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Published by BANG Showbiz English Kim Petras paid tribute to the “transgender legends” who “kicked the doors open” for her as she picked up her first Grammy Award on Sunday (05.02.23). The 30-year-old singer and her collaborator Sam Smith scooped the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance accolade for ‘Unholy’ and the German star reflected on her history-making win as she gave an acceptance speech on behalf of them both, with the ‘Stay With Me’ hitmaker “graciously” offering the microphone to her for the full segment. Standing next to Sam, Kim said: “Thank you so much, crazy. Sam I love you so much and this song has been an incredible journey for me. Sam has been a big supporter of me for a long time and Sam graciously wanted me to accept the award because I’m the first transgender woman to win this award. “I just want to thank all the incredible transgender legends before me who kicked the doors open for me so I could be here tonight. Sophie especially, my friend who passed away two years ago, who told me this would happen and always believed in me thank you so much for your inspiration. I adore you and you’re inspirational for everybody. “”Madonna, for fighting for LGBTQ rights. Thank you so much, I don’t think I could be here without Madonna. “My mother, my mother believed me that I Was a girl and I wouldn’t be here without her and her support. “Everyone who believed in me to this point, I love you so much, this is a huge moment for me. “Sam, you’re a true hero and an angel and I love you. Everyone who helped make this song, I love you so much.” The pair scooped the accolade ahead of ABBA for ‘Don’t Shut Me Down’, Camila Cabello and Ed Sheeran’s ‘Bam Bam’, Coldplay and BTS’ collaboration ‘My Universe’, and Post Malone and Doja Cat’s ‘I Like You (A Happier Song)’. View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Beyonce made history when she set a new record for most Grammy Award wins on Sunday (05.02.23). The 41-year-old singer had started the day three victories behind composer Sir Georg Solti – who secured his 31st Grammy in 1997 – but victories in the Best R+B Song, Plastic Off the Sofa’, Best Song Written for Visual Media, and Best Traditional R+B Performance categories saw her equal his haul, and she went one better when ‘Renaissance’ won Best Dance/Electronic Recording. Beyonce – who also has the joint most Grammy nominations alongside husband Jay-Z with 88 each – said: “I’m trying not to be too emotional. I’m trying to just receive this night. I wanna thank God for protecting me. “Thank you, God. I’d like to thank my Uncle Jonny, who’s not here but he’s here in spirit. I’d like to thank my parents — my father, my mother, for loving me and pushing me. “I’d like to thank my beautiful husband, my beautiful three children who are at home watching. I’d like to thank the queer community for your love and for inventing the genre. God bless you. Thank you so much to the Grammys.” Elsewhere at the ceremony, there were surprise wins in most of the major categories, with Harry Styles beating the likes of Beyonce, Adele, Kendrick Lamar and Coldplay to Record of the Year for Harry’s House, and Bonnie Raitt triumphing in Song of the Year. The 73-year-old star was stunned by her victory. She said: “I’m so surprised, I don’t know what to say. “I don’t write a lot of songs but I’m so proud that you appreciate this one. I’m totally humbled.” Lizzo won Record of the Year for ‘About Damn Time’ and after dedicating her win to the late Prince, she heaped praise on fellow nominee Beyonce. She said: “Beyoncé, in the 5th grade I skipped school to see you perform. You changed my life. The way you made me feel, I was like, ‘I want to make people feel this way with my music.’ So thank you so much Beyonce. You clearly are the artist of our lives!” Meanwhile, Bad Bunny opened the show with a lively performance paying tribute to his native Puerto Rico, while other notable performances included a Motown medley from Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and WanMor, who were joined by Chris Stapleton on guitar, an explosive rendition of ‘Unholy’ from Sam Smith and Kim Petras after they had won the Best Pop Duo/ Group Performance accolade, and a hip-hop tribute that spanned over 15 minutes and saw more than 30 artists take to the stage at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. In what has already been described as one of the best ever performances at the event, the likes of Salt-N-Pepa, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Run DMC, Queen Latifah, and Busta Rhymes celebrated the 50th anniversary of the genre. Grammy Awards 2023 selected list of winners: Record Of The Year: ‘About Damn Time’ — Lizzo Album Of The Year: ‘Harry’s House’ — Harry Styles Song Of The Year: ‘Just Like That’ — Bonnie Raitt, songwriter (Bonnie Raitt) Best New Artist: Samara Joy Best Pop Solo Performance: ‘Easy on Me’ – Adele Best Pop Duo/ Group Performance: ‘Unholy’ – Kim Petras and Sam Smith Best Pop Vocal Album: ‘Harry’s House’ — Harry Styles Best Country Album: ‘A Beautiful Time’ – Willie Nelson Best Rap Album: ‘Mr. Morale + the Big Steppers’ – Kendrick Lamar Best Dance/Electronic Music Album: ‘RENAISSANCE’— Beyoncé Best Alternative Music Album: ‘Wet Leg’ — Wet Leg Cool It Down — Yeah Yeah Yeahs Best Rock Album: ‘Patient Number 9’ – Ozzy Osbourne Best R B Album: ‘Black Radio III’ – Robert Glasper View the full article

Published by Miami Herald MIAMI — In the athletic trainer’s office at Miami Senior High are green Gatorade jugs, water bottles, anatomical posters, two massage tables — and years of private medical records of male and female high school athletes, stacked on a rack, stored in dusty, dog-eared cardboard crates labeled “bankers box.” Included in what is collected and stored is information on female athletes’ menstrual cycles, from a series of “optional” questions on the Florida High School Athletic Association’s athletic physical form. At least they have been optional questions until now. Last month, FHSAA’s sports adviso… Read More View the full article

Published by Reuters By Jessie Pang HONG KONG (Reuters) – Hong Kong’s top court on Monday ruled that the policy of barring transgender people from changing their gender shown on ID cards unless they undergo full sex reassignment surgery violates their rights and is unconstitutional. The Court of Final Appeal unanimously sided with appeals launched by transgender activists Henry Tse and another appellant identified as “Q” and quashed the Commissioner of Registration’s decision to refuse their applications to change their gender on their Hong Kong Identity Cards. “The policy’s consequence is to place persons like the appellants in the dilemma of having to choose whether to suffer regular violations of their privacy rights or to undergo highly invasive and medically unnecessary surgery, infringing their right to bodily integrity,” the judges wrote in their judgment. “Clearly this does not reflect a reasonable balance. The Policy imposes an unacceptably harsh burden on the individuals concerned.” Both Tse and Q underwent lengthy medical and surgical treatments, including hormonal treatment and removal of breasts, but the registrar still required them to conduct a full sex reassignment surgery, which the pair argued was unnecessary, unwanted and highly invasive. Tse welcomed the judgment as it would solve the “burning issues” he encountered due to possessing a wrong ID and he called for a gender recognition law. “Today’s result is delayed justice, a Pyrrhic victory. This very case should never have happened,” Tse said in a statement. “I will continue to work hard to plant the seeds for the transgender rights movement with my partners at Transgender Equality Hong Kong. I believe that one day, we shall succeed and welcome the rainbow with open arms.” The former British colony of Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a “one country, two systems” formula meant to guarantee its freedoms and independent legal system for 50 years. Many residents accuse Communist Party rulers in Beijing of creeping interference in the city’s affairs, an accusation China denies. (Reporting by Jessie Pang; Editing by Anne Marie Roantree and Nick Macfie) View the full article

Published by Reuters By Lisa Richwine and Danielle Broadway LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -Pop superstar Beyonce broke the record for most career wins at music’s Grammy awards on Sunday but lost again in the prestigious album of the year category, this time to British singer Harry Styles. Beyonce added four Grammys to her collection, bringing her lifetime total to 32 and surpassing the tally of late classical conductor Georg Solti. She was nominated for nine awards this year. Despite her success through the years, the 41-year-old “Break My Soul” singer has never claimed the best album trophy with any of her four nominations in the category. Styles took home that honor on Sunday for “Harry’s House.” “I’ve been so inspired by every artist in this category,” a surprised Styles said as he accepted the award. “On nights like tonight, it’s obviously so important for us to remember that there is no such thing as best in music.” Styles had thrilled the crowd with a performance of his hit single “As It Was,” sparkling in a silver fringe jumpsuit. The former “One Direction” singer triumphed over a formidable list of album contenders that included Beyonce, Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, singer and flutist Lizzo, British vocalist Adele and disco-era Swedish hitmaker ABBA. Beyonce took the stage as she secured the all-time Grammy record with her award for best dance/electronic album for “Renaissance.” “I am trying not to be too emotional. I am trying just to receive this night,” Beyonce said. “I want to thank God for protecting me. Thank you, God.” She also thanked her family and “the queer community for your love and for inventing the genre.” Earlier, Beyonce was absent when she was named the winner of best R&B song for “Cuff It.” Host Trevor Noah said the singer was stuck in traffic. He later handed her the trophy at her seat in the audience. Grammy voters spread the top awards among several artists. Lizzo’s upbeat “About Damn Time” won record of the year. She dedicated the award to Prince, saying the late artist had inspired her to make positive music. Lizzo also saluted Beyonce and recalled how she skipped out of school in fifth grade to see the “Halo” singer in concert. “You clearly are the artist of our lives,” Lizzo said. Blues singer Bonnie Raitt’s “Just Like That,” about an organ donor, won song of the year, one of her three awards on Sunday. BEYONCE FANS AGGRIEVED Winners were chosen by roughly 11,000 members of the Recording Academy, which has faced complaints that it has failed to give proper recognition to Black artists. The group has taken steps in recent years to diversify its membership and overhaul voting procedures. Fans of Beyonce flooded social media on Sunday, making the word “ROBBED” a trending topic on Twitter. “Beyonce has yet again been robbed,” Twitter user @coreynmarie wrote. The ceremony aired live on the CBS television network and streaming service Paramount+. In other categories, Bad Bunny took home the award for best música urbana album for “Un Verano Sin Ti.” “I want to dedicate this award to Puerto Rico, the cradle of reggaeton,” Bad Bunny said in a mix of English and Spanish. For best rap album, Kendrick Lamar triumphed with “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.” “I finally found imperfection with this album,” Lamar said. The ceremony featured a tribute to 50 years of hip-hop with performances by an all-star linuep of artists ranging from Public Enemy to Busta Rhymes, Queen Latifah and Missy Elliott. American jazz singer Samara Joy was named best new artist. “Oh my gosh. I’ve been watching you all on TV for so long,” she said. “All of you are so inspiring to me.” U.S. first lady Jill Biden presented a new honor for a song that tackles social issues. That accolade went to Iranian singer and songwriter Shervin Hajipour for “Baraye,” which Biden called a “powerful and poetic call for freedom and women’s rights.” (Reporting by Lisa Richwine and Danielle Broadway; Editing by Mary Milliken and Stephen Coates) View the full article

Published by AlterNet U.S. Rep. George Santos is denying an allegation he sexually assaulted a prospective staffer he had offered a $50,000 a year job to who was on his second day of work in the embattled and disgraced New York Republican’s Capitol Hill office. “It’s comical,” Congressman Santos, often referred to as a “serial liar,” told CNN’s Kit Maher. “Of course, I deny that claim,” he insisted. The staffer, working as a volunteer because, he says, the Santos office was waiting for the congressional payroll department to complete his paperwork, filed an official complaint with the House Ethics Office and, he sa… Read More View the full article

Published by AFP US authorities see white supremacists and neo-Nazis as behind a number of recent attacks on power stations Washington (AFP) – US authorities announced the arrests Monday of the co-founder of the notorious Atomwaffen neo-Nazi group and a woman he met online in the latest extremist plot to attack public electricity facilities. The FBI said Brandon Russell, who helped found Atomwaffen in 2015, was arrested in Florida, after spending four years in prison for possessing bomb-making materials. The woman, Sarah Beth Clendaniel, was arrested in Maryland where she had also spent time in prison for armed robbery. Guided by Russell, Clendaniel had planned to acquire a gun and to attack five electrical substations around Baltimore, Maryland, the FBI said. “Sara Beth Clendaniel and Brandon Russell conspired to inflict maximum harm on the power grid, a key component of our critical infrastructure,” said Thomas Sobocinski, a special agent of the FBI Baltimore field office. “Russell provided instructions and location information. He described attacking the power transformers as the greatest thing somebody can do,” he said in a press conference. Clendaniels said doing so “would probably permanently completely lay this city to waste,” according to the indictment filed in federal court. Series of attacks The arrest follows a series of attacks on power substations in various parts of the country, believed to be by white supremacists aiming to foment unrest. In early January two men were arrested in the state of Washington after attacks on four power substations using high-powered weapons that knocked out power for around 15,500 homes and businesses on Christmas Day. In early December, 45,000 homes and businesses in Moore County, North Carolina were left without power after someone used a high-powered rifle to damage two electricity substations. On January 17 another North Carolina power facility was damaged by gunshot. No suspects have been arrested in those cases. In February 2022, three men with neo-Nazi ties pleaded guilty in Columbus, Ohio to plotting to use rifles and explosives to damage power infrastructure in various locations. In 2021 five men who allegedly had white supremacist beliefs were charged in North Carolina with planning similar attacks. Clendaniels and Russell met online while he was in prison and the two apparently became close. She told him she had a potentially terminal kidney disease, and they “discussed having kids together,” and talked about “warfare,” the indictment said. But there was no evidence the two ever met in person. Monday’s indictment described Atomwaffen as a “violent extremist group” that has targeted racial minorities, the Jewish community, the LGBTQ community, the government and critical infrastructure. In recent years the group changed its name to “National Socialist Order,” the filing said. View the full article

Published by PsyPost Most people who have used the online platform known as OnlyFans report increases in knowledge related to sexual activity and sexuality, according to new research. The new findings have been published in the scientific journal Sexuality & Culture. OnlyFans is a subscription-based platform that allows content creators to earn money from their fans by providing exclusive content such as videos, photos, and live-streams. The content is typically adult-oriented and OnlyFans has become particularly popular among creators in the adult entertainment industry. The authors of the new study sought to exa… Read More View the full article

Published by uInterview.com Pedro Pascal hosted Saturday Night Live over the weekend, and one of his sketches took the form of a trailer where The Last of Us actor transformed yet another well-known video game into a dystopian HBO drama. Pascal plays Mario, a now brooding figure after Bowser (Kenan Thompson) took over the Mushroom Kingdom, who attempts to transport Princess Peach (Chloe Fineman) to Rainbow Road in a Mario Kart-style go-kart with the help of his twin brother Luigi (Mikey Day). To survive the journey, the brothers both possess shotguns loaded with red shells, items from the racing video game that home in o… Read More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Joe Exotic has left “everything” to his fiancé in a new will. The 59-year-old reality star – who is currently serving a 21-year prison sentence after being found guilty of a murder-for-hire plot against rival Carole Baskin and finalised his divorce from Dillon Passage in January – got back together with former flame Seth last June and has now revealed that he doesn’t want anyone from his family to have anything when he dies. “I’m so tired of everything that’s going on there with people trying to exploit me and trying to write off my name and everything else. So I have my attorney Autumn Blackledge, she is the executor of the will, and I don’t want any of my will or Jeff Lowe, nobody to be able to get anything from me. Trademarks, copyrights, I just gave everything to my fiancé, Seth Posey. He has been there every day for five years. I know everything about Seth, I talk to his mom and I talk to everybody. All these people who try to f*** with other people, just give it up because I gave it all away. And if something happens to Seth, it is in the will that it goes to his son. The former zookeeper – who shot to fame alongside Carole on the Netflix documentary series ‘Tiger King’ – was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021 but is now in remission and went on to reveal that he has signed a DNR with the Federal Medical Center, Fort Worth and explained that he wants former co-star John Reinke to take care of the funeral plans with his fiancé by with the help of a GoFundMe page before scattering his ashes next to those of his late husband Travis Maldonado, who took his own life at the age of 23 in 2017. Speaking to TMZ on the phone from his prison cell in Texas, he said: “It has been five years since ‘Tiger King’ and since I got arrested. I am the only Tiger King, I am the only one who will ever be the Tiger King! Okay? So move on! “The only thing that I wanna make very clear to the world is that when I die – I’ve been through cancer, I’ve been through five years of prison – I’ve signed a DNR with the prison. No one is going to resuscitate me, okay? I want everyone to know that John Reinke has to raise a GoFundMe for my funeral, alright? And to have me cremated and to have a funeral and scatter my ashes where Travis’s are at the lake. And whatever is left over, I want him and Seth to split it. He’s been stuck with me all this time and Seth has been with be. There are so many of us in here who don’t belong in here and we should be with our families, so I appreciate your support. Be my voice!” View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Kim Petras thinks the world is “going backwards” with its attitudes toward sexual expression. The 30-year-old singer teamed up with her fellow pop star for ‘Unholy’ and following the backlash over Sam’s latest music video ‘I’m Not Here To Make Friends’ – in which the ‘Stay With Me’ hitmaker is seen wearing a corset and nipple tassels – admitted that she “hates” how “judgemental” people can be. She said: “Pop music is supposed to be that way. It’s been that way for forever. Sam is one of the sweetest people I’ve personally ever met and one of the most talented people I’ve personally ever met. I just love self-expression and I think we’re kind of going backwards a little bit, you know, by just not letting everyone express their sexuality. I think it’s really beautiful to be able to do that and really strong, so people are just judgmental and I hate that. I love Sam to pieces.” Meanwhile, the ‘Heart to Break’ songstress has been nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the GRAMMY Awards – which are set to take place on Sunday (05.02.23) evening – for her collaborative effort with Sam and admitted that it felt “insane” to have received the nod in the first place. She told ‘Entertainment Tonight’: It’s definitely gonna be very explosive and fun. It feels insane, and to share it with Sam, just someone who’s so special feels really incredible. I just feel honored and grateful for everyone who’s, like, been with me for all these years.” View the full article

Published by Radar Online mega Former First Lady Melania Trump was reportedly present for one of the Situation Room’s most important chairs during the killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi — going so far as to offer her two cents after the attack. According to former acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller‘s new book, Soldier Secretary: Warnings from the Battlefield & the Pentagon about America’s Most Dangerous Enemies, the 52-year-old entered the Situation Room as former President Donald Trump‘s executive team was “waiting for the final assault” on Abu Bakr. “Secretary of Defense Mark Esper quickly gave up his seat and she sat down next to the President, who introduced her to us as if we didn’t know who she was. Her presence was unexpected, to say the least,” Christopher wrote in his pages. “I wondered how it would play in the press if word got out that the First Lady had popped in to watch a major military operation.” “Not my problem, I figured,” Christopher — the senior director for the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) at the time of Abu Bakr’s death — penned in his book. “And after all, it was her house.” mega Melania’s presence in the Situation Room while the 2019 operation took place had never been reported on before. However, it was made known at the time that former POTUS was accompanied by the Secretary of Defense, Vice President Mike Pence, National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley. Christopher claimed in his book that Donald asked Brig. Gen. Marcus Evans — the deputy director for special operations on the Joint Staff, who was also in the room, per CNN — to bring the First Lady “up to speed.” Following a discussion about what may happen, Marcus, according to Christopher, told the group that the U.S. “assault force had unleashed their combat dog” into the building with Abu Bakr, “with our commandos close behind.” Christopher recalled Abu Bakr was cornered and detonated a suicide vest, killing himself, his two children, and two of his wives. The author also claimed Donald asked the group what would happen to their bodies, and Christopher replied that Abu Bakr would be buried at sea. When he asked what would happen to the two women killed, Christopher suggested that their bodies remain there, per his book. “Don’t you think ISIS will parade their bodies around and make it look like they were innocent?” Donald allegedly asked Christopher. mega Marcus — who first phoned U.S. Central Command — then whispered something into Christopher’s ear, prompting him to share with the room that a “barrage of missiles would pulverize the building” where the operation took place, it was reported. The 75-year-old then asked the group how he would address the American people about the operation, which was when his wife decided to chime in with advice. “You should talk about the dog,” Christopher claimed of what Melania suggested, noting she “took over” the conversation. “Everyone loves dogs.” Donald took his wife’s advice and focused on the dog to the White House named Conan who chased the ISIS leader before he killed himself. He awarded the heroic U.S. military dog, saying he did “such a great job in capturing and killing the leader of ISIS.” Soldier Secretary: Warnings from the Battlefield & the Pentagon about America’s Most Dangerous Enemies is set to hit shelves Tuesday, February 7. Daily Caller reported on excerpts of Christopher’s book. View the full article

Published by OK Magazine cbs The biggest night in music has arrived! The 65th Annual Grammy Awards kicked off with a fabulous red carpet, with celebs going all out for the Sunday, February 5, show, which is taking place at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena. This year’s event — hosted by comedian Trevor Noah — will feature performances from Lizzo, Harry Styles, Bad Bunny and many more. Scroll down to see the stars’ glam looks! Lizzo cbs Lizzo, rocking an over-the-top Dolce & Gabbana ensemble, brought boyfriend Myke Wright as her plus-one. Doja Cat CBS Doja Cat turned heads in a black latex dress and matching arm gloves by Atelier Versace. Brandi Carlile cbs Brandi Carlile, who will perform on stage, rocked a bedazzled black suit over a magenta top. Shania Twain cbs Spotted! The legendary Shania Twain dropped jaws in a white and black polka dot dress and matching hat, upping the ante with fiery red locks. Sheryl Crow cbs Crooner Sheryl Crow looked flawless as always in a black strapless frock. Laverne Cox cbs Actress and red carpet correspondent Laverne Cox stunned in a black gown, which she accessorized with hints of gold. Babyface cbs Iconic singer and music producer Babyface wore a sequined sweatsuit. View the full article

Published by OK Magazine Francis Specker/CBS ©2023 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. Shania Twain made a statement at the 2023 Grammy Awards. On Sunday, February 5, the country star, 57, sported a white and black outfit — with red hair — while on the red carpet but some people were less than pleased with the look. One person wrote, “It’s giving cruella de ville,” while someone else said, “101 Dalmatians is shooting down the street.” “This grammys looking like a supervillain convention,” another person tweeted. Francis Specker/CBS ©2023 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. Some people praised the singer for not wearing something simple. “THIS IS A SERVEEEEEE IF YOU ASK ME,” one person exclaimed, while another said, “Love that she’s just having so much fun with this look.” View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Viola Davis achieved EGOT status at the Grammy Awards on Sunday (06.02.23). The 57-year-old actress became the fourth Black person to scoop the honour – wins at the Emmys, Oscars, Tonys and Grammys – when her memoir ‘Finding Me’ was honoured at Los Angeles’ Crypto Arena with the Best Audiobook, Narration, and Storytelling Recording accolade. Taking to the stage to accept the honour, she said: “I wrote this book to honour the six-year-old Viola, to honour her, to honour her life, her joy, her trauma, her everything. “It has just been such a journey. I just EGOT!” The ‘How To Get Away With Murder’ actress went on to thank the people who worked alongside her on the book and gave a special shout-out to her husband, Julius Tennon and their 12-year-old daughter Genesis. She said: “You are my life, my joy. You are the best chapter in this book. Thank you.” Only 18 people have achieved EGOT status, including Whoopi Goldberg, Jennifer Hudson and John Legend. Viola earned her first Tony in 2001 for ‘King Hedley II’ and a second in 2010 for the Broadway production of ‘Fences’. She added to her hauled in 2015 when she became the first Black woman to win the Lead Drama Actress award at the Emmys after being recognised for her role in ‘How To Get Away with Murder’. Her Oscar win came in 2017, when she scooped the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the big screen adaptation of ‘Fences’. View the full article

Published by AlterNet Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has moved to retaliate against an Orlando-based performing arts venue in his state that recently hosted a drag show back in December of last year. According to HuffPost, the Republican governor’s move came after a 27-page complaint was filed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The complaint accused the Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation of violating Florida state law by “knowingly” welcoming attendees under the age of 18 to watch a show called “A Drag Queen Christmas.” As a result of the complaint, DeSantis is moving to have the v… Read More View the full article

Published by Reuters By Philip Pullella ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (Reuters) – Pope Francis said on Sunday that laws criminalising LGBT people are a sin and an injustice because God loves and accompanies people with same-sex attraction. Francis, who made his remarks in response to a reporter’s question aboard the plane returning from a two-country trip to Africa, received full backing of his comments from two other Christian leaders on the plane with him. “The criminalisation of homosexuality is a problem that cannot be ignored,” said Francis, who then cited unnamed statistics according to which 50 countries criminalise LGBT people “in one way or another” and about 10 others have laws including the death penalty for them. Sixty-six U.N. member states continue to criminalise consensual same-sex sexual relations, according to data from ILGA World – the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. In several countries where same-sex relations are illegal, punishments can include a possible death penalty. “This is not right. Persons with homosexual tendencies are children of God. God loves them. God accompanies them … condemning a person like this is a sin. Criminalising people with homosexual tendencies is an injustice,” Francis said. He noted that the Catholic Church’s catechism, or book of teachings, says same-sex attraction is not a sin but homosexual acts are. It also says that LGBT people should not be marginalised. Francis mentioned his now-famous phase from soon after he became pope in 2013 that he could not judge people with same-sex tendencies who are seeking God. He also noted that while visiting Ireland in 2018 he said that parents could not disown their LGBT children, but had to keep them in a loving family. SUPPORT FROM CHRISTIAN LEADERS The pope made the trip to South Sudan, the second country on the tour, as a peace pilgrimage with Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland Iain Greenshields. Both Christian leaders were on the plane returning from there and participated in the pope’s customary news conference with reporters, a first on any papal trip. Both praised the pope’s comments. “I entirely agree with every word he said there,” Welby said, noting that the Anglican communion was itself divided over gay rights and that two resolutions against criminalisation of LGBT people “have not really changed many people’s minds”. Welby added: “I shall certainly quote the Holy Father. He said it so beautifully and accurately”. Expressing his own support of Francis, Greenshields referred to the Bible, saying: “There is nowhere in my reading of the four Gospels where I see Jesus turning anyone away. There is nowhere in the four Gospels that I see anything other than Jesus expressing love to whoever he meets and as Christians that is the only expression that we can give to any human being in any circumstance”. Francis repeated that the Catholic Church cannot permit sacramental marriage of same-sex couples but that he supported so-called civil union legislation giving same-sex couples legal protection in issues such as pensions, inheritance and health care. (Reporting by Philip Pullella; Editing by Frances Kerry) View the full article

Published by Radar Online Mega Megyn Kelly ripped into Don Lemon, claiming if he ever would have “screamed” at her in front of colleagues as he did to his CNN This Morning co-anchor Kaitlan Collins, she’d go out of her way to make sure he no longer had a job,RadarOnline.com has learned. The ex-Fox News star didn’t censor her thoughts about Lemon’s off-air tirade, in which he reportedly accused Collins of “interrupting” him following their December 8 broadcast. As RadarOnline.comreported, the alleged altercation left Collins “visibly upset” and CNN staffers “shaken.” Mega “If somebody ever screamed at me to the point where I was visibly upset and ran out of the studio, I would have that person fired,” Kelly said on her SiriusXM podcast Friday. She also warned Lemon he “better be careful” as his morning show with Collins and Poppy Harlow “is on its last legs before it even got on its first legs.” RadarOnline.com told you — CNN is struggling under the watch of boss Chris Licht, with the network recording its worst ratings in nine years last week. Lemon’s new morning show with Collins and Poppy Harlow has brought in fewer viewers than expected, leaving them in last place against their rivals. Mega Kelly doesn’t believe this is the first time Lemon has lashed out at a female co-worker, saying she also had to work alongside men with “big egos.” The news correspondent, 52, stated she “co-hosted more hours than I can count with a lot of guys with big egos … and never have I screamed at a colleague or had him scream at me.” Kelly told her listeners she wouldn’t be shocked if more women step forward to complain about Lemon’s treatment. “I will go out on a limb right now and tell you, that’s not the first time,” she said. “There will be another woman who he’s co anchored with — I guarantee you — who’s going to come out and say, ‘Me too.’” Driving her point home, Kelly added: “Because if you behave like that toward a colleague with whom you share the air and you share the show, this will not be the first time…” Mega The former Fox anchor doesn’t think Lemon and Collins are a match made in morning news heaven, suggesting CNN’s golden boy of having a problem with his co-star’s past. Before taking her job with liberal Lemon, Collins worked for conservative Tucker Carlson’s news site, the Daily Caller. “She’s somebody I wonder whether the politics have anything to do with it,” Kelly said, claiming, “You can sense the tension [between Collins and Lemon].” Kelly ended the topic by stating that one thing is clear: “They don’t have a good rapport at all, and I don’t think CNN is interested in getting rid of her.” Mega Lemon and Collins have yet to address the drama, but she did post a photo hours after the news of their argument broke and appeared not to care that her co-worker’s behavior was exposed. RadarOnline.com has reached out to CNN for comment. View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English The ‘Gladiator’ sequel will be released on November 22, 2024. The Sir Ridley Scott-directed sequel to the award-winning drama movie is set to start filming this year, with Paul Mescal, 26, starring. Specific details about the film remain a closely-guarded secret. However, it has been confirmed that Paul will take on the role of Lucius, the son of Connie Nielsen’s character Lucilla and the nephew of Joaquin Phoenix’s Commodus from the first film. Russell Crowe has ruled out returning as Maximus in the new movie, and he also explained that it won’t be a “direct sequel”. The 58-year actor – who played the central character in the historical drama film – said: “Yeah we’ve had dinner and talked about it and all that stuff. So I know roughly how he’s shaping the story. “But yeah, if you remember, there was a young kid who wanted to beat the Gladiator, which leads to the ‘My name is’ speech. So that young kid has grown up, and he’s now the Emperor. “I don’t know what else happens at that point, so that’s the idea. So it’s not a remake. And it’s not a direct sequel. It’s not like the day after, you know, 30 years later or something.” David Scarpa is writing the script, while Ridley will produce alongside Michael Pruss via Scott Free, and Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher via Red Wagon Entertainment. A source previously told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre column: “This has been building since 2018 and for a long time it looked like it may never see the light of day. “But suddenly late last year the production team really sprung into life after settling on a new script which seemed to inspire them. “A few months later everything was up and running and now it’s well underway. “They should be filming by May, which means there’s every chance the movie will be ready some time in 2024. “Either way, this would be a huge box office draw. “It’s one of the biggest action films of its era and was a massive hit. “People have been asking Ridley about a follow-up for years, so there’s clearly a massive appetite for it.” View the full article

Published by Grazia USA It goes without saying, Beyoncé is an unstoppable force. She leads the way with a whopping nine nominations for her seventh solo studio album Renaissance at the 2023 Grammy Awards, putting her in the running to become the most awarded artist in all of Grammy history. She already earned the accomplishment of being the most awarded woman in the history of the Grammy Awards with 28 trophies under her belt. Beyoncé only needs three more Grammys to tie, and four more to beat the record for the highest number of wins by an artist. The late conductor Georg Solti currently holds the record, with 31 Gr… Read More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Ben Aldridge could “breathe easier” after he came out as gay. The 37-year-old actor – who was raised as an evangelical Christian – announced his sexuality to the world on f National Coming Out Day in October 2020 and reflected that he “underestimated how significant” the move would be to him at the time. Speaking on the ‘Just For Variety’ podcast, he said: ““Oh you’re going to make me cry. It sounds dramatic, but I could just breathe easier. I underestimated how significant that was to me. I really did. I thought, it’s not that I’d played it down, but I didn’t know what it would do to me physically. And just for days afterward I was like, ‘I needed that so badly. I wasn’t aware of how much I needed to do that and how much I’d potentially hung onto, conveniently hidden behind. It felt so powerful to be able to stand alongside and be part of my community.” Ben previously admitted that coming out was not something he thought would ever be “possible” because he feared it may limit his career choices. He said: “I’d been taught and shown throughout my 20s that [coming out] might cost me work and might cost me jobs and I might not get hired to play straight or it just might work against me. It just didn’t feel like something that was possible.” Upon disclosing his sexuality, the ‘Knock at the Cabin’ star – who is currently thought to be single – admitted that he was “incredibly proud” to be a gay man but admitted that his journey had been a “long one.” He said: “The journey to pride was a long one for me. I love the LGBTQ+ community and am incredibly proud and thankful to be a part of it. So much won. So much more to fight for.” View the full article

Published by Orlando Sentinel ORLANDO, Fla. — The Plaza Live, an Orlando event venue that came under state scrutiny for hosting an all-age drag queen performance in December, could lose its ability to sell alcohol, according to a complaint filed Friday by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The agency claimed The Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation, which oversees the venue, had a responsibility to make sure no minors were in attendance at the Dec. 28 show, but failed and violated Florida statute in the process. Images released in the complaint show adults bringing children into the venue. The… Read More View the full article

Published by Ultimate Classic Rock Nobody expected Rob Halford to come out as gay when he sat down for a fateful MTV interview on Feb. 4, 1998 — least of all the Metal God himself. Six years removed from Judas Priest, Halford had stopped by the station to promote Voyeurs, the upcoming debut album from 2wo, his new industrial metal project featuring guitarist John 5 (who still went by John Lowery at the time). The singer had ditched his signature studded leather attire for a more goth and glam aesthetic, sporting mascara, painted nails and a black fur coat as he sat down to chat. The conversation invariably turned toward Halford… Read More View the full article

Published by AlterNet Republicans are resorting to their age-old tactic of manufactured moral outrage to distract from the fact that they have no economic agenda other than to enrich the already wealthy. It would be laughable if their culture wars didn’t have a deadly impact on people’s lives. From attacks on the right to an abortion, to the right to be transgender, to the right to study accurate history, conservative attacks on vulnerable populations have reached a fever pitch. And it’s destroying the nation. This article was produced by Economy for All, a project of the Independent Media Institute. As if overturn… Read More View the full article