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Wimbledon champion calls out commentator's "disappointing" remarks

Wimbledon tennis champion Barbora Krejcikova has called out a commentator for making "unprofessional" remarks about her live on-air. The Czech player was taking part in the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia, which was broadcast on the Tennis Channel, when the comments were made by commentator Jon Wertheim. The 28-year-old player took to X to express her disappointment over the comments, writing, “As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary." "This isn’t the first time something like this is happening in sports world. I’ve often chosen not to speak up, but I believe it’s time to address the need for respect and professionalism in sports media." “These moments distract from the true essence of sport and the dedication all athletes bring to the field." "I love tennis deeply, and I want to see it represented in a way that honours the commitment we make to compete at this level.” Wertheim responded to Krejcikova's posts, apologising for his comments and also explaining what happened. "During a Tennis Channel studio show on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable comments off-air," he said. "I acknowledge them. I apologise for them. I reached out immediately and apologised to the player. "What happened? I joined the show by Zoom. In rehearsal we were shown a graphic of a player who had just competed. It showed her at an angle that exaggerated her forehead." "A few moments later, I was told to frame up my Zoom. I looked at the low camera angle and joked that it made my forehead resemble the photo of the player in question." "Someone in the control room chimed in and I bantered back. Though this was a private rehearsal, this exchange inadvertently and without context made it to live air." "I realise I am not the victim here. It was neither professional nor charitable nor reflective of the person I strive to be. I am accountable. I own this. I am sorry." Image credits: Artur Widak/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Editorial

Legal

Woman “bullied” on plane over budget seating trick

A young woman has recalled a flight from hell when she was “bullied” by a couple who were trying to utilise a seating hack that went viral on TikTok. The solo traveller took to Reddit to recount the story and ask social media users if she was in the wrong for her action. The woman began by saying she usually pays more to select her plane seat ahead of time, but a medical emergency on another plane had her waiting on standby and left with no option other than to sit in a middle seat. When she was finally able to board, she was greeted by a couple who had purchased both the window and aisle seats in a bid to have more space, utilising a travel “trick” that has been popular on TikTok. The method, which has been dubbed the 'poor man's business class', usually leaves travellers with an empty middle seat and more space, and few travellers opt to pick a middle seat. “When I got to my row the man and woman were chatting and sharing a snack... it was obvious they were together. I mentioned to the man that I'm in the middle, and he got up to let me in,” the unsuspecting traveller wrote on Reddit. “I asked them if they would prefer to sit together, I said I was totally okay with that. The woman reacted rudely to this and said ‘you're not supposed to be sitting here anyway’.” After noticing how the plane was full, she offered to show the pair her new ticket with the correct seat number on it. “She flicked her hand at my ticket and made a disgusted sound. I offered again if they wanted to sit together to which she didn't reply, her partner said it's okay and... made some small talk,” she continued. The man’s girlfriend then interrupted their conversation to ask,”'Did you use one of those third party websites to book your flight? It's so frustrating when people cheap out to inconvenience others.” The American woman explained that she had booked her flight directly and she had been placed on standby like everyone else and didn't choose the middle seat - she was assigned it. She then tried to keep the peace by refusing to engage with the furious woman. “I was so done with her attitude, I put my headphones on and attempted to do my own thing,” she explained. But the “entitled” girlfriend wasn't letting it go, as the woman explained, “This woman kept reaching over me and tapping her partner and trying to talk to him in a way that was super intrusive.” “I could tell even her partner was trying to engage her less so that she would hopefully stop, but she didn't.” “I think they tried to pull that tactic where they don't sit together on purpose...hoping no one will sit between them. But on full flights it doesn't work. And even so - it's not the other person's fault.” The traveller's post was met with hundreds of comments slamming the girlfriend’s behaviour, as one person wrote, “It's like a toddler having a tantrum.” “She was disappointed and a total a**hole. Gross entitled people,” another added. Another person applauded the traveller’s level-headed behaviour, writing, “Wow! You are my hero for keeping it classy - I’m afraid I would not have been as kind as you.” Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

"You are terrible": Brutal comment that drove Paralympian to greatness

From a young age, Paralympian Madison de Rozario knew that people treated her differently. "There's an enormous lack of expectation in what we [people with disabilities] are able to do in sport, in workplaces, in school," she told 9honey. "It can be the death of potential … I didn't recognise that's what I was experiencing as a young kid." Born in Perth, Western Australia, De Rozario developed a neurological disease at just four-years-old and has used a wheelchair ever since. It didn't hold her back from playing sports with her two sisters, and now she is a Paralympic champion with six medals to her name - two golds, three silvers, and a bronze medal. De Rozario recalled how Frank Ponta – a silver medallist at the first ever Paralympics in 1960, an inaugural Australian Paralympic Hall of Famer, and coach to several Paralympic icons – helped her overcome her early doubts. "There was a lot of sympathy, a lot of pity, which I didn't recognise as pity at the time," she said. "And then there was Frank, and he had none of it." Ponta was part of a generation of para athletes that fought for recognition and support back when most Australia treated them as if they were invisible. She recalled how the first time Ponta saw her try to play basketball at just 12-years-old, he told her, "you are terrible at this sport". While it's not exactly what a young athlete would expect to hear, she acknowledged that she was terrible, but Ponta saw her potential. He dug an old racing wheelchair out of a storage cupboard, strapped her in and told her to go for a spin around the carpark. "It was way too big for me and I absolutely fell in love with it," she recalled. Not long after, Ponta was training her multiple times a week even in the toughest conditions. Not only did he believe in her, he expected her to achieve great things and that expectation changed everything. "I think he was the first person that didn't treat me carefully," she said. "He just treated me like an athlete." A year later, one of Ponta's protegees, Sauvage, took over De Rozario's coaching and helped her nab a last-minute spot at the Beijing Paralympics in 2008. De Rozario debuted 48 years after Ponta and brought home the silver medal, the same medal he won at his debut. Ponta sadly died in 2011, a year before De Rozario competed in London, leaving behind a legacy for all para athletes to come. "I feel so just incredibly lucky that I had one of them in my corner. I didn't even realise it until he was gone," she said. "I feel so lucky that that's how my career started, with someone who just embodied all of those things that now as a 30-year-old, I hold very, very close." These memories help fuel her as she prepares for her fifth Paralympics in Paris this month. This year she hopes to make Ponta proud and be the inspiration to the next generation of para athletes. "That part still sits so restlessly in me," she said. Image: DARREN ENGLAND/EPA-EFE/ Shutterstock Editorial

International Travel

Jack Black cancels Tenacious D tour after on-stage Trump comment

Jack Black has cancelled the rest of Tenacious D's Australia and New Zealand tour after his bandmate Kyle Gass’s on-stage joke about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump was widely condemned. Gass was celebrating his 64th birthday on stage at Sydney’s International Convention Centre on Sunday night, just hours after Trump was fired upon at a rally Pennsylvania, when Black presented him with a cake and asked for his birthday wish. “Don’t miss Trump next time,” Gass replied. The moment was captured and posted to TikTok where it quickly went viral, even attracting attention from radio shock jock <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/kyle-slaps-comedy-legends-with-lifetime-ban-for-twisted-trump-joke" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kyle Sandilands</a>, who proposed Tenacious D receive a lifetime ban from touring in Australia. Since the moment garnered online attention, Kyle Gass has been dropped by his talent agency, Greene Talent, with rep Michael Greene telling <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2024/07/16/tenacious-d-kyle-gass-dropped-talent-agency-trump-shooting-comment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">TMZ</a> they have parted ways due to the incident. In the hours after the show, Jack Black took to Instagram where he shocked fans by announcing the rest of their tour would be cancelled, as the joke prompted a falling out between the two bandmates. “I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday. I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” Black wrote in a statement. “After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans are on hold. I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.” Gass has since apologised for the joke, saying, “The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake." “I don’t condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone. What happened was a tragedy, and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement." “I profoundly apologise to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.” Image credits: Reynaud Julien/APS-Medias/ABACA/Shutterstock Editorial/TikTok

Music

“I’m being racist to eggs”: Wellness influencer slammed for innocent comment

An Australian influencer has been forced to address a "racist" comment she made about her son's lunch. Health and fitness influencer Sarah Stevenson, who is known by her millions of followers as Sarah's Day, was filming herself as she made lunch for her son. The 31-year-old stopped herself as she made her child a curried egg sandwich, saying he be dubbed “the smelly boy in the playground” if he took the meal to school. “Do you want to be ‘smelly curried egg boy’?” she asked him. While the seemingly innocent comment went unnoticed by many of her followers, one person sent her a message demanding an apology for her "borderline racist" comment. The entrepreneur and mum-of-two replied to the private message in a video response to her followers explaining that she meant the “egg smell” and didn't mean anything racist. “Didn’t everyone go to school with someone who brought eggs in their lunch and you’re like, ‘ew, you smell like rotten eggs’... not ‘you smell like curry!’,” she said in the video on her Instagram Stories. She said sarcastically, “I’m being racist to eggs.” Stevenson then doubled down on the follower’s outrage, following that with a cooking tutorial for “racist eggs”. The late night social media saga was re-shared by a popular account, where it was dubbed “egg gate” and plenty more people weighed in on the drama. “She should have apologised and taken it down instead she’s made it worse,” one commenter wrote. The general consensus from the public was that the original racism accusation “was a definite reach”, but she went too far with her explanation. “Honestly don’t think there was any malice in the original comment — she definitely scrambled (ha!), way too far in explaining herself afterwards though,” someone wrote. Image credits: Instagram

Food & Wine

Dawn French hits back at "shameful" weight loss comments

Dawn French has hit back at hurtful comments about her drastic weight loss almost a decade ago, admitting she "never rejected" the size she was. In 2014, the British comedian and actress dropped over 45kg after undergoing a hysterectomy following a terrifying cancer scare. The dramatic weight loss came after French's surgeon said she would heal better from the procedure if she lost weight. At the time, dozens of articles were written about French's transformation, praising her weight loss. Now, the 65-year-old has taken umbrage with the comments, telling <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/id-never-felt-so-ugly-how-dawn-french-learnt-to-love-her-flaws-3z95kc823" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Times</a> how unfair it is that women are in the public eye are often “reduced” to descriptions of their appearance. “I have never rejected the bigger woman I have been. Lots of people do it and say, ‘Oh, you look so much better – now you look well.’ And I think, ‘F*** off! Don’t judge that other person who I loved,’” she said. “[British singer] Alison Moyet is a very good friend and so often she has been reduced to descriptions of her physicality.” “She’s this giant talent, why reduce her to that? I’m not taking any s*** from anyone about any of it,” she said. French went on to reflect on the early days of her career, which began in the late 1980s alongside Jennifer Saunders. Despite the success of their BBC show French and Saunders, they were often described by how they looked, something she says “never” happened to their male colleagues. “For many years Jennifer [Saunders] and I were always described by how we looked, especially me, because I was the bigger one.” “It was always about ‘running to fat’ or ‘plump’, and they never said that about any of the male comedians.” “I absolutely own whatever my size is and I will call myself whatever I want. But if I feel like the intent is to shame me, I will not have it,” French said. Image credits: Getty Images

Body

UK PM causes outrage over transgender comments

Rishi Sunak has sparked outrage after making very controversial comments about transgender people at his first party conference as leader. The UK Prime Minister, who is campaigning to get people to support his Conservative party ahead of next year’s general election, declared that “we shouldn’t get bullied into believing that people can be any sex they want to be”. At the party’s annual conference, Mr Sunak spoke for more than an hour as he promised that the Tories would break the mould of the last 30 years of government. Despite being in power for 13 years, the Conservative party is on the road to defeat the next election, after increasing dissatisfaction among voters. “We will be bold, we will be radical. We will face resistance and we will meet it,” he told delegates at the conference. Many have seen his comments about transgender people as the most bold and radical parts of his speech. “It shouldn’t be controversial for parents to know what their children are being taught in school about relationships,” he said. “Patients should know when hospitals are talking about men or women. We shouldn’t get bullied.” His delegates applauded his controversial statements, to which Sunak continued, “We shouldn’t get bullied into believing that people can be any sex they want to be. They can’t.” “A man is a man and a woman is a woman, that’s just common sense.” Sunak’s comments quickly went viral online, with many people expressing their concern over such a prominent figure making such divisive comments. “Outrageous hate, which is going to encourage bullying and physical attacks by thugs, utterly vile,” transgender British newsreader India Willoughby wrote. “If a single trans person gets attacked or murdered after today then Rishi Sunak should be arrested and charged,” added another. “Never had so many DMs from worried UK trans people and their families,” wrote a third. “The important thing following Rishi Sunak’s hate speech: IT IS NOT LAW. Nothing has changed. Trans are still legally recognised and protected. Yes it’s scary – but they do not have time to change rules/law.” Image credits: Getty Images

News

F1 caller faces termination over "abhorrent" Schumacher comment

A Formula One pundit recently found himself issuing an apology for an unfortunate slip of the tongue during a live TV broadcast, where he inadvertently made an insensitive remark about the legendary Michael Schumacher. The incident unfolded in the aftermath of the Japanese Grand Prix during a post-race discussion on Spanish television, as reported by The Sun. Antonio Lobato, the pundit in question, raised Schumacher's name during the discussion. Regrettably, his comment quickly made its way online, inciting outrage among fans due to its insensitivity toward the Formula One icon's ongoing health struggles. In the clip in question, one of Lobato's fellow broadcaster quipped to him in Spanish, "Let Adrian Newey (Red Bull's chief technical officer) be shaking because Antonio Lobato is coming." Lobato, perhaps in an attempt at humour in the moment, shot back, "Let Michael be shaking! Well... not Michael, he cannot shake." Following this exchange, the pundits shared a laugh with their colleagues, Noemi de Miguel, Pedro de la Rosa, and Toni Cuquerella. The incident provoked a strong backlash from viewers, with many demanding that Lobato apologise to Michael Schumacher's family. Some even called for his removal from DAZN, the broadcasting platform. One individual on X (formerly Twitter) remarked, "An apology would be the minimum, a sign of decency. You don't disrespect ANYONE that way, especially when thousands of people are watching you. Journalism in Spain has a very bright present and future with people like this." Another comment read, "Using someone's medical condition as the punchline of a joke is unacceptable and abhorrent. Michael is beloved and respected in this sport, and [Lobato] doesn't deserve the platform he is given." Subsequently, Lobato released an apology video on X, which has since garnered over five million views. In the five-minute video, he attempted to explain the "accident" while justifying his actions. Lobato stated in Spanish, "I made a mistake without any bad intentions. It was simply a mistake of pure clumsiness, of pure inability to express myself correctly, maybe because of too many hours up, jet lag in Madrid, or whatever – which is not an excuse for those of you who didn't see it." He went on to clarify that he never intended to make a joke or mock Michael Schumacher and that anyone who knew him would understand this. Lobato acknowledged his error, saying, "I think that everyone who knows me and knows what I'm like knows perfectly well that I would never make a joke about something like that. Never, but I was clumsy." He admitted that he had realised his mistake instantly after making the comment. He also emphasised his deep regret, stating, "So the only thing I have to do, I think it's fundamental, is to apologise to all those who felt offended by that phrase yesterday. I really, really mean it. It was not my intention to say it to laugh, nor to make any kind of joke with Michael, whom I knew, whom I admire, and whom I think is a reference and who I think was quite unlucky." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Creo que es necesario dar explicaciones y reconocer que me he equivocado. Por favor, escuchad mi vídeo. Es un poco largo, pero creo que necesario. <a href="https://t.co/89QlCMws2v">pic.twitter.com/89QlCMws2v</a> — Antonio Lobato (@alobatof1) <a href="https://twitter.com/alobatof1/status/1706287035445653736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2023</a></blockquote> Images: Twitter (X) / Netflix

Legal

Sports presenter slammed over "Barbie" comments

The BBC has issued a statement after a cringeworthy interview with a sports presenter went viral. Chris Hughes, a former Love Island contestant, was chatting to Aussie cricketer Maitlan Brown during Southern Brave's match in The Hundred. As the interview began, Hughes referred to Brown as a "batsman", with the rest of the interview only going downhill from there. Hughes then asked how Brown had been settling in and bonding with her teammates. "We watched Barbie the other night all together and it was really good team bonding and the group is gelling really well together," Brown replied. Hughes then quipped back, "You're a little Barbie yourself, aren't you, with your blue eyes." As Brown laughed awkwardly, Hughes added, "She's blushing now." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The absolute state of this <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCSport</a> "Batsman" "You're a bit of a Barbie yourself" So much great young journalistic cricket talent in the UK, and you hire that clown <a href="https://twitter.com/chrishughes_22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chrishughes_22</a>, because demographics, innit <a href="https://t.co/f7FwAtQjR9">pic.twitter.com/f7FwAtQjR9</a> — Always Look On The Bright Cider Life 🍎🏏🍎🏏🍎 (@somersetpodcast) <a href="https://twitter.com/somersetpodcast/status/1686411647903006720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2023</a></blockquote> Since the interview, Hughes has copped criticism on social media with the BCC stating they have addressed the issue with him. "We have spoken to Chris and explained that his comment was not appropriate," a BBC spokesperson said. Hughes has been the subject of an online slating since the interview, with many criticising his comments and wondering how he even landed the gig in the first place. One person wrote on Twitter, "This is what happens when you get a Love Islander to present cricket... Oh dear." "Whether Chris Hughes made the Barbie remark yesterday with the intention to belittle or embarrass Maitlan Brown or not is irrelevant. As is whether Brown in fact took offense to it. The effect and imagery was the same," another commented. Image credits: BBC

Bridgerton’s Adjoa Andoh responds to backlash for “terribly white” coronation comment

A star of the stage and screen, Adjoa Andoh HonFRSL, made waves around the world with her comments on the royal family’s post-coronation balcony appearance. Coverage of King Charles III’s coronation was available around the world from numerous providers, but it was the comments Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh made during ITV’s extensive coverage in the UK that set the internet ablaze. To kick off their day, the network broadcast a special edition of their Good Morning Britain show, with a programme hosted by Tom Bradby and Julie Etchingham to follow. Their show saw them welcome a whole host of guests - including but not limited to reporters out on The Mall for the day’s festivities. Their coverage was going as planned until they cut to their temporary studio for the royals stepping out onto Buckingham Palace’s balcony. Bradby and Etchingham asked for thoughts from their guests, and it was then that Andoh shared her take, noting that “we have gone from the rich diversity of the Abbey to a terribly white balcony. I am very struck by that. “I am also looking at those younger generations and thinking ‘what are the nuances that they will inhabit when they grow?’” A clip from the show went viral on Twitter soon after it was uploaded, where it was met with mixed - and loud - response. The comment stunned the ITV presenters, and Myleene Klass was seen staring at the actor as she spoke. The clip was later shared on Twitter, where it received a mixed response. Some people criticised Andoh for her words, while others applauded her for speaking out. Dozens raced to submit complaints to OFCOM, claiming that Andoh’s take had stemmed from racist ideals, while others rose to her defence, thanking her for speaking out. As author and activist Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu wrote, Andoh “told no lies in factual observation of ‘terribly White’ (literal & symbolic) Buckingham palace balcony at #Coronation in contrast to tokenism of race diversity at Westminster Abbey & got branded ‘racist’”. Meanwhile, conservative commentator Darren Grimes demanded to know “why is it ok to dismiss a white family for being white?” They were only two of such comments flooding social media, and were the exact kind Andoh addressed in her next public appearance, when she joined Paddy O’Connnell on BBC Radio 4. “I think I upset a few people yesterday,” she noted. “I was talking about the day and how marvellous it was, and then looking at the balcony at the end and suddenly going ‘oh, it’s so white!’ because the day had been so mixed, and I didn’t mean to upset anybody.” However, it wasn’t quite enough to stem the tide of feedback, while users all across Twitter taking sides, and sharing their opinion on the latest round of comment. “There's an old saying: "Think before you speak". Andoh thought about it and said it anyway,” one said. “Spare us the crocodile tears. You knew exactly what you meant.” “She said the right thing they didn’t want to hear instead of the white thing they did want to hear,” another wrote. “The firm had an extraordinary opportunity to show progress and inclusion, not to mention the perfect ambassadors for the Commonwealth - and they ran them out of town.” Images: Getty

"Broke my heart": Mum's outrage at stranger's comment about her disabled son

A Sydney mother has shared her shock and outrage after a stranger made "rude" comments about her son. Tori Boyadji and her friend Lyndal were walking through Collaroy Park in Sydney's north with Tori's two-year-old son Isaac, who has Down syndrome. The friends were stopped by a woman who looked at Isaac and exclaimed, "Ohh is this a little downsie?" Tori, 28, went on to recount how the stranger said she would "never want a kid with Down syndrome" herself. Ms Boyadji told <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/sydney-mum-tori-boyadji-shocked-by-strangers-taunt-to-her-son/news-story/d8e3ee46ad9ed07ded6776987ff220f7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Telegraph</a> that the stranger's comments left her feeling very upset. "Lyndal and I just looked at each other in disbelief – I’m not easily offended but this comment truly broke my heart," she said. "Why would you say that to two mums with their adorable kids right there?" Tori said Isaac is just like any other toddler, as he loved The Wiggles and going to the beach. "He also happens to have Down syndrome — but this is the least interesting part of him," she said. Rhonda Faragher, Associate Professor of Inclusion and Diversity at Queensland University, weighed in on the exchange, and shared her thoughts that the major issue lays with the fact that people believe those with Down syndrome need to change in some way. "In my view, it's not the language itself, it's what's behind the language," she explained to <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/sydney-mums-shock-at-strangers-rude-comment-about-disabled-son-073246046.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo News Australia</a>. "That somebody in the community would feel [a child with Down Syndrome] would not be a child they'd like to have in their family without even knowing the child." "I think it's [disappointing] that other people don't understand that this is not a tragedy," she added. "Having a person with Down syndrome in your family, in your life, is actually a terrific blessing." Image credits: Instagram

Caring

"Guy is clueless": Kyrgios hits back at Pat Rafter

Nick Kyrgios has hit back at Aussie tennis legend Pat rafter after he dubbed Kyrgios' doubles team with Thanasi Kokkinakis a "circus". <div id="story-primary"> Kyrgios and Kokkinakis, a duo that has been dubbed the "Special Ks", took the Australian Open by storm in 2022 when they teamed up and claimed the doubles crown. The doubles act brought their signature flair to the court, bringing audiences to their feet in a memorable display of sporting showmanship. But Rafter said the way the pair conduct themselves during the match has ruffled feathers among those on tour and left them on the outside within the locker room. Rafter appeared on the Australian Open: The Happy Slam podcast and labelled the doubles act as a “circus”. “It’s an interesting one that is, because the players are really upset about it,” Rafter said. “I don’t know how that operates with them and doesn’t really bother me either way. It’s a bit of a circus … doubles is a great event, it’s a lot of fun, and it helps you with singles, but it’s not where it’s at. But at the same time, it’s entertainment.” “If they create drama, create ticket sales, and they create people watching, then good on them, but at what expense, I don’t know. The players are really upset. Are you supposed to understand the underwritten rule that that’s not how you behave when you do?” Rafter said. Kyrgios hit back at Rafter on social media, slamming the Aussie sports legend for fabricating the outrage of players. “He would have absolutely zero idea on what the locker room thinks. Me and kokk have great relationships with most of the players on tour. Guy is clueless,” Kyrgios wrote on Twitter. Image credits: Getty Images </div>

News

Why King Charles reacted with "torrents of profanity" to Donald Trump's comments

A new book has claimed King Charles unleashed a "torrent of profanity" towards former US President Donald Trump after he made inappropriate comments about Kate Middleton. Earlier this week, <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-kate-middleton-remark-profanity-prince-william-harry-1756283" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Newsweek </a>reported on excerpts obtained from Christopher Andersen’s upcoming royal biography, The King: The Life of Charles III. The book claims that the royal family was furious with the then-President after his distasteful tweets about the Princess of Wales came to light. In 2012, Mr Trump tweeted about the Princess of Wales after photographs of her sunbathing topless were published in the French publication Closer. “Kate Middleton is great – but she shouldn’t be sunbathing in the nude – only herself to blame,” Mr Trump tweeted at the time. “Who wouldn’t take Kate’s picture and make lots of money if she does the nude sunbathing thing. Come on Kate!” Mr Andersen wrote in his book that, at the time, “Trump’s criticism of Kate resulted in what one Clarence House butler referred to as ‘torrents of profanity’ from both Prince Charles and his sons.” He also alleged that this wasn’t the first time the royals had openly expressed their disapproval of Mr Trump. Prior to the incident in 2012, Mr Andersen explained that Trump’s previous comments about Princess Diana were also not well-received by the royal family. “It didn’t help that Trump had aggressively pursued Princess Diana after her divorce—overtures that were rebuffed—and claimed later on a radio program that he could have ‘nailed her if I wanted to,’ but only if she passed an HIV test,” Mr Andersen wrote. After several instances of tension with the former President, the book claims that King Charles, when prompted by a former Washington official, referred to him as "a ghastly, awful man". Image credits: Getty Images

Family & Pets

King Charles feels "betrayed" by Meghan Markle

King Charles reportedly feels "betrayed" by Meghan Markle, over her recent comments and interviews discussing the royal family. According to royal author Christopher Andersen, the firm has felt less than impressed with Meghan's latest comments and accusations against the family. “Oh, I think they pay attention,” he told <a href="https://www.gbnews.uk/news/king-charles-iii-feels-betrayed-by-meghan-markles-interview-comments-royal-expert-claims/382539" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Weekly</a>. The journalist added that the monarch has been left “bewildered” by his daughter-in-law’s media appearances. “I think — as far as Charles is concerned, specifically — you know, he feels betrayed,” he said. “I mean, he really was very fond of her. And I think he’s somewhat bewildered.” Mr Anderson went on to say that Queen Elizabeth II “was used to handling” the Sussexes, but the King has not had such luck with the emancipated royals. “I don’t think it threw her as much as it has thrown at Charles, and understandably so, because this is his son and the daughter-in-law who have said some pretty hurtful things,” he said. Meghan and her husband Prince Harry announced they were stepping down as “senior members of the royal family” in 2020. Since then, there have been limited engagements in which the Sussexes have joined the royal family, with the most recent being the funeral of Queen Elizabeth. Following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's tell-all interview with Oprah in 2021, the Queen released a statement saying, “The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan." “Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much-loved family members.” Image credits: Getty Images

Family & Pets

“Trashed the Royal Family”: Meghan Markle called out for comments

Meghan Markle has once again been called out for her comments about Queen Elizabeth II by British TV host Nana Akua. The Duchess of Sussex paid tribute to the late Monarch in an interview with Variety and said she had the honour and “deep gratitude to have been able to get to know” the Queen. “What’s so beautiful is to look at the legacy that his [Prince Harry] grandmother was able to leave on so many fronts,” Meghan told the publication. “Certainly, in terms of female leadership, she is the most shining example of what that looks like. “I feel deep gratitude to have been able to spend time with her and get to know her.” However, host Nana was not having any of the Duchess’ comments questioning whether people should forget she “trashed” the Royal Family. “So we should forget that you trashed the Royal Family on Oprah by putting it out there that someone in the Royal Family was a racist?” she said. “And if my memory serves me correctly I believe the Queen’s extremely polite and measured response to that was that ‘recollections may vary’. “Meghan talks about how her California friends gathered around her after that ghastly interview. “She said, ‘it’s like they knew exactly what I needed to feel in that moment. It meant and still means so very much to me, the power of sisterhood and female support can never be underestimated.’ “Shame you didn’t relate that to your own family and in fact, your own sister.” The broadcaster then continued to call out Meghan for all her comments that were previously called out. “Look, you keep going out with a load of claptrap. I could give you a few reminders, but it’ll take too long,” she said. “Okay. Remember the one about not being a prince? Or what about the Lion King one, the rejoicing in the streets. “And what about the Sussex survivors club? They can’t all be making it up.” Images: Getty/GB News

Airline responds to "fat-shaming" onboard comments

Dr Sydney Watson – a US-based Australian journalist and political commentator – took to Twitter on October 11 to complain about being sat between two obese people on an American Airlines flight. Her mid-flight comments caused an immediate furore as she posted that “I am currently - literally - WEDGED between two OBESE people on my flight,” along with a photo of her personal space being invaded. “This is absolutely NOT acceptable or okay. If fat people want to be fat, fine. But it is something else entirely when I'm stuck between you, with your arm rolls on my body, for 3 hours. “I don't care if this is mean. My entire body is currently being touched against my wishes. I can't even put the arm rests down on either side because there's no f***ing room. “I'm sick of acting like fatness to this extent is normal. Let me assure you, it is not. “If you need a seat belt extender, you are TOO FAT TO BE ON A PLANE. “Buy two seats or don't fly.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I am currently - literally - WEDGED between two OBESE people on my flight. This is absolutely NOT acceptable or okay. If fat people want to be fat, fine. But it is something else entirely when I'm stuck between you, with your arm rolls on my body, for 3 hours. <a href="https://t.co/9uIqcpJO8I">pic.twitter.com/9uIqcpJO8I</a> — Dr. Sydney Watson (@SydneyLWatson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SydneyLWatson/status/1579609743244800006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2022</a></blockquote> Dr Watson said she asked the passenger on her right if he wanted to move to sit next to his sister to which he declined. She continued the rest of her flight sitting uncomfortably with no air hostess offering to switch her seat. Her complaint went viral with the official American Airlines Twitter account responding to Dr Watson saying: “Our passengers come in all different sizes and shapes. We're sorry you were uncomfortable on your flight.” This however was not enough for Dr Watson who eventually found out that “what happened to me went against American Airlines own policies regarding overweight passengers.” A few days later after her initial flight, an American Airlines worker got in contact with Dr Watson apologising for the inconvenience and offered her a $150 Trip Credit. “I'd rather take the $150 American Airlines offered me as a refund and give it to someone who needs a PT or a gym membership,” she tweeted in response. Still furious at what occurred on the flight, Dr Watson said she has no regrets over being in the news for fat shaming. “I'm not sorry. I meant everything I said. Justifying obesity is NOT OKAY,” she said. “And, rock on to anyone trying to lose weight and change their lives. I believe in you.” Images: Twitter/Instagram

Travel Trouble

Little Louis' heartbreaking comment about "Grannie"

As mourners gathered outside Windsor Castle to pay their tributes to Queen Elizabeth, Kate, William, Harry and Meghan reunited in a show of solidarity. As they spoke to heart-broken Britons about the Queen, Kate revealed the devastating comment her son Prince Louis made after hearing about the Queen's death. Kate spoke of the touching anecdote while meeting people on the Long Walk, with 28-year-old Banita Ranow hearing the new Princess of Wales tell the children next to her what her 4-year-old son said. She said Kate told the children, “Louis said ‘at least Grannie is with great grandpa now’.” Ms Ranow said the Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge was “welling up” as she spoke to the children. Ms Ranow, along with several others who attended the makeshift memorial, said it "so beautiful to see" the reunion of the Cambridges and the Sussexes in the wake of the Queen's death. She said, “I felt so emotional and I felt the Queen would have loved it. I just hope in the future they remain like that and that the brothers come together, and the families.” It was William and Kate’s first engagement under their new titles, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the first time they have appeared in public with Harry and Meghan since the National Service of Thanksgiving for the Queen’s Jubilee in June. A royal source said the Prince of Wales asked his brother and his wife to join them in viewing the tributes, as they all inspected tributes to Queen Elizabeth and met with well-wishers at the gates of Windsor Castle. Image credits: Getty Images

Family & Pets

Nelson Mandela's grandson weighs in on Meghan Markle's comment

Nelson Mandela's grandson has slammed recent comments from Meghan Markle, after she shared an anecdote about South Africans comparing her marriage to Mandela's release from prison. In an <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/meghan-markle-gets-candid-in-groundbreaking-interview" target="_blank" rel="noopener">explosive interview</a>, the Duchess of Sussex recalled a conversation from 2019 with a South African member of The Lion King production, who allegedly said to her, "I just need you to know: When you married into this family, we rejoiced in the streets the same we did when Mandela was freed from prison." Now, Zwelivelile 'Mandla' Mandela has spoken out about her claims that are reminiscent of the 1990 release of the legendary anti-apartheid campaigner after 27 years in jail, telling the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11159869/EXCLUSIVE-Nelson-Mandelas-grandson-slams-Meghan-Markle.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail</a>, "It can never be compared to the celebration of someone's wedding." He said, "Madiba's celebration was based on overcoming 350 years of colonialism with 60 years of a brutal apartheid regime in South Africa. So It cannot be equated to as the same." Referring to Meghan, he said, "Every day there are people who want to be Nelson Mandela, either comparing themselves with him or wanting to emulate him." "But before people can regard themselves as Nelson Mandelas, they should be looking into the work that he did and be able to be champions and advocates of the work that he himself championed." Zwelivelile's grandfather served 27 years in prison before being released and re-uniting opponents and going on to lead his country. He said when the people of South Africa expressed their joy at his grandfather's release and danced in the streets, it was for a far more important and serious reason than her marriage "to a white prince". The African National Congress MP added, "We are still bearing scars of the past. But they (Mr Mandela's celebrations) were a product of the majority of our people being brought out onto the streets to exercise the right of voting for the first time." "He spoke for oppressed minorities, children and women and protracting the most vulnerable people in our society." "He always spoke about oppressed nations around the globe and yet people are silent on those issues." "But this is what we like to see (from) people when they regard themselves as being a “Nelson Mandela'." Image credits: Getty Images

News

Jordan Peterson driven from Twitter after swimsuit comments

Psychologist and conservative online personality Jordan Peterson has announced he will leave Twitter after receiving backlash for remarks he made about “curve model” Yumi Nu. Nu, who has walked runways and appeared in Vogue and various fashion campaigns, made her appearance as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s first Asian American cover model - which Peterson seemed to take issue with. “Sorry. Not beautiful. And no amount of authoritarian tolerance is going to change that,” he tweeted on Monday. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Sorry. Not beautiful. And no amount of authoritarian tolerance is going to change that. <a href="https://t.co/rOASeeQvee">https://t.co/rOASeeQvee</a> — Dr Jordan B Peterson (@jordanbpeterson) <a href="https://twitter.com/jordanbpeterson/status/1526279181545390083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2022</a></blockquote> As of publication, the tweet has received over 62,000 likes and nearly 5,000 comments - including plenty of people questioning why he felt he needed to share his opinion. “Why do men feel it’s their duty to publicly pronounce their view on the attractiveness of women? Couldn’t you just keep it to yourself?” one person tweeted. “I love your talks … but this comment is beyond disgusting,” another said. “You may not even know on how many levels this is disturbing. Try interviewing more young women on your podcasts. You’ve got a lot to learn. Until then, stop criticising women’s bodies.” Nu, who is half-Japanese, previously told NBC Asian America of the societal pressures and body-shaming she’s faced as a model with Asian heritage. “I felt like I was less worthy for being Asian because I felt like an outsider for being so tall,” she said. “All I wanted to do was be white, to be white enough to fit in and not be called Godzilla.” Meanwhile, Peterson has since announced he will be leaving the social media platform as a result of the criticism, despite going on to continue posting. “The endless flood of vicious insults is really not something that can be experienced anywhere else,” he wrote in a tweet following the initial comments on Nu. “I told my staff to change my password, to keep me from temptation, and am departing once again. If I have something to say I’ll write an article or make a video. If the issue is not important enough to justify that then perhaps it would be best to just let it go.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> So I told my staff to change my password, to keep me from temptation, and am departing once again. If I have something to say I'll write an article or make a video. If the issue is not important enough to justify that then perhaps it would be best to just let it go. <a href="https://t.co/5MC7LxlOLj">https://t.co/5MC7LxlOLj</a> — Dr Jordan B Peterson (@jordanbpeterson) <a href="https://twitter.com/jordanbpeterson/status/1526389811250077696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2022</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> And I plan to write an article on the technical reasons that Twitter is maddening us all very soon. Bye for now. <a href="https://t.co/naJnLabtqz">https://t.co/naJnLabtqz</a> — Dr Jordan B Peterson (@jordanbpeterson) <a href="https://twitter.com/jordanbpeterson/status/1526390002304811009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2022</a></blockquote> Since his departing tweet, the psychologist has retweeted various posts and articles about teachers being allowed to not use students’ preferred pronouns, Democrats controlling the internet, and fighting back against Disney “going woke”. Image: @jordan.b.peterson (Instagram)

Beauty & Style

John Mayer responds to hate comments from angry Taylor Swift fans

As pop music icon Taylor Swift re-records a selection of her hit albums, her exes, who are often the subject of her music, are copping a lot of hate online. Recently, Taylor opened up about her relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal (the pair had a fleeting romance in 2010) in her re-release of her album Red. Following the album's second life in the public eye, Jake Gyllenhaal has seen a flood of hate message from dedicated Taylor fans, asking how he could possibly break her heart so much to warrant such devastating songs. As Jake has chosen not to respond to haters, another one of Taylor Swift's exes John Mayer, has not stayed as quiet. As Taylor's next album to be re-recorded will be the Speak Now album, which famously centres arounds their 2009 romance, dedicated Swifties have turned their attention to John. One fan decided to call John out in a private message on Instagram, saying, "F–-k yourself you ugly b---h I hope you choke on something … Answer me you b---h." Thinking the Grammy award-winning artist would never see the threats, the user was shocked when she got a message back saying, "Hi Alondra, it's John." <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845690/john-insta.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d69423daf0f6433aa7b8793399fd3f7a" /> Image credits: Instagram John responded to the startled fan saying, "I've been getting so many messages like these the past couple days," Mayer wrote back. "I'm not upset, I just tend to have a curious mind and feel compelled to ask. Do you really hope that I die?" Taken aback by the message from Mayer, the fan in question replied with a voice message to John, saying, "My friend literally dared me to do that. She's a Taylor fan and like so am I. It was a dare. I'm sorry. I did not expect you to see." The singer graciously accepted the apology, but was perplexed as to why people would be sending such threatening messages about a fleeting romance from 2009 that is mentioned in a re-recorded album that hasn't even been released yet. The fan responded, "Yeah, I guess nobody really thought you would see it or answer since you are famous and don't interact with random people. Again, very sorry!!" John praised the revelation, saying "There was some healing here today!" The fan got in one last warning to the singer, as she said, "Just a warning that people are probably going to be 1000x meaner when Speak Now (Taylor's Version) is released so take care of yourself." Taylor Swift has been <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/explained-why-taylor-swift-is-re-recording-her-studio-albums-and-what-it-says-about-copyright-battles-with-mega-music-labels-10138211.html" target="_blank">re-recording six albums</a> she created at the start of her career, when her previous record company would not give her the rights to her own music. John Mayer's response to the startled fan just goes to show that people need to be wary of what they say online, or run the risk of being publicly dragged by a Grammy award-winning musician with something to say. Image credits: Getty Images

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