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Wild conspiracy theory emerges over leaked horse cruelty video

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

Legal

Leaked footage shows Olympic star's horrific animal abuse

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

Legal

David Walliams sues BGT over leaked rant

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

Legal

Prince William's enormous salary leaked

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

Money & Banking

Devastating leaked email places Jenny Craig on brink of collapse

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

Body

Leaked email advises landlords to increase rent amid housing crisis

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

Real Estate

Source of nasty Novak leak revealed!

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

Caught out! Leaked audio as Channel 7 stars slam Novak

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

News

Betty White's real cause of death leaked

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

Caring

Unseen texts claim Meghan Markle knew controversial letter would leak

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

Legal

Prime suspect in Madeleine McCann case purportedly leaks taunting cartoon

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

Legal

Ben Roberts-Smith’s ex-wife accused of leaking shocking photos

Lawyers representing Ben Roberts-Smith have told the Federal Court his ex-wife leaked images to the media of soldiers drinking out of a prosthetic leg. The Victoria Cross recipient is suing newspapers owned by Nine over stories alleging he committed war crimes in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012 and punched a woman in the face in 2018. The high-profile trial is due to start on Monday, June 7, where the newspapers will rely on truth as a defence. Matthew Richardson, one of the barristers on Mr Robert-Smith’s legal team, told a pre-trial hearing the team was still looking through the various images on USB drives that were part of the case. <img style="width: 500px; height:333.33333333333337px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841599/roberts-smith.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/cc74fc57c8b84074a7e0111e81b861e6" /> Nine alleged the images of soldiers drinking from the prosthetic leg of a deceased Afghan man were contained on the drives, which it alleges were found buried in Mr Robert-Smith’s backyard. After the court heard the newspaper’s legal teams were still unable to access the content of the USB drives, Mr Richardson said Mr Robert-Smith’s former wife, Emma Roberts, leaked the images. He also said processing the images depicting the prosthetic leg has been such an “onerous” task that it won’t be completed by the time the trial opens. <img style="width: 500px; height:333.33333333333337px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841598/roberts-smith-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b27f5b79e2c143789a7bfe1afc19d995" /> Lyndelle Barnett, one of the lawyers acting for the newspapers, disputed the claim and said her clients did not have the material nor did they receive it from Ms Roberts-Smith. Ms Barnett continued, saying only one of her clients had the information being discussed but couldn’t share it with lawyers due to national security laws. Justice Anthony Besanko said that though the court would be open to the public during the trial, live-streaming the proceedings was unlikely due to the risk of revealing national security information. “My present inclination is not to,” he said. “That risk seems to be one that needs to be taken into account.” The trial is expected to run for up to 10 weeks, with the court hearing that the opening address by Bruce McClintock SC - Mr Robert-Smith’s chief barrister - would run for two to three days. Mr Roberts-Smith will be the first witness, with his evidence likely taking four days. Images: Nine

Legal

Prince Louis steals the show in leaked royal Christmas card

A royal fan has shared a glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s highly-anticipated Christmas card for this year. The snapshot shows William and Kate beaming outside on a bench with their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis beside them. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.9706498951782px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839217/screen-shot-2020-12-14-at-25647-pm.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/56bbefd0c7a645c0b6a6145486a3ec93" /> The photo hasn’t officially been released by the palace, nor has it been confirmed where it was shot but it is assumed it was taken at Anmer Hall, Norfolk, as that is where the family has spent most of the lockdown. But it was one particular member of the family that stole the show. Prince Louis appeared to be overjoyed as he sat between his parents. The card reads “To all the amazing NHS staff,“ with the message: “Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.”

Beauty & Style

Major leak exposes nearly 2 million Chinese Communist Party members

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> A major leak of a register that contained the details of nearly two million Chinese Communist Party members has occurred, exposing members worldwide. Sharri Markson, Sky News host, said that the breach also lifts the lid on how the CCP operates under President and Chairman Xi Jinping. “It is believed to be the first leak of its kind in the world,” the Sky News host said. “What's amazing about this database is not just that it exposes people who are members of the communist party, and who are now living and working all over the world, from Australia to the US to the UK,” Ms Markson said. “But it's amazing because it lifts the lid on how the party operates under President and Chairman Xi Jinping”. The leak showed that CCP party branches are involved with some of the world's biggest companies and inside government agencies worldwide. “Communist party branches have been set up inside western companies, allowing the infiltration of those companies by CCP members - who, if called on, are answerable directly to the communist party, to the Chairman, the president himself,” she said. “Along with the personal identifying details of 1.95 million communist party members, mostly from Shanghai, there are also the details of 79,000 communist party branches, many of them inside companies”. The leak is a significant security breach likely to embarrass Xi Jinping. “It is also going to embarrass some global companies who appear to have no plan in place to protect their intellectual property from theft. From economic espionage,” she said. The data was extracted from Shanghai servers by Chinese dissidents and whistleblowers back in April 2016. “It was then leaked in mid-September to the newly-formed international bi-partisan group, the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China - and that group is made up of 150 legislators around the world. “It was then provided to an international consortium of four media organisations, The Australian, The Sunday Mail in the UK, De Standaard in Belgium and a Swedish editor, to analyse over the past two months, and that's what we've done". Ms Markson said it, “is worth noting that there's no suggestion that these members have committed espionage - but the concern is over whether Australia or these companies knew of the CCP members and if so have any steps been taken to protect their data and people”. </div> </div> </div>

News

Family condemns “deplorable” video leak of toddler falling from cruise ship

The family of a toddler who fell off her grandfather’s arms to her death on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship has criticised the Puerto Rican authorities after a surveillance footage of the incident was leaked. The video, which was broadcast by Puerto Rico TV program La Comay on Tuesday local time, shows 18-months-old Chloe Wiegand being lifted by her grandfather Salvatore “Sam” Anello to an open window of the Freedom of the Seas ship in July. The young girl fell 45 metres to a concrete dock below to the pier, resulting in her death. According to a lawsuit the US family filed earlier this month, Anello said he was not aware that the window glass panes could be opened. In a statement, the Wiegand family demanded an investigation into the release of the video. “The family is shocked by the deplorable and disgraceful misconduct that led to the release of this footage,” they said. “The family’s sole motivation for not releasing the video was to protect their older child. That motivation has not changed. “The family publicly asks the Puerto Rican authorities, why was this footage released? Why do you continue to inflict such heinous emotional distress on our family? Haven’t we been punished enough by the loss of Chloe?” The Attorney General of Puerto Rico Dennise Longo Quiñones said in a statement that they did not know how the video was released to the news agency. “We are unaware of how Kobbo Santarrosa obtained the video of the unfortunate incident where Chloe Wiegand lost her life,” Quiñones told <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cruise-ship-death-sam-anello-offered-plea-deal-in-death-of-granddaughter-chloe-wiegand-after-video-leaked/">CBS News</a>. “A careful review of said video confirms, however that Salvatore Anello is guilty of negligent homicide as charged. The evidence collected in this case corroborates his criminal responsibility. We hope and expect Chloe’s family fully cooperates with our proceedings and that justice prevails in this case with conviction.” Puerto Rican defence attorney Jose Perez said Anello is considering a plea deal but remains intent on clearing his name at trial. “It’s firm that he is innocent and he does not want to plea,” Perez said. Wiegand’s parents blame Royal Caribbean for the death. “We want them to fix their cruise ships so that no other kids get hurt,” Kimberly Wiegand said.

Cruising

450,000 cars recalled for brake fluid leak that could make them catch fire

Nissan is recalling over 450,000 vehicles worldwide due to a brake fluid leak that could cause them to catch fire. Due to the fire risk, Nissan is urging owners to park the vehicles outdoors and away from structures if the antilock brake light comes on for more than ten seconds. The recall covers the Nissan Murano SUV from 2015 through 2018 and Maxima sedans from 2016 to 2018. There are other cars included, which are Infiniti QX60 and Nissan Pathfinder SUVs from 2017 to 2019. Most cars are in the US and Canada. Nissan says that the antilock brake actuator pump can leak fluid onto a circuit board causing electrical shorts and fires. It’s Nissan’s third recall for the same problem, and the company keeps expanding the number of affected models. About 120,000 US vehicles were recalled in 2016 and Nissan further recalled 215,000 in 2018, according to <a rel="noopener" href="https://thenewdaily.com.au/money/consumer/2019/11/16/nissan-recalls-450000-vehicles-worldwide/" target="_blank">The New Daily</a>. Nissan dealers will now replace the pumps on all of the vehicles. Notices telling owners of the safety risk will be sent December 2. Owners will get a second notice next summer when additional parts are available. In a statement on Friday, Nissan said a seal in the pump can leak brake fluid onto an electronic control circuit board. In rare cases, the leaks could cause an electrical short. “Nissan Group is committed to the safety, security and satisfaction of our customers and their passengers,” the statement said.

Legal

"US Navy has officially acknowledged that UFOs are real": Leaked footage goes viral

A Navy official has confirmed videos of unidentified flying objects as real, however the footage was not authorised to be released to be public. Spokesman for the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare, Joseph Gradisher told <a href="https://time.com/5680192/navy-confirms-ufo-videos-real/">TIME </a>the three widely-shared footage captured “Unidentified Aerial Phenomena”. Gradisher told also confirmed the information to <a href="https://www.theblackvault.com/documentarchive/u-s-navy-confirms-videos-depict-unidentified-aerial-phenomena-not-cleared-for-public-release/?fbclid=IwAR3L18F_eN0aPwb2WKXLr3Zj7j2-XVqJXjCeA8xuCtEeUIBOcSWNTLsCoLE">The Black Vault,</a> a website dedicated to declassified government documents in the United States. “The Navy designates the objects contained in these videos as unidentified aerial phenomena,” Gradisher said. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tf1uLwUTDA0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> “The reason why I’m talking about it is to drive home the seriousness of this issue,” Gradisher says. “The more I talk, the more our aviators and all services are more willing to come forward.” The spokesman hopes conversation sparked will lead to UAP’s being “destigmatised”. The viral footage caused a sensation online after The Washington Post and The New York Times reported on three videos obtained and released by the To The Stars Academy Of Arts And Science. In one video, two navy pilots are recorded tracking an unidentified object flying off the East Coast in 2015. “Wow! What is that, man? Look at that flying!” one of the pilots can be heard saying. Former military intelligence official Luis Elizondo said there is more information the public does not have access to. “My personal belief is that there is very compelling evidence that we may not be alone,” Elizondo, who is now part of the TTS Academy, said to CNN in 2017. To the Stars Academy of Arts and Science is a self-described “public benefit corporation: co-founded by vocalist and guitarist for rock band, Blink-182, Tom Delonge.

News

Passengers shocked as plane starts leaking after massive storm

A couple who was travelling with British Airways were left terrified after they realised their plane was leaking before their journey home. The eight-hour flight home started off easy enough before the duo realised that the emergency exit door was leaking water. The couple had booked the seats for the extra leg room and were worried that the door wasn’t sealed properly due to the excess of water. Nicola Agius explained to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/9462067/british-airways-leaking-plane-storm/">Sun Online Travel</a>: “I was on the flight home from Orlando which was already delayed due to a huge thunderstorm. “As we took our seats together in the emergency exit, I realised the plane started to leak. Water was literally gushing out of the door.” Nicola took a video of the incident and said that staff came over to inspect it. “I have a fear of flying at the best of times. The fact that none of the staff noticed the door was leaking made me even more nervous. “The staff said it was normal, but I’ve never heard of a plane leaking before. “I don’t understand why five air hostesses were gathered around with the pilot if it was completely normal.” The crew mopped up the area with blankets and as the plane was empty, Nicola and her husband were able to move seats. “We did take off and land safely, but it was scary, and I’ve never seen that before. It was just so terrifying. “No wonder they have life vests on-board!” A British Airways spokesman explained that the leaking was normal given the rough conditions. “Although rare, this is normal when an aircraft is in a depressurised state when on the ground in very bad weather. “The safety and security of our customers is our top priority, and we would not operate a flight unless it was safe to do so.”

Travel Trouble

Prince Charles embroiled in latest Paradise Papers leak

Prince Charles has been accused of a “conflict of interests” after he reportedly lobbied to change climate change agreements without revealing his private estate had an offshore financial interest in the changes. The financial affairs of Prince Charles have been revealed in the Paradise Papers, where millions of leaked documents revealed the offshore investments of politicians and celebrities in low tax jurisdictions. The documents reveal that in 2007, the estate of Prince Charles purchased shares worth $195,000 in a Bermuda company that stood to benefit from a rule change. Charles is a friend of director of Sustainable Forestry Management Ltd, whose board members invest in land to protect it from deforestation. Charles’ involvement in the company was so sensitive that the firm’s board members were sworn to secrecy, reported The Guardian. Two weeks after the shares purchase, Charles started campaigning to change two major environmental agreements, the Kyoto Protocol and the European Union’s carbon trading system. A former chairman of the UK public standards watchdog described Charles’ actions as a conflict of interest. Sir Alistair Graham, former chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, said, “There's a conflict of interest between his own investments of the Duchy of Cornwall and what he's trying to achieve publicly." Sir Graham added, "And I think it's unfortunate that somebody of his importance, of his influence, becomes involved in such a serious conflict." A spokesman for Prince Charles said he had "certainly never chosen to speak out on a topic simply because of a company that it may have invested in”. "In the case of climate change his views are well known, indeed he has been warning of the threat of global warming to our environment for over 30 years.”

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"US Navy has officially acknowledged that UFOs are real": Leaked footage goes viral

Passengers shocked as plane starts leaking after massive storm

Prince Charles embroiled in latest Paradise Papers leak