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Published by BANG Showbiz English Jerrod Carmichael has come out as gay. The 34-year-old comedian – who has previously discussed having relationships with both men and women – admitted that after his father had had an an affair while married to his mother he was left with a “secret” that he kept from everyone in bis life. Speaking on his new HBO special ‘Rothaniel’, he said: “After [the affair] was out in the open, I was left alone feeling like a liar, because I had a secret,” he says. “One that I kept from my father, my mother, my family, my friends, and you. Professionally, personally. And the secret is that I’m gay.” The former ‘Carmichael Show’ star was met with applause from the studio audience upon his announcement and while he was appeciatve, he went on to explain that he had spent his whole life “rebelling against” his sexuality and never thought he would “come out.” He added: “I’m accepting the love, I really appreciate the love. My ego wants to rebel against it. “I rebelled against it my whole life. I thought I’d never, ever come out. At many points I thought I’d rather die than confront the truth of that, to actually say it to people. Because I know it changes some people’s perceptions of me. I can’t control that.” Jerrod went on to explain that while his mother still has her religious views and as a result his relationship with her has become more “fraught” with her since coming out, he now feels more “free.” He said: “As much as she believes in God, I believe in personal growth and feeling free. And I do feel freer.” View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Dame Joan Collins says modern men are “suffering from the rise of anti-maleness” in the wake of the #MeToo movement. The 88-year-old acting legend is a supporter of the campaign – originally created by activist Tarana Burke in 2006 to empower women from black communities who had endured sexual assault to speak out – which saw women all over the world share their painful experiences of sexual abuse and misconduct by men online in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal which broke in 2017 revealing the now imprisoned movie producer to be guilty of multiple sexual assaults on numerous women in Hollywood. However, Collins believes that the current climate is making decent men become wary around women because they fear being accused of perpetuating toxic masculinity. In an interview with The New York Times newspaper, she said: “Sadly, I think that now young men are suffering from being labelled toxically masculine because of this rise of anti-maleness.” Collins is aware that her opinion could lead to her being branded an anti-feminist but she insists nothing could be further from the truth. She stated: “I believe that women are equal to men in every single way. Except physical strength. “People say you didn’t burn your bra, you wear lipstick. So what? I’m very proud of being a woman.” The former ‘Dynasty’ star – who is married to Percy Holm, her fifth husband – wants women to be at the forefront of the acting business and across all parts of society and she thinks that shifts towards gender neutral language could have dangerous consequences for ladies and girls all over the world. When asked if she wants to see more gender-neutral terms, she replied: “What’s wrong with actress? “What’s wrong with mother? What’s wrong with woman? Girl? I don’t like having that word taken away.” Back in 2019, Collins addressed the #MeToo movement claiming that many actresses who had become victims of sexual harassment could have done more to thwart their abusers. In an interview with The Observer magazine, the ‘These Old Broads’ star – who previously has spoken of how she was drugged and raped by her first husband, actor Maxwell Reed – said: “When people ask why I wasn’t speaking out about this – I’ve been speaking out about it for 40 years. “It seems to me actresses who are saying, you know, ‘I went up to this producer and he took his d*** out and I froze.’ I mean, I’m sorry, you don’t freeze you go, ‘Stop that, I’m leaving.’ I just gave them a knee in the groin. It’s hardly suffering. You just didn’t put up with it.” View the full article

Published by Radar Online Mega Vladimir Putin has reportedly spent the better part of a year being followed around by a thyroid cancer doctor, suggesting that the Russian president is only “seriously ill.” Not only has his health come under scrutiny, but it’s being reported that he’s also lashing out and is experiencing symptoms of “steroid rage” as a result of his ongoing thyroid cancer treatment. According to Daily Mail, a surgeon and specialist from Moscow’s Central Clinical Hospital named Dr. Yevgeny Selivanov has visited Putin at least 35 times over the past year to administer treatment for the Russian leader’s alleged ailment. Mega Selivanov, who is widely considered one of the most competent and respected doctors and surgeons throughout all of Russia, reportedly focused both his medical thesis and his medical expertise as a whole on “the peculiarities of diagnostics and surgical treatment of elderly and senile patients with thyroid cancer.” This has led many to believe that not only is Putin potentially suffering from thyroid cancer but that the Russian despot is also becoming increasingly senile in his old age and as his condition worsens. Proekt, an independent Russian media outlet that focuses specifically on investigative journalism, recently released a report claiming that Putin was suffering severely from his thyroid cancer and was subsequently treated with a substantial dose of steroids when he ordered the invasion of Ukraine and declared war on the nation on February 24. “We promised to reveal to you the main secret of the Kremlin,” the Russian outlet – which has been banned in Russia and has since operated from abroad – said in their report. “Of course, we are talking about the health of Vladimir Putin.” Mega “Putin has publicly shown interest in the problem of thyroid cancer,” the report continued. “There is indeed talk in medical circles about the president’s health problems. Especially these conversations intensified in the early autumn of last year, when Putin behaved especially strangely.” Proekt’s report then goes on to claim that Putin has suddenly disappeared from public view at least five times over the past year due to medical-related emergencies and that besides Dr. Selivanov, Putin has also been regularly accompanied by Dr. Alexey Shcheglov – a surgeon who reportedly “follows Putin so relentlessly that during public events he allegedly gets into joint photographs with the head of state.” Dr. Shcheglov allegedly follows Putin so “relentlessly” that the surgeon has reportedly visited the ailing Russian president at least 59 times totaling a whopping 282 days together. As Radar reported, this isn’t the first time officials have speculated Putin’s increasingly erratic behavior is a result of “steroid rage” from his alleged thyroid cancer treatment. Mega In early March, sources closed to the Kremlin reportedly revealed that not only is Putin suffering from thyroid cancer, but he may also be suffering from dementia and Parkinson’s disease. The sources also suggested that his increasingly aggressive behavior – namely his decision to invade Ukraine – is most likely a result of his various conditions and the steroid treatment he is allegedly receiving for the various conditions. “It is only human sources that can offer you the sort of rich picture that we have of Putin’s psyche,” one source familiar with Putin, Moscow, and the Kremlin spilled at the time. “There has been an identifiable change in his decision-making over the past five years or so. Those around him see a marked change in the cogency and clarity of what he says and how he perceives the world around him.” View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ has been renewed for a third season. The 47-year-old actress began hosting her self-titled daytime talk show back in 2020 and is “honoured and grateful” that it will be returning for the 2022-23 season but aims to “take the show higher” this time round. She said in a statement: “I am honoured and grateful but I also want to take this show higher and continue to innovate and be a game changer in the daytime space. Rising to the occasion of finding people in the diverse way they watch is what I want to challenge myself with. Our show wants to be a bright spot not a blind spot and we just want to make people feel good. And I thank all the people who helped us get here.” The show will now be produced and distributed by CMV in a format that will allow it to be aired either as two half-hour half-hour episodes that stations can run together back-to-back or be split apart to air separately and the first 30 minute segment will follow the local news casts on all CBS stations. In a statement, CBS president Steve LoCascio said: “Stations have always had a finite amount of shelf space, so we’re evolving the syndication model to meet the needs of our partners. We could not be happier to continue our relationship with CBS Stations and our other station partners to deliver more of ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ through this innovative new idea. From Drew’s unique take on everyday news to headline-generating celebrity interviews to lifestyle how-tos, Drew is a force of nature who has brought a fresh optimistic viewpoint to daytime television. We love having her as part of the CBS family.” View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Dua Lipa will present an award at the Grammys. The 26-year-old pop star – who last year took home the coveted gong for Best Pop Vocal Album for her sophomore LP ‘Future Nostalgia – will take to the stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday (03.04.22) to present an award at the annual ceremony, along with fellow musicians Megan Thee Stallion and Joni Mitchell as well as ‘House of Gucci’ star Jared Leto in what The Recording Academy has called a “diverse roster of artists.” The Academy wrote on Instagram: “#GRAMMYs got the sweetest pie. #DuaLipa and #MeganTheeStallion will be returning to the GRAMMY stage, this time as presenters Tune in to Music’s Biggest Night this Sunday on @CBStv.” The ‘Sweetest Pie’ hitmakers will be joined by fellow stars Lenny Kravitz and ‘Pose’ actors Billy Porter and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez. Country musician Keith Urban, as well as past Grammy nominee and ‘Sk8er’ Boi’ hitmaker Avril Lavigne will also be on hand to give out the prestigious awards, along with ‘8 Mile’ star actor Anthony Mackie. The Grammys will be hosted by ‘Daily Show star Trevor Noah and will feature performance from the likes of Lady Gaga – who is nominated for five awards – as well as H.E.R., Chris Stapleton, Nas, , BTS, Billie Eilish, Brothers Osborne, Olivia Rodrigo and leading nominee Jon Batiste who is up for eight awards. Viewers around the world will be able to tune into music’s biggest night as the event is being streamed internationally in an “unprecedented” broadcast. The Recording Academy said: “Music fans will be given unprecedented digital access to GRAMMY Awards content with GRAMMY Live, which will stream internationally on live.GRAMMY.com and on Twitter @RecordingAcad. GRAMMY Live features exclusive red carpet interviews, fashion and thank you cams, pre-show interviews, and highlights from the 64th GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony and Music’s Biggest Night. GRAMMY Live will stream on Sunday, April 3, from 6:30-8 p.m. ET/3:30-5 p.m. PT” A full list of presenters is as follows: Kelsea Ballerini Lenny Kravitz Avril Lavigne Jared Leto Dua Lipa Ludacris Anthony Mackie Megan Thee Stallion Joni Mitchell Billy Porter Bonnie Raitt Michaela Jaé Rodriguez Keith Urban Questlove View the full article

Published by Radar Online Mega Princess Diana‘s personal photographer Patrick Demarchelier died on Thursday at the age of 78. His unexpected passing was announced in a post on Demarchelier’s official Instagram page, revealing that the famed cameraman died with his wife, Mia, and their three sons by his side. The post shared three photos of Demarchelier in different stages of his life and career. The first of the three black-and-while pics shows the iconic photographer adjusting lights for what could be assumed as one of his many famous photoshoots throughout his decades-long career. The second photo shows a much younger Demarchelier and this time, he was the model. The snap shows someone taking a photo of him while he’s looking through a handheld camera. Demarchelier is seen surrounded by a bare bush while wearing a professional outfit, including slacks, a tie, and a jacket. The final pic is a headshot of the famous photographer, showing the grandfather of three holding his beloved pup inside his fashionable denim jacket. Mega The post was captioned with the tragic news, reading, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick Demarchelier on March 31st 2022, at the age of 78,” the statement read. “He is survived by his wife Mia, his three sons Gustaf, Arthur, Victor and three grandchildren.” Demarchelier reportedly passed away on the island of St Barts. The cause of death has yet to be revealed. The professional photographer worked for some of the biggest publications such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. His talent caught everyone’s attention, even Princess Diana’s. She brought him onto her team as her personal photographer before her untimely death in 1997. The French artist was also the first non-British cameraman to be asked to photograph the royal family. The amount of celebrities he shot is several miles long and includes iconic names like Madonna, Gisele Bündchen, Hillary Clinton, Nicole Kidman, Cara Delevingne, and Kate Moss. Mega American fashion model Bella Hadid posted an image on her Instagram account of the cover of Vogue which Demarchelier took of her and fellow model Chu Wong back in 2017. She wrote, “I am grateful to have been lucky enough to be in front of your lens. Most gentle, most legendary, soft but full of life. You will be missed Patrick. Rest In Peace.” View the full article

Published by Radar Online Mega Professor Abraham Buunk and Professor Mark van Vugt argue whether Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s “Napoleon Complex” could be a factor as to why he’s flexed his military muscle in an attempt to take over the neighboring nation of Ukraine. Mega The “Napoleon Complex” is a psychological syndrome that exists in shorter men who believe they need to show their strength and power to counteract being perceived as weaker than taller individuals. Its name comes from the infamous French conqueror Napoleon Bonaparte who was reportedly only 5 foot 4 inches. Many historians believed he used his spreading empire as a way to compensate for himself internally. A claim many also are applying to Putin. The leader of Russia is extremely private and seems a bit self-conscious about his public image, especially when it comes to the people of his own country. Putin’s official height is listed as 5 foot 7 but some reports suggest that the Russian president could be as short as 5 foot 2 inches. The estimates were reported after comparing the foreign leader to other elected officials he has stood beside such as Turkish laderRecep Tayyip Erdogan or former U.S. President Donald Trump. Several pics of the Russian president show Putin wearing high-rising clunky shoes, with some theorizing that the footwear is meant to boost his height. Others believe he uses lifts in the shoes themselves. Mega Professor van Vugt has said that the tyrant adopting ruthless tactics such as poisoning is trying to “compensate for his lack of physical strength.” He continues to warn world leaders to be “very careful that … [pushing him] doesn’t start a third world war.” In an interview with the Sun, the professor claims that Putin “wants to come across as a strong leader.” “The way he poses for the camera, all these pictures of him bare chested, playing ice-hockey, hunting … They are all the kind of things you see in someone who is not secure in their power position and that may be the result of his short stature – the more dominant, authoritarian kind of strategies to be taken seriously.” Mega Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has gone on for well over a month, exceeding every predicted estimate with many within Putin’s inner circles believing the taking of Kyiv would take only a matter of days. View the full article

Published by Reuters By Tyler Clifford and Nathan Layne (Reuters) -A federal jury will begin deliberations on Monday in the trial of four men charged with conspiring to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, as one of the most closely watched trials involving what prosecutors called acts of domestic terrorism neared its conclusion. The 12-person jury was presented with dueling narratives during closing arguments that concluded on Friday afternoon. A prosecutor described the defendants as “filled with rage” and bent on sparking a civil war, while defense attorneys accused the FBI of entrapping their clients, who were often high on drugs and prone to “crazy talk” rather than concrete action. The case stands as one of the most high-profile prosecutions of alleged members of right-wing organizations that have risen in prominence in the years since former President Donald Trump’s election in 2016. It also highlights the extent to which the pandemic and government efforts to control it have become a wedge issue in U.S. politics, pushing some people to extremes. In his closing argument, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler sought to portray the men as hatching a concrete plan of attack over several months, which included collecting firearms and conducting reconnaissance on Whitmer’s vacation home. “They trained to kidnap the governor, they cased her house in the middle of the night, they mapped it out, they planned it, they gathered weapons and bombs,” Kessler said in federal court in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “That is the conspiracy that they are charged with and in America it’s a crime.” All four of the defendants – Adam Fox, Brandon Caserta, Barry Croft Jr. and Daniel Harris – have been charged with kidnapping conspiracy. Fox, Croft and Harris were also charged with conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction. If convicted the men could spend the rest of their lives in prison. The attorney for Fox, who prosecutors have accused of being the ringleader of the plot, argued that his client was lured into action by FBI informants, who he also accused of taking advantage of the group’s heavy use of marijuana. “Somebody rattles the keys, somebody beats the drum and gets ’em all worked up,” said the attorney, Christopher Gibbons. “That’s unacceptable in America. That’s not how it works. You don’t make terrorists so we can arrest them.” Two other men initially charged in the alleged plot struck plea deals. The pair, Ty Garbin and Kalen Franks, served as star witnesses for prosecutors, who sought to prove that the four defendants planned to break into Whitmer’s vacation home in northern Michigan, hog-tie her and take her away at gunpoint for a “trial” on treason charges over her COVID-19 mandates. Garbin is currently serving a six-year sentence, while Franks is awaiting sentencing. The four on trial are among 13 men who were arrested in October 2020 and charged with state or federal crimes in the alleged kidnapping conspiracy. Seven of them are facing charges in state court. The FBI said it had begun tracking the group’s movements after seeing online discussions that included posts about the violent overthrow of some state governments. The group’s goal was to end pandemic restrictions, as well as trigger a second American civil war as adherents to the “boogaloo” anti-government movement, Kessler said. Harris, Caserta and an undercover informant who testified at the trial were members of the Wolverine Watchmen, a militia group, prosecutors say. Croft and Fox were members of the “Three Percenters,” a similar far-right organization. In charging documents the men are accused of discussing Whitmer’s kidnapping and planning to meet in Wisconsin to train with assault rifles. The men were also alleged to have discussed buying supplies to be used in the kidnapping and putting Whitmer’s vacation home under surveillance, prosecutors say. Fox ordered $4,000 worth of explosives from an undercover FBI agent posing as a co-conspirator, according to the indictment. The document also accused Fox and Harris of making payments for the explosives. (Reporting by Tyler Clifford; Editing by Frank McGurty, Aurora Ellis and Mark Porter) View the full article

Published by AFP White House press secretary Jen Psaki did not confirm reports that she will step down soon to move to a television job Washington (AFP) – White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Friday there are no ethical problems in her remaining in her role after reports that she is in advanced negotiations to switch to a high-profile television job. Multiple US media reports said the chief spokeswoman for President Joe Biden is set to leave soon for a lucrative position on cable news. According to The New York Times, Psaki could host shows for MSNBC and NBCUniversal’s Peacock streaming platform, as well as appearing on the cable network’s news shows. CNN had also been chasing Psaki, the report said. At her daily briefing, Psaki would not confirm the move. “You can’t get rid of me yet,” she quipped to reporters. “I have nothing to confirm about my length of public service.” “My focus every day continues to be speaking on behalf of the president answering your questions,” she added, without denying the reports. Asked whether there was a conflict of interest in speaking from the powerful podium while possibly lining up a well paid job with one of the outlets covering her, she said “I have always gone over and above the stringent ethical and legal requirements.” “I hope that all of you… would judge me for my record and how I treat all of you both in the briefing room and otherwise,” she said. Get some sleep Psaki has previously said she did not want to remain in the grueling job, which makes her the most visible face of Biden’s team, for more than about a year. CNN reported that she would stay through the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner, scheduled for April 30. Psaki, 43, has been in the press secretary role since the start of Biden’s administration in January 2021, when he took over from Donald Trump. Psaki restored the tradition of daily live briefings with White House reporters, saying she wanted to rebuild trust between the administration and the media after the tumultuous Trump years, when briefings were ultimately abandoned. Under Barack Obama, she served in the less visible White House communications director role and also as State Department spokeswoman. No likely successor has been floated by the White House. Psaki’s immediate deputy, Karine Jean-Pierre, is one possibility. Born to a Haitian immigrant family, Jean-Pierre became in May last year only the second Black woman to lead a White House press briefing. Another potential candidate could be Kate Bedingfield, the White House communications director. She filled in at the briefing room podium this week when both Psaki and Jean-Pierre were absent for Covid-19 quarantining. As for Psaki, she said her real priority was more simple. “At whatever time I leave the White House, I can promise you the first thing I’m going to do is sleep and spend time with my three- and six-year olds, who are my most important audiences.” View the full article

Published by AFP The US House of Representatives passed a bill to decriminalize cannabis nationwide, but it stands little chance in the Senate Washington (AFP) – US lawmakers backed the decriminalization of marijuana nationwide in a vote Friday that will eliminate punishments for providing or possessing the drug if is signed into law by President Joe Biden. The Democrats’ Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act would remove its categorization as a dangerous “schedule 1” controlled substance alongside much harder narcotics that attract severe sentences, like heroin and LSD. The bill cleared the House by 220 votes to 204, with three Republicans crossing the aisle, but analysts are skeptical about its prospects in the Senate, where Democrats would need 10 opposition lawmakers to overcome a 60-vote hurdle. The US government is out of line with three-quarters of states that have legalized marijuana for medical use and a third of states, like California and Washington, that have freed it for recreational use, too. “If states are the laboratories of democracy, it is long past time for the federal government to recognize that this experiment in legalization has been a resounding success,” said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, one of the bill’s sponsors. Cannabis is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States, with sales hitting $25 billion in 2021, according to influential cannabis website Leafly, and projected to reach $40.5 billion by 2025. A report released in February by the Seattle-based company said the legalized cannabis industry provides work for more than 400,000 Americans and created some 280 new jobs a day last year. California, the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996, made $1 billion in tax revenue in the first two years after expanding to full recreational use in 2018. But marijuana remains illegal under federal law, posing significant hurdles for businesses that find themselves barred from accessing financial services and unable to secure loans or open bank accounts. ‘Shattered neighborhoods’ The MORE Act would provide loans to help small businesses “owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals,” the bill reads. Many people arrested for marijuana use would see their records expunged, and those jailed on federal cannabis charges would have their sentences reviewed. A federal tax would begin at five percent, with proceeds funding substance abuse treatment and legal counseling for the overwhelmingly Black communities harmed by the war on drugs. “For over 50 years, the failed war on drugs has deepened racial injustice, shattered neighborhoods, and decimated communities,” said Aamra Ahmad, senior policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union. The reform is hugely popular among Americans. A Pew Research poll found last year that 91 percent of adults think marijuana should be legal, either medically, recreationally or both. But Republicans argue that decriminalization will increase use and create another layer of bureaucracy in the Treasury Department. A similar bill passed the House in 2020 in a vote divided largely along party lines — but went nowhere in the then-Republican majority Senate. Campaigners for legal reform applauded the vote, noting that Black people are almost four times as likely to be arrested for marijuana possession as whites, even though usage statistics are similar. “Now is the time for the Senate to act on sensible reform legislation so that we can finally end the failure of prohibition and foster a well regulated marketplace for cannabis,” added Aaron Smith, the CEO of the country’s largest marijuana trade association, the National Cannabis Industry Association. View the full article

Published by AFP A Ukrainian soldier stands on the wreckage of a burnt Russian tank outside of the village of Mala Rogan, east of Kharkiv, on April 1, 2022 Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – Ukraine refused Friday to deny it had carried out an airstrike on Russian soil, as hopes of de-escalation faded in President Vladimir Putin’s war and evacuation operations for besieged Mariupol failed. Peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials resumed via video, but the Kremlin warned the helicopter attack on a fuel depot in the town of Belgorod would hamper negotiations. Kyiv would not be drawn on whether it was behind the attack, with Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba saying he did “not possess all the military information”. With the prospect of war expanding across Ukraine’s borders, little progress was reported in one of the country’s most pressing humanitarian disasters, in the shattered southern city of Mariupol. The international Red Cross said a team heading to the city was forced to turn back Friday after “arrangements and conditions made it impossible to proceed”. It was the latest among several collapsed missions to establish safe corridors for civilians to escape ferocious Russian shelling in Mariupol, although the Red Cross said its team will try again Saturday. After five weeks of a military campaign that has reduced parts of Ukraine to rubble, Moscow said this week it would scale back attacks on the capital Kyiv and the city of Chernigiv. Russia regrouping? But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia was consolidating and preparing “powerful strikes” in the east and south, joining a chorus of Western assessments that Moscow troops were regrouping, not withdrawing. Zelensky on Friday played host to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Kyiv, hailing her “heroism” for visiting the war zone. “We are glad that you are on the side of the light and the good,” Zelensky told Metsola. “Courage, strength, resolve,” Metsola said on Twitter, posting a photograph of her and Zelensky shaking hands. The airstrike in Russia hit energy giant Rosneft’s fuel storage facility in the western town of Belgorod, around 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the border with Ukraine. Oleksiy Arestovych, an aide to Ukraine’s president, said in a Twitter video that “for what’s happening on Russia’s territory, the responsibility lies with Russia, and it’s up to them to deal with.” But the consequence on peace negotiations was swiftly made clear by Moscow. “This is not something that can be perceived as creating comfortable conditions for the continuation of negotiations,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Russia launched its invasion on February 24, expecting to quickly take Kyiv and topple Zelensky’s government. A ferocious Ukrainian fightback and Russia’s logistics and tactical problems scuppered such plans, with Russia also battling unprecedented Western sanctions that have led multinationals to quit the country en masse. US officials Friday gave a grim assessment of Russia’s economy, warning it will tumble into a “deep” recession and shrink by 10 percent. On the ground, Ukraine’s troops were beginning to reassert control including around capital Kyiv and in the southern region of Kherson — the only significant city that Russia had managed to occupy. ‘Common grave’ Russian troops “are continuing their partial retreat” from the north of Kyiv towards the Belarusian border, said Ukraine’s defence ministry. Civilians have trickled out of devastated areas as Ukrainian forces liberated areas around Kyiv and Chernigiv. Three-year-old Karolina Tkachenko and her family had walked an hour through a field strewn with burnt-out Russian armoured vehicles to flee their village outside Kyiv. “The shops are closed, there’s no delivery of supplies. The bridge is also blown up, we can’t go for groceries through there,” said Karolina’s mother Karina Tkachenko. “I hope all this will end soon, and I will go back to my work,” she told AFP. In Mariupol, Viktoria Dubovytskaya, who had sheltered in the theatre where 300 people are feared to have been killed in Russian bombardments, said she only grasped the extent of the destruction as she fled. Bodies lay in the rubble, and small wooden crosses were planted in the ground, she told AFP. “When people find their loved ones, they just bury them wherever they can. Sometimes where roses used to bloom,” she said. “The city is now a common grave.” An estimated 160,000 people are still desperately trapped in Mariupol with little water, food and electricity. Radiation risks The UN’s cultural agency said Friday it has confirmed at least 53 Ukrainian historical sites, religious buildings and museums have sustained damage during the invasion. Ukraine also warned that Russian forces who left Chernobyl nuclear plant — site of the world’s worst nuclear accident, in 1986 — after weeks of occupation may have been exposed to radiation. “Russia behaved irresponsibly in Chernobyl” by digging trenches in contaminated areas and keeping plant personnel from performing their duties, said Foreign Minister Kuleba. With his economy crippled by unprecedented international sanctions, Putin has sought to leverage Russia’s status as an energy power. Warning that EU members will need to set up ruble accounts from Friday to pay for his country’s gas, he said existing contracts would be halted if the payments were not made. burs-hmn/mlm/bgs View the full article

Published by Raw Story By Travis Gettys Abigail Disney said she was “delighted” by the right-wing attacks on the iconic entertainment company founded by her grandfather and his brother because the campaign might finally force businesses to confront their support for bigotry. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signaled support for ending the Walt Disney Company’s special status as an independent government around its Orlando-area theme park, and the granddaughter of co-founder Roy Disney took aim at the “radical ideologues” attacking the company for its opposition to anti-LGBTQ legislation in the state. “Like all radical ideo… Read More View the full article

Published by The San Diego Union-Tribune Harvey Mason Jr. had a singular when he became a dues-paying member of the Recording Academy, under whose auspices the Grammy Awards are presented. “I joined because I really wanted to win a Grammy, and I wanted to vote for myself!” the veteran songwriter and record producer said, laughing heartily. Over the course of his career, he has worked with everyone from Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson and Beyoncé to Whitney Houston, John Legend and Justin Bieber. Although Mason has five Grammy nominations to his credit, he has yet to take home one of the coveted trophies — despite voting for himself…. Read More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Emeli Sande is in a relationship with a woman. The ‘Read All About It’ hitmaker has come out and revealed she is dating a female classical pianist. Speaking to Metro.co.uk, she said: “We met through music. And I definitely feel happier than ever. It feels great. “For me, true love and having love in your life makes everything fit into place.” The 35-year-old singer was previously married to marine biologist Adam Gouraguine between 2012 and 2014, while she had a brief romance with rapper Jonathan Kabamba, which ended in 2020. When asked if this means she is bisexual, Emeli replied: “I’m not sure what I identify as but I guess so. I just feel like I should fall in love with whoever I fall in love with.” Emeli previously admitted she would like to start a family at some stage, although she insisted she was waiting for the “right person” to come along. The ‘Next to Me’ hitmaker – who releases her new album, ‘Let’s Say For Instance’, next month – shared: “I’d like to have children – with the right person. I’m a bit shy, so we’ll see what happens. I’m definitely getting back out there. Let’s put it that way.” Meanwhile, Emeli “doubted” whether she should continue as a musician while battling anxiety and depression after she split from her ex-husband. She explained: “I doubted whether I wanted to continue being a musician. I questioned whether people wanted to hear me, because people were saying I was on TV too much. People said I was overexposed, and then I thought, ‘Maybe I don’t have a place in this music industry, and if people don’t want to hear it, what shall I do?’ I was going through my separation, and really trying to get my head around the industry and where I sat in it.” View the full article

Published by New York Daily News The U.S. Department of Justice is reminding all states that there are federal constitutional and statutory provisions in place to protect transgender youth against discrimination, including when they are seeking gender-affirming care. In a letter Thursday addressed to all U.S. state attorneys general, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, reinforced federal nondiscrimination obligations afforded to trans youth. “(The DOJ) is committed to ensuring that transgender youth, like all youth, are treated fairly and with dignity in accordance wi… Read More View the full article

Published by Reuters UK LONDON (Reuters) -The UK government will ban conversion therapy for gay or bisexual people in England and Wales, but not for transgender people, ITV reported on Thursday. Hours earlier the government had confirmed an ITV report it would drop a plan to introduce legislation to ban LGBT conversion therapy and would instead review how existing law could be utilised more effectively to prevent it. That prompted an angry response from LGBT groups and some lawmakers. “The Prime Minister has changed his mind off the back of the reaction to our report and he WILL now ban conversion therapy after all,”… Read More View the full article

Published by Orlando Sentinel ORLANDO, Fla. — LGBTQ advocacy groups are seeking to block what they call the “don’t say gay” law from taking effect, arguing in a federal lawsuit that it is discriminatory, vague and runs afoul of the free speech rights of students and teachers. Equality Florida and Family Florida filed the suit Thursday against Gov. Ron DeSantis, Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran and the Florida State Board of Education in the Northern District of Florida. The groups assert the law violates the First Amendment and the equal protection and due process clauses of the U.S. Constitution. Their legal action… Read More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Caitlyn Jenner has joined Fox News as a contributor. The 72-year-old reality star – who was born as Bruce Jenner and became known for winning Olympic gold in Decathlon during the 1976 games in Montreal before transitioning into a woman whilst starring on ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ – is “humbled” to become part of the news network and to be able to “speak directly” to Americans. In a tweet, she said: “I am humbled by this unique opportunity to speak directly to @FoxNews millions of viewers about a range of issues that are important to the American people.” The former Republican candidate – who ran as a replacement candidate for Gavin Newsom in the state of California but lost out with only 1% of the vote – is thought to be a “tremendous asset” for the news channel because of her “inspirational journey” and impact on the LGBTQ+ community. Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott said in a statement: “Caitlyn’s story is an inspiration to us all. She is a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community and her illustrious career spans a variety of fields that will be a tremendous asset for our audience. She will offer commentary and analysis across Fox News Channel programming and various Fox News Media platforms.” Caitlyn – who has daughters Kylie, 24, and Kendall, 26, from former marriage to Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner, as well as Burt and Cassandra with first wife Chrystie Scott and Brandon and Brody with second spouse Linda Thompson – is set to make her first appearance on the broadcaster as a guest on Sean Hannity’s programme on Thursday (31.03.22). View the full article

Published by Reuters By Doina Chiacu WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Americans will be allowed to choose an X for gender on their passport applications and select their sex on Social Security cards, the Biden administration said on Thursday in announcing measures to support transgender Americans against wave of state laws targeting them. The State Department in June said U.S. citizens could select their gender on applications without having to submit medical documentation. In October, it issued the first American passport with an “X” gender marker, designed to give nonbinary, intersex and gender-nonconforming people an option other than male or female on their travel document. “Starting on April 11, U.S. citizens will be able to select an X as their gender marker on their U.S. passport application, and the option will become available for other forms of documentation next year,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. Americans will also be able to select and add their gender to U.S. Social Security cards without medical documentation, beginning in the fall, the Social Security Administration said. The cards currently do not include gender indicators. The changes were among several measures announced by the Biden administration to mark a “Transgender Day of Visibility,” a day after the Republican governors of Oklahoma and Arizona signed bills banning transgender athletes from girls’ sports in schools. They joined a growing list of states that have passed or enacted similar laws on a contentious election-year issue. Transgender rights have been pushed to the forefront of the culture wars playing out in parts of the United States in recent years, together with issues such as reproductive rights. “The administration once again condemns the proliferation of dangerous anti-transgender legislative attacks that have been introduced and passed in state legislatures around the country,” the White House said in a statement on initiatives it would take aimed at taking down barriers for transgender people. They include easing travel, providing resources for transgender children and their families, improving access to federal services and benefits and advancing inclusion and visibility in federal data. The Transportation Security Administration will implement gender-neutral screening at its checkpoints with changes in imaging technology, reducing the number of pat-down screenings, removing gender identification from checkpoint screenings and updating TSA PreCheck to include an “X” gender marker on its application. The Department of Health and Human Services released a new website https://www.hhs.gov/programs/topic-sites/lgbtqi/index.html that offers resources for transgender and LGBTQI+ youth, their parents, and providers. Other agencies will announce new actions to expand the collection and use of sexual orientation and gender identity data, the White House said. “Every American deserves the freedom to be themselves. But far too many transgender Americans still face systemic barriers, discrimination, and acts of violence,” the White House said. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by William Maclean and Bill Berkrot) View the full article

Published by Radar Online MEGA; Fox News/YouTube Don Lemon‘s accuser, Dustin Hice, has been ordered to pay the CNN anchor $77,000 in legal fees as their court battle continues. A federal judge made the ruling on Wednesday, Radar can confirm, less than two years after Hice filed a lawsuit in August 2019 alleging that the CNN star sexually assaulted him at a Hampton’s bar. The latest development in the case comes after Lemon asked the judge to sanction Hice, demanding a total of $106,490.38. Lemon claimed information discovered during discovery highlighted the extent to which Hice went to conceal witnesses and evidence. Fox News/YouTube Hice previously urged the court to “award instead a reasonable amount of attorneys’ fees comprised of documented time expended to draft and present the underlying spoliation motion.” U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Locke now cites more evidence that some of Hice’s claims could be invalid, mentioning two witnesses that Hice listed will now testify for the defense. According to Hice, the alleged incident took place at Murf’s Backstreet Tavern in Sag Harbor in July 2018. Upon spotting the journalist that day, Hice was with friends and apparently offered Lemon a drink, which the anchor denied. Later that evening, Hice claimed he was approached by Lemon, who allegedly rubbed his genitals, and put his fingers on Hice’s mustache while asking, “Do you like pu—- or d–-?” These claims have all been denied by Lemon. MEGA; Fox News/YouTube “Don categorically denies these claims,” a spokesperson for Lemon said on his behalf in 2019. “The plaintiff in this lawsuit has previously displayed a pattern of contempt for CNN on his social media accounts,” the statement continued. “This claim follows his unsuccessful threats and demands for an exorbitant amount of money from Don Lemon.” Ron Adar / M10s / MEGA On the other hand, Hice has long stood by his claims. “Lemon will have to testify under oath in the near future, but it’s good to see that there’s finally some accountability happening,” he previously told Fox News Digital. Recently, a judge ordered the case will go to a jury trial despite Lemon’s objections and concerns that public scrutiny may sway the verdict, but he can use Hice’s actions as evidence against him. The case is headed to jury trial later this year. View the full article

Published by Radar Online Although Prince Andrew was recently seen for the first time with Queen Elizabeth since his sexual assault lawsuit settlement with accuser Virginia Giuffre, the Duke of York reportedly did not receive a warm welcome from the rest of the royal family. According to Daily Mail, the 62-year-old prince escorted the Queen to Prince Philip’s memorial on Tuesday, and despite only attending the Thanksgiving of Life service for a short duration, it was reportedly enough time to be “shunned” by the rest of the royals in attendance. Mega “Andrew did not get the same sort of welcome from the other royals,” body language expert Judi James explained to the outlet while comparing the Queen’s treatment towards her son to that of the rest of the family. “Only his mother threw him anything bordering on a ‘welcome back’ smile and, rather than throw him subtle tie-signs of support or encouragement, most of the royals seemed to attempt to act as though they hadn’t even seen him,” she continued. Mega “Taking his place next to Edward he cut an isolated but defiant-looking figure, but there were no glances or even nods of greeting and no discernible eye contact. The eye-avoidance looked deliberate, with most of the Firm staring pointedly ahead as though barely even aware of him.” Besides the Queen and Prince Andrew, there were reportedly 46 other senior royals at Prince Philip’s service Tuesday. The only two senior royals not in attendance were Prince Harry and his wife, Megan Markle. Despite Queen Elizabeth having three other children she could have chosen to escort her to Philip’s Thanksgiving of Life, some believe she specifically chose the Duke of York to show the United Kingdom and the world that in light of his recent sexual assault lawsuit and settlement, her relationship with Andrew is “non-negotiable.” “The message from the Queen about her Prodigal son Andrew looked unequivocal today,” Judi James continued, focusing specifically on the body language of Elizabeth and her embattled son. “As her eldest son, Charles is fond of saying, this is now clearly a ‘non-negotiable’ relationship.” Mega “Not only did she choose her second son to accompany and support her as she walked into the Abbey, making this the first time she has been seen in public accepting assistance from anyone, she also paused before they parted to take their seats and threw him a smile of thanks in front of UK and foreign royalty as well as the eyes of the rest of the world.” This is Andrew’s first formal appearance with the Queen since settling a sexual assault lawsuit with Giuffre for an estimated $10-$16 million on February 15. Before settling the lawsuit, a judge ordered the Duke of York to face his sexual assault accuser in a United States court in connection to Giuffre’s allegations claiming she was forced to have sex with the prince numerous times when she was still a teenager. View the full article

Published by Radar Online mega;showtime Joseph Gordon-Levitt has been in the acting business for more than two decades so it may come as no surprise that he’s aged — quite gracefully — over the years. “Recent photos of Joseph Gordon-Levitt have surfaced showing a more mature hairline, with the temples recessed,” Jacques Abrahamian from the LA FUE Hair Clinic tells Radar. Janet Gough / AFF-USA.COM / MEGA Gordon-Levitt, 41, was already well on the road to becoming a household name by 1999. At the time, he had a recurring role in Third Rock from the Sun and got cast in the movie 10 Things I Hate About You. Since then, the acclaimed performer has been in several high-grossing films including Inception, Snowden and Knives Out. Over the years, some fans have noticed a slight change in his appearance after seeing him on red carpets and out during public events. MEGA “Hair loss is a very common condition which affects more than 50 percent of men over the age of 30 and roughly around 75 percent in men over the age 50 years old. The cause of hair loss in men majority of the time is genetics which can be blamed on the conversion of testosterone to DHT which is the culprit,” Abrahamian tells Radar, highlighting there are some hair restoration remedies such as the Follicular Unit Extraction method, also known as “FUE” for Short. “Secondary options also available which can reduce hair-loss and shedding includes PRP treatments, Stem Cells along with Topical Medications,” adds the expert. Showtime Gordon-Levitt was spotted on set in Los Angeles earlier this year filming the Showtime series Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber, in which he portrays CEO Travis Kalanick. The award-winning actor has also been taking to Instagram with rare photos showing himself behind-the-scenes while filming the gripping series about the ride-sharing app’s start. “It’s an Icarus story,” the actor told Entertainment Weekly. “As you rise and you succeed, then you become surrounded by people who are drafting off of your success, and it’s tempting to just surround yourself with people who tell you that you’re right about everything. And the more you do that, the more you will lose touch with reality.” Gordon-Levitt has since been casted for a new role in the upcoming movie White Night, based on the Jonestown Massacre. He is slated to play cult leader Jim Jones. View the full article

Published by AFP Facebook owner Meta faced questions about a reported campaign to denigrate rival TikTok New York (AFP) – Facebook’s owner Meta has hired a consulting firm to carry out a US campaign denigrating its fierce rival TikTok, according to a Washington Post report Wednesday partially confirmed by AFP. The campaign reportedly includes placing letters in major US news outlets and promoting negative stories about TikTok, allegedly using the type of tough tactics familiar to Washington politics. Meta, which shed hundreds of billions in value earlier this year due to doubts about its future, is in a pitched fight against the video sharing platform popular with young social media fans. “We believe all platforms, including TikTok, should face a level of scrutiny consistent with their growing success,” Meta told AFP in a one-line statement in response to the article. The consulting firm, Targeted Victory, confirmed having worked for Meta and did not deny having put forward negative information about TikTok. “We’re proud of the work we’ve done to highlight the dangers of TikTok,” the firm’s CEO Zac Moffatt tweeted. Employees at Targeted Victory worked to undermine TikTok, which is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, by promoting an effort to have it portrayed as a danger to American children, the Post reported, citing the firm’s internal emails. The Post quoted one message saying Targeted Victory needed to “get the message out that while Meta is the current punching bag, TikTok is the real threat especially as a foreign owned app that is #1 in sharing data that young teens are using.” One effort reportedly included getting parents to sign on to letters raising concerns that were submitted to US newspapers, some of which published them. Targeted Victory also alerted elected officials and journalists to alleged trends on TikTok that encouraged students to vandalize their school premises, known as “devious licks” or the “slap a teacher” challenge. The “challenge” urging young users to attack teachers did not start on TikTok, but on Facebook, according to an investigation by the “Reply All” podcast, with the investigator unable to find any videos on this topic on TikTok. “We are deeply concerned that the stoking of local media reports on alleged trends that have not been found on the platform could cause real world harm,” TikTok told AFP in a statement. Moffatt, the Targeted Victory CEO, also argued the Post article “mischaracterizes the work we do,” citing examples including the characterization of people who signed the letters sent to newspapers. “The story infers that the words of the letters to the editor were not the authors’ own, nor did they know of Meta’s involvement. That is false,” he tweeted. When contacted by AFP, the people cited as signing the latters did not respond to requests for comment. View the full article