-up crowd to chant “F*** Margaret Court!” before continuing, “I think hate is undervalued. I think it’s like a f***ing weird, white supremacist idea that hate is bad, or something?" “You know what I mean? It’s like hate is like what moves things throughout history. I hate that stupid b****!" “Hate is like how you protect yourself. What, are you never supposed to be angry, ever?” Phoebe's full rant was posted to Twitter and can be viewed <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrystalChristi/status/1623323236800036864" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. The expletive-ridden tirade quickly went viral online, with Bridgers' fans and Court's critics hailing the move as "iconic". “It was the most beautiful moment of my life” one concertgoer raved, while another social media user posted: “Now I’m a fan!” as others called for the venue to be renamed Phoebe Bridgers Arena. While the reaction to the musician's protest was mostly supportive, a small group of Margaret Court sympathisers online slammed her on-stage chants. One person wrote, "Any clue why she’s saying f*** Margaret Court: a world famous tennis player who’s home was actually broken into this week?….. very vile." Image credits: Getty Images

Music

Margaret Court "praying" for the thieves that broke into her home

Margaret Court has said that she is "praying" for the thieves who broke into her home and stole from her. The tennis legend watched on through her home security system as a group of intruders entered her home in Perth on Australia Day while Margaret and her husband were away on holiday. The police were called, while the thieves were stopped by neighbours including cricketing legend and ex-Australian coach Justin Langer. Margaret told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/margaret-court-alleged-home-robbery-theft-perth-crime/f290ce6c-2b74-412c-832b-92cb2d9ccdbf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a> of the incident, "It's never comfortable, it's not nice." "I saw them right away on the little screen at the front door, police got right onto it, they were awesome." The former world No. 1, who became a Christian Pastor when she retired from tennis, added that all the items, except her husband's passport, have since been returned. "All is good, all is fine, I pray for the young guys, I pray they come to know Christ," she said. The recovered items were found in nearby bushland and gardens, a Western Australian police spokesperson said. Western Australia Police have charged two men for the break-in, after they stole Court's OABE, AO and OC miniature medals. The 33-year-old and 34-year-old men are expected to face court next month over the robbery. Image credits: Getty Images

News

Court short over Serena's final flourish

Margaret Court has called out Serena Williams following her retirement after losing against Aussie Alja Tomljanovic. The US tennis champion’s career came to an end after she lost to Ajla Tomljanovic 7-5 6-7 (4-7) 6-1 in the third round of the US Open. This means Court will hold onto her grand slam record that Williams has tried besting for a long time. Despite the win for Court, she didn’t hold back when she called out the US player who she says should have spoken more about her opponent following her loss. “Serena, I’ve admired her as a player, but I don’t think she has ever admired me,” Court told The Telegraph UK. “I thought it was bad that Williams didn’t mention her opponent more when she spoke. “We were taught to be role models for the young, in how we behaved. We were taught to honour our opponent. You learned from your losses. We respected one another.” In her retirement speech, Williams mentioned Court and slammed those who said she doesn’t deserve to be the GOAT (greatest of all time) because of her loss. “There are people who say I’m not the GOAT because I didn’t pass Margaret Court’s record of 24 grand slam titles, which she achieved before the ‘open era’ that began in 1968,” Williams said. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want that record. Obviously I do. But day to day, I’m really not thinking about her. If I’m in a grand slam final, then yes, I am thinking about that record. Maybe I thought about it too much, and that didn’t help. “The way I see it, I should have had 30-plus grand slams.” Court went on to single out tennis organisers who she claims completely ignored her at Wimbledon, and the lack of invitations for other big tennis events. “It’s very sad, because a lot of the press and television today, particularly in tennis, don’t want to mention my name,” she said. “It’s only when they have to, because I still hold so many records. In 2020, I was meant to be coming to Wimbledon for the 50th anniversary of my calendar grand slam. “But then Covid hit, so the honour never happened. The French Open didn’t invite me, the US Open didn’t invite me. Rod Laver had won the slam and I was going to be honoured in the same way, but no. “I didn’t lose any sleep over it. But the honour has not been there for what I did do. In my own nation, I have been given titles, but they would still rather not mention me.” Images: Getty

Retirement Life

“You left us way too soon”: Tributes flow for Margaret Ulrich

Margaret Ulrich, the New Zealand singer best known for her vocals on Daryl Braithwaite’s hit The Horses, has died aged 57 after battling breast cancer for two and a half years. The songstress passed away peacefully at her home in the NSW Southern Highlands on Monday, surrounded by her family. Tributes to Ulrich have since poured in from fans, artists, and TV stars from Australia and New Zealand. “RIP Margaret Ulrich. Such a beautiful singer. My heart goes out to George and her family. You left us way too soon,” Aussie icon Jimmy Barnes <a href="https://twitter.com/JimmyBarnes/status/1561866835938529280" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tweeted</a>. “One of the most beautiful voices to come out of New Zealand has fallen silent,” Project co-host Angela Bishop <a href="https://twitter.com/AngelaBishop/status/1561678245351018496" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a>. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The beautiful Margaret Urlich... one of the most unique vibratos and NZ voices. Will never forget her rendition of "I Don't Know How to Love Him" in Jesus Christ Superstar. "Escaping" is still one of the most iconic jams Saddest news but a life full of incredible achievements❤️❤️ <a href="https://t.co/acimbvx9xn">https://t.co/acimbvx9xn</a> — Indira Stewart (@Indiratweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiratweets/status/1561781878566240256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 😢THAT Voice, THAT fashion style for a tom-boy like me. I got to do an Advert with other female artists for TVNZ.I was a 13 yr old nerdy kid. SHE was super gorgeous. 🕊Margaret Urlich an absolute icon from that beautiful melting pot of talent. Moe mai ra beautiful💔🎵 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Escaping?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Escaping</a> <a href="https://t.co/XW7O1FchxM">pic.twitter.com/XW7O1FchxM</a> — TheBlackSheep.com (@74MasterBlaster) <a href="https://twitter.com/74MasterBlaster/status/1561782621176270850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2022</a></blockquote> “The beautiful Margaret Ulrich… one of the most unique vibratos and NZ voices,” TVNZ journalist Indira Stewart <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiratweets/status/1561781878566240256" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared</a>. “Vale #margaretulrich Much love to George and the family … and immense respect for the beautiful and talented artist who blazed a trail. R.I.P. Margaret 💔,” Channel Nine’s Richard Wilkins <a href="https://twitter.com/RichardWilkins/status/1561671409231081472" target="_blank" rel="noopener">added</a>. “Margaret Ulrich, trailblazer & wonderful human. I was in awe of her as a kid. Aroha (love) to all hurting from this loss,” New Zealand singer-songwriter Hollie Smith <a href="https://twitter.com/holliejsmith/status/1561813545783701504" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>. Ulrich began her career as the vocalist for the band Peking Man, before joining When The Cat’s Away, a Kiwi all-girl pop group. She later made history as the first solo female artist to take the number one spot in the official New Zealand Music Charts with her hit song Escaping, which came from her 1989 debut album Safety in Numbers. Her follow-up album, Chameleon Dreams (1992), spawned the hits Boy in the Moon and Burnt Sienna. But, Ulrich’s Aussie music fame came after she was a guest vocalist on Braithwaite’s 1991 hit, which spent 12 weeks in the Top 10 and 23 weeks in the Top 50 Australian charts and has since been recognised as a beloved national anthem. In 2016, Ulrich admitted she regrets not appearing in the music video, which was being filmed while she was recording an album in London. “I could have come back to do the video but I was doing my own thing by that stage,” she told News Corp. “A lot of people know it's my singing, but they don't put two and two together that it's not me in the video. “In retrospect, it was probably a little bit silly because the song was so huge. But at the time I was young and a bit stupid, I did what I thought was right. But it was absolutely no disrespect to Daryl.” That same year, Braithwaite claimed in an interview commemorating 25 years since The Horses was released that Ulrich pulled out of the video at the last minute. Image: Twitter

Caring

Waleed Aly defends Scott Morrison’s church speech

Waleed Aly has defended former prime minister Scott Morrison’s speech which he says has been misinterpreted. Morrison delivered a sermon to Margaret Court’s Victory Life Centre church in Perth where he urged people to put their faith in God and not the government. "We trust in Him. We don't trust in governments. We don't trust in the United Nations, thank goodness,” he said. "We don't trust in all these things, fine as they may be and as important as the role that they play. Believe me, I've worked in it and they are important." The Project co-host however said that the speech was misinterpreted and that what Morrison meant is to trust God and not “earthly institutions”. “The criticism here is that he’s saying ‘don’t trust the government’. I think that’s a bad faith reading of what he’s saying. That’s a misinterpretation,” he said on Thursday’s episode. “All he’s saying is ‘we don’t trust earthly institutions the way that we trust God’. “If you’re a Christian, and not just a Christian by the way, I reckon just about any mainstream perspective from any mainstream faith would say the same thing. “That’s a completely uncontroversial thing to say. What’s controversial is the way that it’s been taken out of that context, the context of a sermon, and placed in the context of a news cycle and then turned into a comment about the government like he’s whipping up some kind of anti-government movement. “That’s just not what he’s doing”. The controversial speech also caught the attention of current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who called out Morrison saying he was surprised that he was in a position of leading the country. “I just thought, wow. This guy was the prime minister of Australia and had the great honour of leading the government. I found it quite astonishing,” he told ABC radio. “It provides some explanation perhaps of why, in my view, he clearly didn’t lead a government that was worthy of the Australian people – he said he doesn’t believe in government.” Images: Instagram/The Project

Aussie grandma deported for helping son cover up fiance's murder

Margaret Archer, the South Australian grandmother who was jailed for covering up the murder of her son’s fiancé, has finally been handed over to border force and will be deported. For the family of Jody Meyers, it is a moment to celebrate. Meyers' brother-in-law, Michael Bates, said the family is "happy" Archer is being sent to the United Kingdom. "We just don't want her around us," he said. "We don't want her in the community. We don't to have to be looking over our shoulder. We don't want to have to see that face." As police searched for Meyers in 2015, Archer was helping her son Neil to concoct a lie, claiming that Meyers had decided to leave her fiancé and their toddler and vanish from their Mannum home. Margaret sent a text message from Meyers' phone to support the story, however Neil Archer had strangled his partner to death and his mum helped him hide her body. The then 55-year-old used Meyers' own bank card to buy bags of cement, which were used to bury the victim's remains beneath the back shed of Archer's Mannum property. "You can support your child in many ways, but supporting someone to cover up a murder of the mother of your grandson is a whole new level," Bates said. Neil Archer was sentenced to at least 22 years in jail for the murder of Jody Meyers. His mother faced a six-and-a-half-year sentence, which she served in full. While Archer is free to continue living her life in the UK, Bates said their family is left grappling with her actions. The SA Corrections Department has confirmed Margaret Archer was released into the custody of border force, but did not specify when she will leave the country. Images: Nine Network / ABC

Legal

Dad’s priceless reaction upon learning he’s having another girl

A father’s reaction at his wife’s baby shower has been slammed when it was revealed she was having another daughter. Expectant mother KC Fulton shared the reveal on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@kc.fulton/video/7085045940910083374?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a> where she is holding one of her daughters and another daughter stands nearby with the father. She opens the umbrella where pink petals fall to reveal she is having another baby girl. The father immediately walks off saying “f**k” despite the fact that KC captioned the video: “Baby Fulton #3 is a……. I swear he’s happy.” Before the clip ends, he once again walks in front of his family and swears. KC has disabled the comments on the video which has already been seen more than 44 million times but it has been shared widely on social media with many calling out her partner's reaction. “This guy doesn’t deserve daughters. What a disgusting display of misogyny to a girl child not yet born,” one comment read. “I have 6 beautiful daughters and this video makes me quite upset. In today's day with all the negativity in the world this is not the attitude we need. There should have been nothing but joy and excitement in my opinion,” another wrote. “As a guy, I don’t get dudes like that. I have two little girls and they changed my life,” someone else commented. “How invaluable his daughters must feel,” another commented. Images: TikTok

Family & Pets

More calls to rename Margaret Court Arena

Columnist Peter FitzSimons is once again <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10461501/Peter-FitzSimons-Rename-Margaret-Court-arena-tennis-legends-anti-gay-rights-stance.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leading calls</a> to rename Melbourne’s Margaret Court Arena in response to the tennis star’s stance on gay marriage.In 2017, Margaret Court shared her “disappointment” in Qantas in a letter she penned to the airline over its support of the federal government’s plebiscite to legalise gay marriage. She also revealed she would no longer fly with the company as a result.“I am disappointed that Qantas has become an active promoter for same sex marriage,” she said in the letter published in the West Australian newspaper.“I believe in marriage as a union between a man and a woman as stated in the Bible. Your statement leaves me no option but to use other airlines where possible for my extensive travelling.”Fitzsimons, who has previously called on officials to change the stadium’s name, posted a poll to Twitter on Sunday night asking his followers whether they thought the name should be changed, with one option including naming the venue after First Nations icon Evonne Goolagong Cawley.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Margaret Court Arena should be— Peter FitzSimons (@Peter_Fitz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Peter_Fitz/status/1487380481641353216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2022</a></blockquote>After receiving 5382 votes, the results showed that 80 percent of voters thought Goolagong Cawley should receive the honour of having the stadium named after her, just over 14 percent thought the name should be unchanged, and about 5 percent said it should be named after someone else.Fitzsimons has previously spoken glowingly about Goolagong Cawley, describing the seventh-time grand slam winner as one of the “more generous” people he knows.“Personally, I know of no finer person, no more generous and inclusive than Evonne Gollagong Cawley,” he said.“I run into her about once a year in airports around Australia and she is always on her way to do something to help someone.“How ‘bout the Evonne Goolagong Arena, as a name that tennis can be proud to put up in lights?”The Melbourne Park arena was named after Court in 2003 “as a tribute to Australia’s most successful tennis player”, according to the venue’s <a href="https://margaretcourtarena.com.au/about/our-history/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a>.In a <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/margaret-courts-antigay-rights-stance-deserves-a-boycott-of-its-own-20170525-gwda2w.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2017 column</a> for The Sydney Morning Herald, Fitzsimons said Tennis Australia should be doing more to separate themselves from the controversial player and that it was time that tennis ended its association with Court.“Tennis is an inclusive game, and ever more inclusive in the 21st century,” he wrote at the time.“Does Melbourne Park really want to have an arena named after someone who stands so firmly against such inclusiveness, who is becoming a byword for bigot?”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Wiradjuri legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley … Handing the Australian Open trophy to Ngarigo champion Ash Barty … On Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung land. How. Awesome.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ausopen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ausopen</a> (Pic: <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a>) <a href="https://t.co/o4XmtQ11tW">pic.twitter.com/o4XmtQ11tW</a>— Dan Conifer (@DanConifer) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanConifer/status/1487374968434298880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2022</a></blockquote>Meanwhile, others have taken to social media to petition the arena be renamed after Ash Barty following her stunning Australian Open win over the weekend.“She’s much more deserving of the honour. I mean, a dog turd bag is more deserving but anyway… bloody change it already,” one person wrote.“Ash Barty arena has a nicer ring than Margaret Court, don’t you think,” another said.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Wiradjuri legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley … Handing the Australian Open trophy to Ngarigo champion Ash Barty … On Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung land. How. Awesome.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ausopen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ausopen</a> (Pic: <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a>) <a href="https://t.co/o4XmtQ11tW">pic.twitter.com/o4XmtQ11tW</a>— Dan Conifer (@DanConifer) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanConifer/status/1487374968434298880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2022</a></blockquote>Others were quick to discourage the change, saying it was too early in her career for her to receive that kind of honour.“I love Barty but I don’t think it should be named after someone who is still active in the sport,” one person posted on Reddit.“Wait until she retires. I would love for them to rename it after Evonne Goolagong Cawley though!”Image: Don Arnold (Getty Images) / Morgan Hancock (Getty Images)

Domestic Travel

Handsome young royal set to mark historic milestone

Arthur Chatto, 21, is about to become the first ever Royal to join the Marines – and of course he shared his exciting news with the Queen first, gaining her approval and making her proud. The young royal is the son of Lady Sarah Chatto and Daniel Chatto, while his grandmother (Princess Margaret) is the Queen’s younger sister, making Arthur 29th in line for the throne. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843640/arthur-chatto-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ff51e3734579446488d99da9f7c07892" /> Image credit: Getty Chatto’s excitement for this new chapter of his life has seen him off into the wilds around Balmoral Castle on multiple camping trips and hiking long distances all throughout the Scottish Highlands while visiting his Royal Family. All of this done in preparation for commando training. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843641/arthur-chatto.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4667573b0f4649099822dd7e14504b51" /> Image credit: Instagram @artchatto After having gained serious popularity on social media it is obvious Arthur is super self-confident and takes a lot of pride in both his appearance on and offline. With the support of Prince Edward, he is no doubt going to achieve great things. Images: Getty Images / Instagram

Beauty & Style

Weird Margaret Court twist at Wimbledon

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post-body-container"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> Twitter users were up in arms as they thought they spotted Margaret Court at the Wimbledon final, where Ash Barty ended up winning. Many were questioning why she was allowed to attend the match while Barty's parents and family were watching the match on TV in Australia. However, Court wasn't at Wimbledon, and the Twitter user to point it out claimed it was a joke. The user who originally posted the clip suggested King and Navratilova were saying: "How the hell did Margaret Court get here?" Unfortunately, others believed that the caption meant Court had attended the match. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> How the hell did Margaret Court get here?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIMBLEDON?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIMBLEDON</a> <a href="https://t.co/D8dOmzVyQy">pic.twitter.com/D8dOmzVyQy</a> — Pup Fiction (@jjjove) <a href="https://twitter.com/jjjove/status/1413858588049633293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2021</a></blockquote> The joke didn't land and resulted in a range of people being angry that Court was allowed to attend the match, despite her being home in Australia. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The hilarious part about Ash Barty & her brilliant Wimbledon win - the left were hysterical about Margaret Court sitting next to Martina. Um, no, that was Billie Jean King. They don’t even know what the person they hate looks like 🤦🏼‍♀️ — Catherine (@catherine___c) <a href="https://twitter.com/catherine___c/status/1413999372828700675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2021</a></blockquote> However, others pointed out the confusion. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Margaret Court was not in London. It's lies like this that cause harm. The pic is of Martina & Billie Jean King. <a href="https://t.co/zpu1cO4yal">https://t.co/zpu1cO4yal</a> — 💧Maggie Mae 🇦🇺🇦🇺Maggie300 #OzParler @Maggie30 (@MillyMolly300) <a href="https://twitter.com/MillyMolly300/status/1414017529509412864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2021</a></blockquote> </div> </div> </div> </div>

International Travel

Guard of honour and emotional scenes at Bob Fulton state funeral

Tributes have flowed for the late great Bob Fulton at the rugby league Immortal's state funeral. An esteemed list of the game's most well-known players attended the service to honour the life of 'Bozo', as he was affectionately known, who died last month at the age of 74 after a battle with cancer. Among the most touching of memories shared at Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral were that of his family, namely his son, Brett, who recalled heartwarming stories of his father's love. "He was the centre of our universe, he would talk to us multiple times a day," he said. "You knew it was Dad calling because it was a private number and he would always greet us with a familiar, 'Listen'. "[His grandchildren] will never forget him or the lessons learned. "From a young age I had a desire to want to make you proud. I hope I did that." Also in attendance was Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Health Minister Brad Hazzard, along with the game's administrators including Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V'landys. Fulton's former colleagues, broadcasters Ray Hadley and Alan Jones paid tribute to their close friend. "This is a very sad moment for many of us but in a sense, no one ever dies until the memories fade away, and we have very special memories of Bob," an emotional Jones said. Ahead of the funeral, V'landys also took time out from his morning media schedule to honour the memory of Fulton. "It is a very sad day, certainly a very sad day for the family foremost, and our hearts go out to them," V'landys said on 2GB. "But it will be a funny day, because Bozo was a joker, that's how he got his name. What an inspiration he is to everybody, he was a migrant from England, lived in a fibro home in Unanderra, rose to play for Australia and become a legend. "Bob was an Immortal, but more-so he was also inducted into the National Sport Hall of Fame, a very rare situation for a rugby league player. That's the esteem he was held in, that's the great player that he was, and a coach, and then later on he was a funny addition to the Continuous Call Team." Fulton made 213 appearances for Manly between 1966 and 1976, scoring 129 tries and winning premierships in 1972, 1973 and 1976. He also played 50 games with Eastern Suburbs. Image credit: Getty

News

ABC star’s shocking tweet causes fury after Bob Fulton’s death

ABC election analyst Antony Green has caused a stir after he shared a distasteful tweet after the death of rugby legend Bob Fulton was announced. Fulton passed away at age 74 on May 23, which resulted in a prompt flood of tributes from his largest fan base: the footy community. Green was accused of failing to read the room as plenty of mourners paid their respects to the sportsman. “A fulsome apology for raising this, but the headline ‘Rugby League Immortal Bob Fulton has died’ does contain a significant level of conflict with dictionary meaning,” Green tweeted. <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841380/bob-fulton-tweet-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2b839449f17c44fb8788cb4a1a43bd0f" /> Twitter users were not impressed with the ABC analyst’s words, with one person writing: “Hardly the time, hardly the place, and just hardly altogether. Delete.” Another said: “You’d have been better advised not to send that tweet at this time.” A third also chimed in, saying: “Pretty poor taste. Unfollow coming up. What is the purpose of this little English lesson? Tasteless.” Green reportedly deleted his tweet moments later. Veteran broadcaster Ray Hadley announced the death of his close friend on his radio show. “It’s a very sad day for the Fulton family and rugby league generally,” Hadley said on 2GB. “I’ve announced some sad things on radio but this could be the saddest. “I’m going to miss him, he was a great man … the most loyal friend I’ve ever had. He’ll be sadly missed.” NRL Commission chairman Peter V’landys also paid his respects to the legendary sportsman, saying rugby league has “lost a true legend of the game”. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841379/bob-fulton-tweet-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/232398fe34254546bbeb097a978f7d4c" /> “The word legend is used a lot in tributes, but Bob was a genuine legend of rugby league,” V’landys said. “He was an original Immortal, a Kangaroo, a Blue and a club legend of Manly, winning three premierships as a player, including Man of the Match in the 1973 Grand Final. “As a coach he led the Kangaroos to two World Cup victories and Manly to two premierships. He was also a great promoter of our game. His role on the Continuous Call team over many years provided great humour and insight to fans every weekend. “Bob will forever be part of rugby league’s DNA and our game is richer for having had Bob part of it. “Today we’ve lost a giant of our game. On behalf of the Rugby League community, I send our deepest condolences to Bob’s family.” Fulton was surrounded by his family and other close friends when he passed away on Sunday morning. Fulton is survived by wife Anne, daughter Kirsty and sons Brett and Scott. Images: Getty Images / Twitter

News

The real reason Margaret Court received Australia's highest honour

Margaret Court reportedly received Australia's highest civilian honour because it was believed she deserved the same recognition as the country's greatest ever male tennis player. Rod Laver was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia in 2016 and the media reported the same honour will be bestowed upon Court, who has previously caused controversy for spouting her views on homosexuality. Members of the Council for the Order of Australia told The Age and Sydney Morning Herald that despite expecting backlash, Court's achievements in tennis warranted her to receive the same recognition as Laver, and her controversial views shouldn't exclude her from that. Court holds the all-time record for most grand slam singles titles with 24 while Laver won 11 majors, including all four in a calendar year twice - the only player to achieve such a feat. Criticism ensued after it was announced Court would be receiving the honour, with the former athlete hitting back saying it "was a long time coming". “I wasn’t one who looked for it, I didn’t know I was getting it, I was very honoured when I was told I was,” she told 3AW’s Neil Mitchell, speaking after receiving her honour on Australia Day. “No (I won’t give it back), because I loved representing my nation. When I got my AO it was for my community outreach area, where we put out 75 tonnes of food a week. “This was for my tennis and I think it was a long time coming and I’m very honoured ... We did nothing but play for our nation.” Court also defended her views, saying she has been misrepresented in the media. “I was used as a high profile person to get some opinions and views across — but I have nothing against homosexual people or transgender people,” she said. “I’ve always said what the bible says. And I don’t hate anybody. I love people. And I love gay people and I love transgender people.” Court has become a divisive figure for her outspoken views on homosexuality, conversion therapy, same-sex marriage and transgender people.

News

Margaret Court responds to Australia Day honour backlash

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> Tennis legend Margaret Court has been slammed by politicians after the decision was made to honour Court on Australia despite her well-known views on the LGBTQIA community. Court will receive the AC - Companion in the General Decision from the Governor-General David Hurley and the Council for the Order of Australia. The decision that she's being honoured on Australia Day has angered many, including Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. “I do not support that. You know my views on a whole range of issues. I’m being honest with you, I do not support that,” he told reporters. “I don’t believe that she has views that accord with the vast majority of people across our nation that see people particularly from the LGBTIQ community as equal and deserving of dignity, respect and safety. “I don’t believe she shares those views and I don’t believe she should be honoured because of that.” The AC is awarded to individuals for “eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or to humanity at large”. Due to the backlash, Court has claimed she is being "bullied" for her views. “All I know is over the last few years, I’ve never had anybody out in community come to me and say ‘we don’t like you’, or ‘we don’t like your beliefs’. I’ve had thousands come to me and tap me on the shoulder and say ‘thank you, we really appreciate you,’” Court told The West Australian. “Over the years, I’ve taken a lot, and I think I’ve been bullied in one way, and I think, you know, it’s time to stop,” Court said. “Always remember I’m a minister of the gospel and have been for the last 30 years, I always say what the Bible says. “I love people, people come in from all backgrounds, I’m there to help, I’m not there to put people down in that way but I’ll always say what the Bible says.” Court also makes headlines every summer due to increasing pressure to rename the Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne, but Daniels is tired of talking about it. “I’m quite sick of talking about that person every summer,” he said, refusing to address Court by name. “We finish up having this discussion in one form or another every single summer. I would prefer not to be giving oxygen to some of those views “Do we really have to do this every single summer? But apparently we do.” </div> </div> </div>

News

Dan Andrews outraged at Margaret Court’s impending honour

Furious backlash has ensued after it was reported that controversial tennis legend Margaret Court will be receiving the country's highest honour on Australia Day. Claims emerged on social media on Friday morning that Ms Court will be appointed the Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AC) for her sporting success. A Melbourne broadcaster leaked the news on Twitter. The names of those receiving the honour are not meant to be released until 10 pm on Monday. Court has become a controversial figure as of late due to her outspoken views on homosexuality and conversion therapy. Tennis Australia has faced repeated pressure to distance themselves from her, as well as a campaign to rename Margaret Court Arena at Melbourne Park. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said he "quite sick" of discussing Ms Court after being asked about the backlash to her ward during a press conference on Friday. “I’m quite sick of talking about that person every summer,” he said. “I do not support that but I don’t give out those gongs, that’s not a matter for me, that’s for others.’ Andrews stated Court's views were "disgraceful and hurtful", adding they "cost lives". “Calling out bigotry is always important. This bigoted quackery costs lives.” The premier then took to Twitter to reiterate his comments, saying Ms Court's sporting achievements don't give her the right to spew hatred. “I don’t want to give this person’s disgraceful, bigoted views any oxygen,” he said. “But when others insist on rewarding them with this country’s highest honour – I think it’s worth saying again: Grand Slam wins don’t give you some right to spew hatred and create division. Nothing does.” Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese also hit out at the award, claiming Ms Court has “already been honoured for her tennis prowess”. “She’s already an Officer of the order of Australia,” he wrote “I think it’s clear for everyone to see that making her a Companion of the Order of Australia has nothing to do with tennis.” Prime Minister Scott Morrison refused to comment on the situation when asked about the backlash during a press conference on Friday. “I can’t comment on an award that’s done through an independent process that hasn’t been announced or I have no official knowledge of,” he said. “This is a completely independent set of processes. It is an announcement that will be announced on that day. It is a system that recognises the full spectrum of individuals across this country.”

News

“Very, very wrong”: Margaret Court hits back at McEnroe and Navratilova

Tennis legend Margaret Court has slammed tennis stars John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova for their protest, saying that their actions were “very, very wrong”. Court has developed into a controversial figure due to her views on homosexuality and transgender athletes, which lead to McEnroe and Navratilova protesting for a name change of the Margaret Court Arena. McEnroe and Navratilova held a homemade sign which read “Evonne Goolagong Arena” as the Australian Open was celebrating Court’s achievements in the world of tennis. Court spoke to <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/margaret-court-australian-open-interview-controversy-fundamentalist-views/53475172-0613-4f50-80cd-edb436911284" target="_blank">Nine News</a> about the incident, saying that she “felt sorry” for McEnroe. “I always got on quite well with John McEnroe. I always thought we got on and I’ve always respected him,” Court said. “I feel sorry for him that he can’t separate one part of life to another.” She also labelled their actions as “very, very wrong” as Court feels that they should not have protested the way that the pair did on Australian soil. “I’d never go to another nation, whatever I thought of a person, I would never say, ‘Hey, you should take their name off a building’,” Court said. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> “She is a great Australian and a great tennis player… but Margaret Court still doesn’t acknowledge the damage she’s done with her opinions about homosexuals and same-sex marriage.” <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9Today?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9Today</a> <a href="https://t.co/DEPt87kXpk">pic.twitter.com/DEPt87kXpk</a> — The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTodayShow/status/1224785361597014019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a></blockquote> “I would never do that … I think that was very, very wrong.” Court has also slammed Tennis Australia for the treatment of her, labelling it “very sad”. "I think they said they were going to honour me but not celebrate me," the 77-year-old told 9News' Georgie Gardner. "Because of my stance and my views on gay marriage and all of those areas, and I've got nothing against people. "From the tennis side they've pointed the finger at me and tried to discriminate in everything that I've done and I think that's very sad."

Legal

“It seems like you’re looking for trouble”: John McEnroe hangs up on radio shock jock

Tennis legend John McEnroe and Melbourne radio host Neil Mitchell went toe-to-toe about McEnroe’s protest to rename Margaret Court Arena. McEnroe and Martina Navratilova protested with a sign that called for a rename from Margaret Court Arena to Evonne Goolagong Arena in honour of the Aussie 24-time grand slam champion. The pair were forced to apologise after breaking Tennis Australia protocols for their protest, but Mitchell made sure it was addressed when he spoke to McEnroe on the radio. Neil Mitchell: Do you regret doing it? John McEnroe: I think it could have been done better and more effectively. But in terms of regret doing it, no. I apologised because I haven’t been one to have perhaps read the rule book as good as I could have. I was unaware there were certain protocols that needed to be followed. I get where Tennis Australia is trying to … handle this as non-vocally as possible. But in this particular case, I believe there’s been a lot of give and take both ways. I loved Evonne Goolagong when I was a kid and I think she represents to me everything positive about what you’d want a stadium to be named. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> NOW | Former tennis star and commentator John McEnroe says he doesn't regret his protest against Margaret Court. "I think it could've been done better and more effectively but in terms of regretting doing it... no." — 3AW Melbourne (@3AW693) <a href="https://twitter.com/3AW693/status/1222646707541819393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2020</a></blockquote> Neil Mitchell: A lot of the letter writers and reaction from the public is ‘this insulted Australia’. What’s your reaction to that? John McEnroe: I think that’s a little going overboard, personally. Tennis Australia and I have had an excellent relationship – they’ve done a fantastic job with this tournament and made it bigger and better each and every year. To say that I’m insulting Australia – I don’t see where you can take it to that level. That certainly wasn’t what we were planning on doing. I’ve had a lot of history in Australia. Australia is a great sporting country and a great place to visit for the players, and myself. That would not be intentional and I’d be quite surprised if people felt that way. The conversation continued, with the pair discussing whether or not a ban to some countries would be appropriate, but McEnroe clarified that he never used that wording. The conversation became heated once Mitchell asked McEnroe if his accreditation was threatened by Tennis Australia. Neil Mitchell: Did Tennis Australia threaten your accreditation or did they just ask you to apologise? John McEnroe: As far as I know, that wasn’t threatened. Perhaps if there is more people like you, maybe they will reconsider it, I don’t know. Neil Mitchell: What do you mean more people like me? John McEnroe: You seem to have a view that you completely disagree and either subtly or forcefully you’re not agreeing with which is OK. It also sounds like you’re insinuating, to me at least, maybe I’m overreaching here but it seems like you’re looking at perhaps they (Tennis Australia) should do more. Neil Mitchell: I’m not. And I can tell you I’ve been one of the strongest supporters of marriage equality in this country. John McEnroe: Well that I don’t know because I don’t…. Neil Mitchell: I know, OK fair enough. John McEnroe: I hope that’s true. Neil Mitchell: What do you mean you hope that’s true? Of course it is true. John McEnroe: Listen mate, I’ve got a match in a little bit. It’s OK to disagree with me but you don’t have to try to like, you know, with the way you’re talking to me, it seems like you’re looking for trouble. But that’s OK. It wouldn’t be the first time. Neil Mitchell: Well you’re the one that questioned me there about whether I was telling the truth. John McEnroe: I said I don’t know. I didn’t say whether you did or did not. That is a perfect example. I don’t know. Whatever. Whatever makes you happy is fine. Neil Mitchell: Enjoy the tennis and thank you very much for speaking to us. It was here that McEnroe hung up. The morning seemed to get worse for the American tennis legend, where sports presenter Tony Jones tried to make a joke and it fell flat. The pair were watching a young girl play tennis and McEnroe said that he wished he had footage of me when he was that age. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> YOU CAN’T BE SERIOUS! Chompers gets completely shut down by John McEnroe after sledging the great man 🤣 Watch: <a href="https://twitter.com/Channel9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Channel9</a> Stream: <a href="https://t.co/VLoDqoHZ5m">https://t.co/VLoDqoHZ5m</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9WWOS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9WWOS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/fQ76cq0jV3">pic.twitter.com/fQ76cq0jV3</a> — Wide World of Sports (@wwos) <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos/status/1222667754840514560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2020</a></blockquote> Jones quickly swiped back, saying that “I don’t think it would’ve been [in] colour”. McEnroe laughed and tried to recover, explaining that the remark was “harsh but probably true”. When Jones wished him luck for his game on court three, McEnroe said that he should “go get my wood racket, along with the black and white tv you apparently used to watch me on”. McEnroe then explained that it had been a “tough couple days, I guess, and have to keep taking those punches in and stay tough.”

News

Tennis greats back-pedal in the wake of Margaret Court protest

Tennis greats Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe have apologised for a breach of “protocol” at the Australian Open after being taken to task by tournament organisers for an on-court protest against Margaret Court. The two former tennis stars demanded for Court’s name to be taken off the second showcourt at Melbourne Park on Tuesday and be replaced by Australia’s former world number on Evonne Goolagong. Margaret, who holds the all-time record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, has been heavily criticised for voicing her religious-based views on same-sex marriage and transgender athletes. But despite it all, Tennis Australia criticised Navratilova and McEnroe’s protest at Margaret Court Arena as a breach of protocol. “I got in trouble, I am sorry I broke protocol,” said 18-times Grand Slam champion Navratilova, who is openly gay on Wednesday. “I had no idea there was this kind of protocol. Had I known, I would have done it differently. But I would still have tried to make my statement, which is that you name buildings after not what people just did on the court, but also off the court, the whole body of work. “So I’ve said my piece … but I do apologise about breaking protocol. I did not need to do that.” McEnroe also revealed that he wasn’t aware of the rules surrounding Tennis Australia. “Admittedly I was never one to study the rule book carefully or for that matter, even at times abide by the rules,” he said in a statement. “For that I apologise to Tennis Australia and recognise and appreciate the great job they have done to make the Australian Open a great event for the fans, players and myself.” Margaret was honoured in a small ceremony which was held at Rod Laver Arena on Monday marking the 50th anniversary of her 1970 calendar Grand Slam.

Court in the crossfire: Tennis legends reprimanded for protest stunt

Despite the Australian Open’s best wishes to handle the grand slam anniversary of Margaret Court with care, two tennis legends Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe had other plans for the day. The pair unveiled a banner calling for the Margaret Court Arena to be renamed in Evonne Goolagong’s honour, which was a reference to the Aussie champion Indigenous player. Margaret Court has been widely criticised for her opposition to same-sex marriage as well as her views on transgender people. Therefore, Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe took matters into their own hands and paraded a banner painted in Aboriginal style, calling for the arena to be renamed. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe have been parading a banner asking for the Margaret Court Arena to be renamed. Tennis Australia are not pleased 👀... Full: <a href="https://t.co/qUJBFVZ57m">https://t.co/qUJBFVZ57m</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bbctennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bbctennis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/JpU4wi27Jw">pic.twitter.com/JpU4wi27Jw</a> — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/1222134729576550401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2020</a></blockquote> Navratilova told <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/51280766" target="_blank">BBC Sport</a> that she “wanted to push the conversation forward”. "I thought we got it going a couple of years ago," she said. "I thought Tennis Australia would do something - or the government of Victoria, as apparently they are the ones that make the decision - but nothing has happened. And Margaret keeps doubling down in basically attacking the gay and lesbian community. "My wife Julia said you're complaining about it, but what are you going to do? It was after this conversation with her wife that Navratilova decided to make the sign. "John, I ran into him, and on the spur of the moment I asked him because he also talked about renaming the arena. He's been very supportive of social change in tennis, so it was perfect. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"> 💪🏼🐷🎾 <a href="https://t.co/dbFT8ZEYfk">pic.twitter.com/dbFT8ZEYfk</a> — sitzplatzschweine (@sitzplatztobi) <a href="https://twitter.com/sitzplatztobi/status/1222073760548839426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2020</a></blockquote> "I wanted to be respectful, but most of all I just wanted to push the conversation forward again. I have no doubt it's the right thing to do." Tennis Australia has since slammed the pair for showing the banner on court. "We embrace diversity, inclusion and the right for people to have a view, as well as their right to voice that view," the statement from Tennis Australia read. "But the Australian Open has regulations and protocols with respect to how any fan, player or guest can use our facility, the event and the global stage it provides. This is to ensure the integrity of our event. "Two high-profile guests have breached these protocols and we are working through this with them."

Travel Trouble

Our Partners

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Queen Camilla meets . . . Princess Margaret?!

Musician divides audiences over controversial Margaret Court slating

Margaret Court "praying" for the thieves that broke into her home

Court short over Serena's final flourish

“You left us way too soon”: Tributes flow for Margaret Ulrich

Waleed Aly defends Scott Morrison’s church speech

Aussie grandma deported for helping son cover up fiance's murder

Dad’s priceless reaction upon learning he’s having another girl

More calls to rename Margaret Court Arena

Handsome young royal set to mark historic milestone

Weird Margaret Court twist at Wimbledon

Guard of honour and emotional scenes at Bob Fulton state funeral

ABC star’s shocking tweet causes fury after Bob Fulton’s death

The real reason Margaret Court received Australia's highest honour

Margaret Court responds to Australia Day honour backlash

Dan Andrews outraged at Margaret Court’s impending honour

“Very, very wrong”: Margaret Court hits back at McEnroe and Navratilova

“It seems like you’re looking for trouble”: John McEnroe hangs up on radio shock jock

Tennis greats back-pedal in the wake of Margaret Court protest

Court in the crossfire: Tennis legends reprimanded for protest stunt

Our Partners