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Sydney icon to be returned to Aboriginal owners

A historic decision has been made to return one of Sydney harbour's iconic landmarks to its Indigenous custodians. The NSW government has begun the official transfer process for Me-Mel Island - also known as Goat Island - which will be accompanied by a nearly $43 million revitalisation of the island. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet described the achievement as a “personal priority”. “Returning Me-Mel to the Aboriginal community is the right thing to do, and it helps deliver on my commitment of improving outcomes and opportunities for Aboriginal people across all parts of Government,” he said. “A big part of my commitment is ensuring the island is remediated before it’s transferred to the Aboriginal community.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Me-mel (Eora): Bennelong's island; little green space in the sea. <a href="https://t.co/HZFslBCkyH">pic.twitter.com/HZFslBCkyH</a> — Carolyn R Galbraith (@CarolynRGalb) <a href="https://twitter.com/CarolynRGalb/status/1530773156536852481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2022</a></blockquote> This remediation, included in the $42.9 million package spread over the next four years, will cover various works such as repairing seawalls and buildings, improving water and sewer services, adn removing contaminants like asbestos, according to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/43m-move-to-return-memel-island-to-aboriginal-hands/news-story/b28de6cc4bc21003aec0e5a801c362b9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>. Me-Mel Island is the biggest in Sydney Harbour and lies north-west of the CBD. The State Heritage-listed island is known for its rich Aboriginal heritage, as well as being home to more than 30 buildings and structures from the 1830s to 1960s. Once inhabited by Wangal man Bennelong and Cammeraigal woman Barangaroo, Bennelong said he inherited it from his father who was born on Me-Mel according to colonial documents. The transfer was first promised during the 2015 election by the NSW Labor Party - who lost to the Liberal Party that year - before officially commencing under the Liberals seven years later. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I welcome the announcement today by <a href="https://twitter.com/Dom_Perrottet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dom_Perrottet</a> of $43m for restoration work on ME-MEL <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/goatisland?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#goatisland</a> prior to this historic land being returned to the Aboriginal community in 2026 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/alwayswasalwayswillbeaboriginalland?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#alwayswasalwayswillbeaboriginalland</a> <a href="https://t.co/Xe3ySXOINf">pic.twitter.com/Xe3ySXOINf</a> — Councillor Yvonne Weldon (@ypweldon) <a href="https://twitter.com/ypweldon/status/1530860098515783682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2022</a></blockquote> Though it has been a long time coming, the decision has been welcomed by Yvonne Weldon, the Deputy Chair of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, who said the transfer will help heal and progress Indigenous issues. “Me-Mel is a place where we can go to be within our culture, pass culture on to our younger generations and share with other people,” she said. Until the transfer, the island will continue to be managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), which is calling for <a href="https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/park-management/community-engagement/sydney-harbour-national-park/me-mel-goat-island" target="_blank" rel="noopener">expressions of interest</a> for the Me-Mel Transfer Committee. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Franklin said this committee, with advice from legal, heritage, planning and governance experts, will develop a business case and plan for future ownership and management of the island. “The Me-Mel Transfer Committee includes Aboriginal people and NSW government representatives, and importantly, its establishment is supported by the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council,” Mr Franklin said. Nominations for this committee are open until close of business on June 27. Image: Office of Environment and Heritage (Flickr)

Real Estate

Mel Gibson called out by West Wing star in scathing op-ed

West Wing actor Joshua Malina has called out Mel Gibson and his employment in show business amid the controversial scandals surrounding the actor. Malina, who plays Will Bailey on the political drama, has questioned why Gibson is still employed in Hollywood despite his long history of alleged anti-Semitism, homophobia and bigotry. In a recent op-ed for The Atlantic titled <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2021/12/mel-gibson-anti-semitism/620873/" target="_blank">Cancel Mel Gibson</a>, Malina wondered why Hollywood's 'cancel culture' seemingly doesn't apply to Gibson. "Gibson is a well-known Jew-hater (anti-Semite is too mild). His prejudices are well documented," Malina wrote. "So my question is, what does a guy have to do these days to get put on Hollywood's no-fly list? I'm a character actor. I tend to take the jobs that come my way. But — and this hurts to write — you couldn't pay me enough to work with Mel Gibson." Mel Gibson has reportedly been cast in the upcoming John Wick prequel spin-off series titled The Continental, and is also rumoured to be in talks to direct Lethal Weapon 5. Malina continued, wondering when someone's ignorance and hatred outweighs their impressive resume. "Now, I love the Lethal Weapon movies (at least the first few). And Danny Glover's a gem," Malina continued. "But Gibson? Yes, he's a talented man. Many horrible people produce wonderful art. Put me down as an ardent fan of Roald Dahl, Pablo Picasso, and Edith Wharton; can't get enough of what they're selling." "But these three had the good taste to die. That makes it a lot easier to enjoy their output. Gibson lives. And Tinseltown need not employ him further." Joshua Malina goes on to say that the point of 'cancel culture' is to hold people accountable for their actions, but those in Hollywood often get a free pass because of their celebrity status. "If Gibson is welcomed back to direct the latest instalment of this beloved franchise, it may be time to stop publishing think pieces about the power of 'cancel culture,'" Malina wrote. "Because if he can continue to find big bucks and approbation in Hollywood, cancel culture simply does not exist." Image credits: Getty Images

LA actor lists luxe home with an unusual bonus

Tyrese Gibson, one of the stars of Transformers, has relisted his LA home that comes with its own unique resident. With a listing price of $NZD 4.25 million ($USD 2.9 million), movie fans will be intrigued to find out that it comes with a replica Transformer. After it was first listed in April for $NZD 5 million, a lack of offers saw the price drop by 17 percent. The home has also been <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/fast-and-furious-and-transformers-star-tyrese-gibson-lists-entertainers-dream-home/" target="_blank">taken over</a> by a new listing agent, Jason Oppenheim, who is featured on the Netflix reality show Selling Sunset. Since he purchased the home in 2011 for $NZD 1.45 million, Gibson has added some personal touches throughout the seven-bedroom house. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWr-d2IuBKA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWr-d2IuBKA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by TYRESE (@tyrese)</a> </div> </blockquote> Top features include a gourmet kitchen with a built-in breakfast bar and custom cabinetry, as well as an upstairs main bedroom equipped with its own fireplace and bathroom with a steam shower and soaking tub. In addition to the four bedroom suites and seven bathrooms, the home includes a movie theatre, a grand foyer, a formal living room, and an office. Outside, the property features a pool, outdoor fireplace, kitchen and bar, and an outdoor cinema. A replica Bumblebee transformer stands guard over the backyard and can be purchased with the home. With its new, discounted price, the home has been described in the <a rel="noopener" href="https://ogroup.com/listing/23123-oxnard-st/" target="_blank">listing</a> as “the best deal in Woodland Hills”. Gibson, who has appeared in the Fast and Furious franchise and topped the Billboard chart with his music, has been a longtime resident of the area. Images: Getty Images, The Oppenheim Group Real Estate

Real Estate

Uproar after Mel Gibson spotted saluting Donald Trump

Footage of Mel Gibson saluting Donald Trump when they briefly crossed paths at Saturday’s MMA fight has emerged, causing the actor to trend on social media. Gibson appeared to be a few metres away from the former president and gave a distinct salute as Trump walked by and waved at the crowd at UFC 24. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Lmao mel gibson saluted trump at ufc and got completely ignored <a href="https://t.co/VFf42FQJqb">pic.twitter.com/VFf42FQJqb</a> — Adam (@petsh0pboy) <a href="https://twitter.com/petsh0pboy/status/1414113562981715970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2021</a></blockquote> The moment occurred at Saturday’s UFC fight between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor which resulted in McGregor breaking his leg in the first round after his left leg buckled underneath him. Some praised Gibson for the act, dubbing him a “patriot”. “Yoooooo!!! Is that Mel Gibson saluting President Trump?” one person tweeted. “The Patriot Saluting President Trump,” they later added, alongside a video of the interaction captured by another user. Gibson was videoed at other points during the fight. “Hey, I want to see the rematch, you know best out of three,” Gibson said. “I don’t care who wins. I just want to see a good match, and I’m sure it will be.” Other users criticised the interaction as another controversial move by the actor. “Mel Gibson is who we thought he was,” one person said. “There is no such thing as cancel culture if Mel Gibson isn’t cancelled by now,” another added. The star of Lethal Weapon and Braveheart has become controversial in Hollywood due to antisemitic comments he has made over several decades and allegations he was physically abusive to his former girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva. Image: @petsh0pboy / Twitter

News

Mel Gibson axed from Chicken Run sequel over anti-Semitism claim

Mel Gibson has said that renewed allegations of anti-Semitic comments levelled against him by actress Winona Ryder are “100% untrue”. In a recent interview with the Sunday Times, Ryder claimed that the Braveheart star had asked her if she was an “oven dodger” at a party close to 25 years ago, in an apparent reference to her Jewish background. She told the publication: "We were at a crowded party with one of my good friends, and Mel Gibson was smoking a cigar, and we're all talking and he said to my friend, who's gay, 'Oh wait, am I gonna get Aids?' "And then something came up about Jews, and he said, 'You're not an oven dodger, are you?'" The 48-year-old then revealed that Gibson attempted to reach out later on to apologise. A representative of Gibson said: "This is 100% untrue. She lied about it over a decade ago, when she talked to the press, and she's lying about it now. "Also, she lied about him trying to apologise to her back then. He did reach out to her, many years ago, to confront her about her lies and she refused to address it with him." After Gibson vehemently denied the accusations against him, Ryder mentioned she was with the late makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin at the time, and said the altercation remains a “painful and vivid memory”. She said: "I believe in redemption and forgiveness and hope that Mr Gibson has found a healthy way to deal with his demons, but I am not one of them. "Around 1996, my friend Kevyn Aucoin and I were on the receiving end of his hateful words. It is a painful and vivid memory for me. Only by accepting responsibility for our behaviour in this life, can we make amends and truly respect each other, and I wish him well on this lifelong journey." Ryder first accused Gibson in 2010 when she gave an interview to GQ magazine, suggesting Gibson was referencing the gas chambers used by Nazis during the holocaust. In 2006, Gibson was recorded delivering a controversial anti-Semitic rant after a drink-driving arrest. After the recent allegations, the 64-year-old has been axed from his upcoming film, the sequel to Chicken Run.

News

Why she won't pay: Cancer fraudster Belle Gibson’s "financial crisis"

Belle Gibson has told the court she is in a financial crisis and drowning under the weight of over $170,000 in personal debt. The cancer fraudster has written in a letter to the Federal Court of Australia that she has been unable to pay a cent back of her $500,000 fine to taxpayers for years of lying about having a terminal brain illness and saying eating healthy cured her cancer. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwVQmTvnlNf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwVQmTvnlNf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Alyce Cooper Solicitor (@alycecoopersolicitor)</a> on Apr 16, 2019 at 2:52pm PDT </div> </blockquote> In the letter, Gibson explained: “I am indebted to BMW Finance resulting from a personal guarantee in excess of $50,000. “I have a fully drawn credit card with ANZ owing $30,000 and another personal debt exceeding $90,000, all of which I cannot pay. “Consequently, I am not able to pay the amounts ordered by Justice Mortimer [Federal Court judge presiding over Ms. Gibson’s case].” <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/4gs5kRlkc3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/4gs5kRlkc3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Leah | Business Mindset Coach (@thegoldengoosehq)</a> on Jun 29, 2015 at 4:13am PDT </div> </blockquote> Gibson revealed she hasn't got a job and receives the parenting payment from Centrelink to care for her son. Gibson ended her letter, written 14 November 2017, by asking the government to approach her accountant directly in the future, “given my current health”. Her original $410,000 fine has ballooned past $500,000 due to interest.

Legal

Mel Gibson lists Malibu mansion for $20 million

Academy Award winner Mel Gibson has listen his sprawling Malibu estate for AU$20.621 million. The massive 6,500 square-foot property boasts an impressive five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a French country kitchen and pool house. The gorgeous home to Gibson offers mesmerising views of the Pacific oceans, along with stunning mountain views as well. With multi-million dollar homes, comes a class and character that is unique to each property and this Malibu estate is no different. With exposed wood beams, stone-topped archways and open floor plan for an airy feel, this property promises an unreal experience. Gibson first purchased the rustic-style mansion over a decade ago and offers privacy and seclusion away from the busy California streets. Each bedroom offers impressive views, including the bathrooms attached to the home The outside area is perfect for entertaining guests and even has two spacious pools overlooking the gorgeous mountain terrain. The property was listed with Sandro Dazzan of the Agency and Branden Williams of Hilton & Hyland who have explained the home is one of the most exclusive in the United States. Scroll through the gallery above to see Mel Gibson’s Malibu home.

International Travel

A Current Affair busts cancer con-artist Belle Gibson on lavish $15K holiday

Cancer con woman Belle Gibson has been caught out returning from a luxury trip overseas. Gibson convinced thousands of Australians that she was suffering from a brain tumour but healed herself due to natural remedies. As she was charged with five breaches of Australian Consumer Law, she was fined $AUD400,000 ($NZD 417,424) in 2017 as her empire crumbled around her. Many have questioned how she can afford to go overseas on a luxurious escape to East Africa, as her five-week trip reportedly cost $AUD15,000 ($NZD 15,653). A Current Affair revealed details of her luxury overseas stay, as well as catching a refreshed-looking Gibson arriving back at Melbourne Airport with her partner by her side. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> BUSTED! <a href="https://twitter.com/tinekae9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tinekae9</a> catches-up with Belle Gibson after she touches down from a luxury getaway... she asks why Belle still hasn't made any effort to pay her 410K fine. <a href="https://twitter.com/ACurrentAffair9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ACurrentAffair9</a>. <a href="https://t.co/WlW0l9l6dh">pic.twitter.com/WlW0l9l6dh</a> — Jonathan Gwinner (@gwinnerism) <a href="https://twitter.com/gwinnerism/status/1100645341035032576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2019</a></blockquote> This is the first time that Gibson has been confronted since her interview with 60 Minutes in 2015, which Gibson reportedly received $AUD75,000 ($NZD 78,267) for. Gibson falsely claimed she had brain cancer and healed herself with natural remedies. She also lied to her supporters about donating money from her Whole Pantry app and her book sales to charities. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BlcU_udDzfK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BlcU_udDzfK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by QNA Investigations (@qna.investigations)</a> on Jul 19, 2018 at 11:00pm PDT </div> </blockquote> One of these charities included a family whose son was suffering from the same inoperable brain tumour that Gibson herself claimed she had. Gibson was supposed to donate one week’s profit from app sales, or $150,000 to the family, but never ended up donating the funds. Justin Lawrence, of Henderson & Ball Lawyers, told A Current Affair: “There can actually be another situation where she’s taken back to court and wheeled out from court to the jail cell,” he said. “That can happen, and this is not fake jail, jail in her (Belle’s) own mind. This is real jail. “The court understands when people can’t pay, that’s different to circumstances where they won’t pay.” What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

Legal

Jenny Craig fined $37,800 for misleading ads

Jenny Craig has been fined AU$37,800 in Australia for misleading consumers in television advertisements featuring Mel B. The former Spice Girl singer featured in a series of ads for Jenny Craig as an ambassador to the program. The adverts, which ran from December 2017 to February 2018, promoted the line that people could lose up to 10kg of weight for a $10 program fee. But the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued three infringement notices, noting that the weight loss firm failed to disclose customers also had to purchase food at an additional cost. ACCC Commissioner Sarah Court said they were “concerned” the ads may have misled consumers into thinking they could lose 10kg for just $10. “In reality customers would have had to spend far more than that,” she said. The ad also featured someone employed by the business, not an independent reviewer. “Businesses need to be transparent about any relationships with people providing a testimonial,” Ms Court said. “Consumers must be informed when a testimonial is given by someone who is employed by the business, and is not an independent reviewer.” Mel B is promoted as a success story on Jenny Craig, after she lost 16kg in five months. “After various attempts at different fad diets Mel B joined Jenny Craig,” the ad promotes. “In the five months that she was on the Jenny Craig Program she successfully lost 16kgs and reached her goal weight.”

Legal

"She’s embarrassed": Meghan Markle's half-brother Thomas opens up to Mel Doyle

Meghan Markle’s half brother has shed some light on what her family is really like in an interview with Channel 7’s Sunday Night. Speaking to Melissa Doyle, Thomas Markle Jr said that he would like to one day be an uncle to her children. When asked about getting an invitation to her wedding, he said: “No. I don’t know. When do they go out? Nobody has my address anyway. I’m pretty hard to get hold of.” He said however he would like to see her again and hopes she would like him to get to know her future children. “I think an uncle is a pretty important role,” he said. “I didn’t even know that we had a falling-out, so I would like to see her again, yeah. I want to give her a hug and tell her how proud I am of her, but, you know, I really have to travel a really long way to do that.” When asked if she was “embarrassed” by her family, Markle Jr said it would be a fair conclusion to make. “She’s probably embarrassed at some of the stories and accusations and, you know ...” he said, before Doyle asked him if their family was “fractured”. “I think my family’s always been fractured,” he said. “I think now, more than ever, it should be the time for everybody to put their differences aside and just, you know, be a family. We have a small family. It may be broken up, but it’s still a family.” “She can’t forget about her family, because ... we’re never gonna go away. We’re always gonna be her family,” he said. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F7sundaynight%2Fvideos%2F2276260469051521%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> Markle Jr also spoke about the effect the family fighting would be having on Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle. “You know, my dad bent over backwards and really, really just paved the way for her and gave her every single thing she needed to get where she’s at today. It would hurt. It wouldn’t irritate me, but it would just hurt,” he said. When asked by Doyle how their father would be coping with all their dirty laundry being aired publicly, Markle Jr replied: “He’s probably not happy. Well, you see the look on his face in those pictures that they finally got of him. So doesn’t look very happy. And he’s a really private person, so ...” Markle Jr also said he was not sure if her father would walk Meghan down the aisle, but thought he should do it. “My dad just wants to be left alone. He doesn’t like spotlight. He doesn’t like anything ... interviews. You know, and that’s why he moved down there, to just be alone. But he’s gotta come out now, though,” he said. “I mean, he’s gotta step up to the plate... and walk his daughter down that aisle.”

Relationships

Meet Mel Gibson’s lookalike son!

Mel Gibson became a Hollywood heartthrob the instant he appeared on the silver screen in the Mad Max series. Now, there’s a whole new Gibson on the scene and he looks just like his handsome dad in his younger years. Louie Gibson, a 29-year-old filmmaker, told the <a href="http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/louie-gibson-son-of-mel-you-are-who-you-are/news-story/7f5f20be5777ab36bf3e95e613ea0b8a" target="_blank">Daily Telegraph</a> he was very much aware of his striking resemblance to Mel. “I’m not as ugly as that guy,” he joked. “I say I’m a lot better looking than him.” <img width="499" height="345" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/44591/gibson_499x345.jpg" alt="Gibson" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> The filmmaker made his feature length debut this year with critically-acclaimed horror film Happy Hunting, revealing he funded the movie through his own production company rather than relying on his dad. “I’d like to be given my own shot to be myself and I think if you go about and do that, people will see that for what it is worth,” Louie explained. “If they don’t, f*** them.” Louie is one of Mel’s seven children with ex-wife Robyn. He has another daughter (Lucia, born 2009) with Russian pianist Oksana Grigorieva and a son (Lars Gerard, born 2017) with former equestrian vaulter Rosalind Ross. What do you think about Louie's striking resemblance to his famous dad Mel Gibson? Tell us in the comments below.

Movies

Mel Gibson shares first photo of baby son

He was nominated for an Oscar, but on Hollywood’s night of nights Mel Gibson couldn’t stop gushing about his newborn son Lars. The Hacksaw Ridge director proudly showed off a photo on his smartphone of his two-week-old son, declaring, “He’s got a tux on!” <img width="458" height="258" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/02/27/01/3DB98C0500000578-0-image-a-17_1488159000467.jpg" alt="Mini Mel: Brandishing his phone from his pocket, Mel showed Richard a picture of his newborn wearing a suit, proudly declaring, 'He's got a tux on!'" class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="i-42ebf4a9c1f71e52"/> It is the 61-year-old and his 26-year-old girlfriend’s Rosalind Ross first child together. Gibson has eight other children; seven with his ex-wife Robyn Moore and a daughter with his ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/movies/2017/02/angela-lansbury-joins-mary-poppins-cast/">Angela Lansbury joins cast of star-studded Mary Poppins sequel</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/movies/2017/02/movies-worth-seeing-in-2017/">Movies worth seeing in 2017</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/movies/2017/02/first-look-at-behind-the-scenes-photos-from-love-actually-sequel/">First look at behind-the-scenes photos from Love Actually sequel</a>

News

Mel Gibson expecting ninth child

Hollywood star Mel Gibson is expecting his ninth child with his 26-year-old girlfriend, Rosalind Ross. The 60-year-old actor has been dating the former champion equestrian vaulter for two years. Rosalind is 10 years younger than Mel’s eldest child, Robyn. <img width="374" height="566" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/27650/1474090600646_mel-gibson-girlfriend2-1-_374x566.jpg" alt="1474090600646_mel -gibson -girlfriend 2 (1)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> “Mel and Rose are so excited about the baby,” a friend revealed to People. “Mel loves being a dad and he and Rose can’t wait to be parents together. The last two years have been some of his happiest years he’s ever had.” Mel already has eight children. He has seven with his wife, Robyn Moore, as well as a six-year-old daughter with Russian Pianist Oksana Grigorieva. He also has three grandchildren. This will be Rosalind’s first child. “She is great for him,” another source told the magazine. “She has her own life, but also seems to enjoy Mel’s … They are very much on the same page.” Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/2016/07/how-to-get-back-into-the-dating-game/">How to get back into the dating game</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/2016/08/choices-that-will-lead-to-your-best-love-life-ever/">10 choices that will lead to your best love life ever</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/2016/05/crucial-quality-in-a-life-partner-you-might-be-forgetting-about/">The crucial quality to look for in a life partner</a>

News

Gene Wilder passes away age 83

The world has lost another irreplaceable icon with confirmation that legendary actor Gene Wilder has sadly passed away at age 83. Wilder, perhaps best-known for his role in the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, passed on Monday at his home in Stamford, Connecticut. Confirmation of his passing came from the actor’s nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, who said the passing was due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease in a statement to <a href="http://www.variety.com/">Variety</a>. Walker-Pearlman wrote, “We understand for all the emotional and physical challenges this situation presented we have been among the lucky ones — this illness-pirate, unlike in so many cases, never stole his ability to recognise those that were closest to him, nor took command of his central-gentle-life affirming core personality. “The decision to wait until this time to disclose his condition wasn’t vanity, but more so that the countless young children that would smile or call out to him ‘there’s Willy Wonka,’ would not have to be then exposed to an adult referencing illness or trouble and causing delight to travel to worry, disappointment or confusion. He simply couldn’t bear the idea of one less smile in the world.” Tributes have started to flow in for the two-time Oscar-nominee who started in classics like The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. Our thoughts are with his family at what must be a difficult time. Share your favourite Gene Wilder moment in the comments below. Video credit: YouTube / beralts Related links: <a href="/entertainment/art/2016/08/make-up-artist-can-transform-herself-into-anyone/">Make-up artist can transform herself into anyone</a> <a href="/entertainment/books/2016/07/5-authors-who-hated-the-film-adaptation-of-their-book/">5 authors who hated the film adaptation of their book</a> <a href="/entertainment/books/2016/04/best-childrens-books/">5 all-time best children’s books</a>

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Meet Mel Gibson’s lookalike son!

Mel Gibson shares first photo of baby son

Mel Gibson expecting ninth child

Gene Wilder passes away age 83