تازہ ترین

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    BBC documentary renews scrutiny of Jared Leto

    A new BBC documentary, Jared Leto: Hollywood’s Dark Secret, has renewed public scrutiny of Oscar-winning actor and musician Jared Leto after multiple women alleged they were teenagers when they first encountered him. Leto has strongly denied all allegations, while the documentary has also reignited debate over Hollywood’s handling of long-standing rumours involving powerful figures. The documentary examines allegations made by several women regarding their interactions with Leto. Although the claims have attracted widespread attention, the actor has categorically rejected every accusation made against him. In a statement, Leto said: “I have never sexually assaulted anyone in my entire life. These claims are absolutely and categorically false.” The documentary has prompted broader discussions beyond the allegations themselves, with many industry insiders questioning whether Hollywood has done enough to address persistent rumours before they become major public scandals. One talent agent interviewed in connection with the documentary criticised the industry’s culture of silence, saying: “Hollywood doesn’t have an information problem. It has a courage problem. Everybody hears the whispers. Almost nobody wants to be the first person to ask the hard question.” According to the documentary, reports and entertainment industry gossip regarding Leto’s interactions with younger women have circulated for years, including a 2005 Page Six report that cited anonymous allegations. However, none of those reports established criminal wrongdoing. Critics interviewed in the documentary argue that while allegations alone should not be treated as proof of misconduct, repeated concerns should have encouraged greater scrutiny instead of being dismissed. A veteran Hollywood manager commented: “Young actresses talk to each other. Hair and makeup artists talk. Assistants talk. Drivers talk. The idea that nobody knew anything is almost never true.” The documentary also draws comparisons with lessons learned during the #MeToo movement, suggesting that repeated allegations deserve careful attention even when they have not been legally proven. It argues that the entertainment industry should be willing to investigate concerns earlier rather than waiting until they receive widespread media coverage. A longtime entertainment executive featured in the programme summarised the broader issue by saying: “The real test of Hollywood isn’t how it reacts after a documentary airs. It’s what it does with the whispers years before anyone picks up a camera.” The documentary has therefore shifted part of the conversation away from Leto himself and towards the wider culture within the entertainment industry. Many observers believe the central question is whether Hollywood has truly changed since the #MeToo movement or whether concerns continue to be ignored until they become impossible to overlook. While Leto continues to deny all allegations and no criminal wrongdoing has been established in relation to the claims discussed in the documentary, Jared Leto: Hollywood’s Dark Secret has once again placed the spotlight on accountability within the entertainment industry. For many, the debate now extends beyond one celebrity to whether Hollywood is willing to confront troubling rumours before they evolve into public controversies. 

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    Nicki Minaj rejects claims in hotel bill dispute

    Nicki Minaj has responded through her legal team after a business dispute with production company 24/7 Productions intensified in court. The rapper’s lawyers have strongly rejected claims made by the company, arguing that the lawsuit unfairly targets her personally and attempts to damage her reputation instead of focusing on the contractual issues at the centre of the case. The latest development comes after 24/7 Productions described Minaj as a “spoiled and entitled” rap star in court filings related to an ongoing payment dispute. Her lawyers argue that such language has no relevance to the legal issues and was included solely to create a negative public image of the Grammy-nominated artist. According to Minaj’s legal team, the remarks were designed to distract attention from the actual contractual disagreement. The dispute centres on production work carried out during Minaj’s Jingle Ball performances and the Pink Friday 2 launch events held in New York in 2023. 24/7 Productions claims it covered a wide range of event-related expenses, including hotel accommodation, staffing, security services and production costs. The company alleges that it has not yet received full payment for those services and has therefore taken legal action to recover the outstanding amount. Minaj’s lawyers, however, dispute those claims and insist that the hotel accommodation and related expenses were already included in the agreed budget for an artist of her stature. They argue that such costs should not be portrayed as unusual or excessive. Her legal team also contends that the production company is attempting to sensationalise the case by focusing on her celebrity lifestyle rather than the actual business agreement between the parties. Another key argument presented by Minaj’s lawyers concerns the identity of the contracting party. They maintain that the agreement was entered into with Pink Friday Productions LLC, not with Nicki Minaj in her personal capacity. As a result, they argue that the rapper herself should not be held personally responsible for any financial obligations arising from the company’s agreements. The legal team has also insisted that the disputed payments have already been made, directly challenging the production company’s allegations that it remains unpaid. The case is scheduled to return to court on August 3, when a judge will consider Minaj’s request to have her name removed from the lawsuit. The hearing is expected to focus on whether the claims should proceed against the artist personally or remain directed at Pink Friday Productions LLC instead. For now, both sides remain firmly committed to their opposing positions. While 24/7 Productions continues to pursue payment through the courts, Nicki Minaj’s legal representatives insist that the company has mischaracterised both the facts of the dispute and the rapper’s role in the contractual arrangement. The outcome of the upcoming court hearing will likely determine how the case proceeds in the months ahead.

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    Messi returns as Inter Miami held to draw

    Lionel Messi made his long-awaited return for Inter Miami on Saturday after an extended break following the FIFA World Cup, helping his side earn a 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer (MLS). The Argentine captain featured for the first time since the World Cup final, coming off the bench in the second half. Although he created several dangerous moments and came close to scoring, he was unable to find the net in his comeback appearance. The match was delayed by 40 minutes due to bad weather before Inter Miami made a bright start. Veteran striker Luis Suarez opened the scoring in the 16th minute, continuing his impressive run of form with his seventh goal in four matches. Columbus Crew restored parity in the 34th minute after an own goal by Casemiro. However, Inter Miami regained the lead before halftime when Suarez provided a precise assist for Noah Allen, who headed the ball into the net. The visitors refused to give up and found the equaliser late in the match. Midfielder Brais Mendez, making his debut for Columbus Crew after joining from Spanish club Real Sociedad, curled home a free kick in the 84th minute to secure a share of the points. The draw brought an end to Inter Miami’s six-match winning streak, though the club remained second in the MLS Eastern Conference standings. In another MLS fixture, Polish striker Robert Lewandowski delivered a memorable performance in his first home appearance for Chicago Fire. The veteran forward scored twice to inspire his team to a 2-1 victory over Charlotte FC. Lewandowski netted his first goal for Chicago to cancel out Charlotte’s early lead before scoring again moments later. He completed his brace in the second half, helping Chicago register its first league win since the World Cup break. Messi’s return and Lewandowski’s impressive display added fresh excitement to the MLS season as several international stars resumed club action following the conclusion of the World Cup.

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    Eight Palestinians killed in fresh Gaza strikes

    At least eight Palestinians were killed in fresh Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, according to Gaza’s civil defence authorities, as violence continued despite renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring a ceasefire. Officials said the latest strikes targeted several locations across the enclave, including Deir el-Balah, Khan Younis and Gaza City. Among the victims were a man and a woman who were killed when an Israeli helicopter struck a residential apartment in southern Deir el-Balah. Additional attacks claimed the lives of three people in Khan Younis and another person in Gaza City’s Old City. The latest escalation came just days after the United States unveiled a new roadmap intended to revive the stalled Gaza ceasefire agreement. The proposed plan reportedly includes steps toward Hamas’ disarmament and a phased Israeli military withdrawal from the territory. However, both sides remain divided over the conditions for implementing the proposal. Hamas has maintained that it will only place its weapons under supervision after Israeli military operations end and troops withdraw in accordance with the previously agreed ceasefire framework. Israeli officials, meanwhile, have insisted that any withdrawal depends on what they describe as the complete and genuine disarmament of Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly commented on the latest proposal, while some members of his coalition have rejected the initiative and called for continued military operations against Hamas. Diplomatic contacts are continuing in an effort to reduce tensions and revive negotiations. Former Palestinian official Mohammed Dahlan said discussions involving senior US representatives were ongoing and focused on securing an end to the fighting, although no breakthrough has yet been announced. Meanwhile, another Israeli strike reportedly destroyed a medical supply warehouse in central Gaza, causing extensive damage and raising further concerns over the humanitarian situation.

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    Idaho restaurant shooting leaves three dead

    IDAHO: A shooting at a busy fast-food restaurant in the US state of Idaho left three people dead, including the suspected gunman, and injured seven others, authorities said. The attack occurred at an In-N-Out Burger restaurant in Twin Falls on Saturday, triggering a major emergency response as police, paramedics and other first responders rushed to the scene. According to local police, the suspect opened fire inside or near the restaurant before the incident came to an end. Officials later confirmed that the gunman was among those killed. The identities of the victims have not yet been released as authorities continue notifying their families. Police Chief Matthew Hicks said officers believe there was only one attacker and assured residents that there is no ongoing threat to the community. Investigators are working to establish the motive behind the shooting and determine the sequence of events that led to the violence. Witnesses described scenes of panic as gunfire erupted. One eyewitness said he saw an armed man carrying a rifle before shots were exchanged. Restaurant employees also rushed to help injured victims, with one worker reportedly pulling a wounded woman to safety while waiting for emergency medical teams. Seven injured people were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials have not yet released updates on their conditions. Law enforcement agencies have secured the area and launched a full investigation. Detectives are examining evidence, reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to understand what triggered the deadly attack. Public officials praised the swift response of emergency services, saying their actions helped secure the scene and prevent further casualties. Authorities have urged anyone with additional information or video footage to assist investigators as the inquiry continues.

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    Gaza students overcome adversity for top results

    Thousands of students across the Gaza Strip achieved success in this year’s Tawjihi high school examinations despite months of conflict, displacement and severe disruptions to daily life, demonstrating remarkable determination to continue their education under extraordinary circumstances. The annual Tawjihi examinations, which play a decisive role in determining admission to universities and future careers, were completed by thousands of Palestinian students who prepared for the tests while living through prolonged instability, damaged infrastructure and limited access to educational resources. Among the success stories were three siblings from Khan Younis who earned outstanding grades after months of dedicated study. Despite facing repeated challenges during the academic year, the family celebrated their achievements, describing education as a source of hope and resilience. The students said the difficult conditions often made it emotionally exhausting to continue studying. However, they remained focused on their academic goals and credited their family for providing encouragement throughout the year. They said their success represented not only personal achievement but also a reward for months of perseverance. The family’s journey was particularly challenging because two of the siblings have physical disabilities, making regular attendance at private tuition difficult. Their parents arranged for teachers to conduct lessons at home, ensuring they could continue their studies despite mobility challenges and the difficult security situation. Their mother said years of continuous support, confidence and determination helped her children overcome obstacles. She expressed pride in their achievements, saying their success proved that dedication and family support can help students overcome even the most difficult circumstances. Education officials said nearly 89,000 students from the occupied Palestinian territories took the Tawjihi examinations this year, while thousands of Palestinian students living abroad also participated. Authorities added that more than 36,000 students from Gaza alone sat for the examinations despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Officials also noted the heavy impact of the conflict on the education sector. Hundreds of schools have reportedly been damaged, while many educational institutions remain unusable because of destruction. In many areas, students attended lessons inside temporary shelters, tents or partially damaged buildings where classrooms lacked desks, chairs and basic learning facilities. Teachers continued providing instruction despite the challenging conditions. Many educators said they had to support students emotionally as well as academically because many had lost family members or been forced to leave their homes during the conflict. One mathematics teacher said students often arrived carrying emotional trauma, making psychological support just as important as classroom instruction. She explained that teachers tried to encourage students, helping them remain focused on their studies despite the hardships surrounding them. Several students also shared deeply personal stories of loss. One student who lost multiple close family members during the conflict said completing her examinations became both an emotional struggle and a tribute to her loved ones. Although she celebrated passing the exams, she said the moment was bittersweet because many family members were no longer alive to witness her achievement.

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    Nirmal Purja’s body recovered after deadly Broad Peak avalanche

    Renowned British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja’s body has been recovered from Broad Peak in Pakistan, days after a devastating avalanche claimed the lives of members of his international climbing team. Rescue officials confirmed that Purja’s remains were found at an altitude of around 5,700 metres on Sunday. Search teams also located three additional bodies on the mountain, although their identities have not yet been officially confirmed. The fatal avalanche struck the 8,047-metre Broad Peak in the Karakoram mountain range during a climbing expedition. Authorities earlier confirmed that at least 10 climbers from different countries lost their lives in the tragedy. Purja, 43, was leading the multinational expedition when the avalanche occurred. Before his body was recovered, rescue teams had already retrieved the remains of American climber Mallory Geis, Omani mountaineer Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy, and Nepalese climber Pur Bahadur Gurung. Rescue operations continue in the difficult high-altitude terrain, with officials working to recover the remaining victims. The recovered bodies are being transported to a nearby base camp before further arrangements are made. Purja was regarded as one of the world’s greatest mountaineers. Born in Nepal, he later served in the British Army and spent several years with the elite Special Forces before pursuing a career in high-altitude climbing. He gained global recognition in 2019 after completing the ascent of all 14 mountains above 8,000 metres in just 189 days, breaking the previous world record by several years. His remarkable achievement was later featured in the widely acclaimed Netflix documentary 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible. At the time of the accident, Purja was attempting another historic milestone by becoming the first climber to summit all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres twice without supplemental oxygen. His death has prompted tributes from leaders and members of the international mountaineering community. Britain’s Prince William expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Purja as an outstanding soldier and one of the world’s finest climbers. Nepalese officials also praised his courage, determination and lasting contribution to mountaineering.

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    Yami Gautam recalls nearly quitting Bollywood

    Actor Yami Gautam has revealed that she was once on the verge of leaving Bollywood after years of struggling to find meaningful roles despite the success of her debut film. In a recent interview, the Vicky Donor star reflected on one of the most difficult phases of her career, admitting that she had almost returned to her hometown in Himachal Pradesh before her breakthrough with Uri: The Surgical Strike changed everything. Gautam made her Bollywood debut opposite Ayushmann Khurrana in the 2012 hit Vicky Donor. Although the film was well received, she said the success did not translate into the kind of opportunities she had hoped for. Instead, she spent years waiting for substantial roles while being labelled an “unconventional” actress because she had not been introduced as a typical Bollywood heroine. Recalling that difficult period, Gautam told Filmfare: “Just before Uri and Bala, I had made peace with leaving the industry altogether. I thought I’d return to Himachal. We have farmland there. I imagined beginning a completely different life. My parents were incredibly supportive. They simply said, ‘Come home.’” The actress explained that she had become disheartened by the lack of opportunities and had accepted the possibility of stepping away from acting altogether. However, everything changed when she was cast opposite Vicky Kaushal in the 2019 blockbuster Uri: The Surgical Strike. The film proved to be a turning point in her career and restored her confidence in the industry. She recalled: “And strangely, the moment I stopped clinging to the industry out of fear, everything changed. Uri happened. Bala happened. Life changed almost overnight.” During the interview, Gautam also spoke candidly about the challenges of being an outsider in Bollywood. While she said she never viewed being an outsider as the biggest obstacle, she admitted that constantly having to prove herself was emotionally exhausting. She said: “The difficult part wasn’t being an outsider. It was constantly having to prove yourself. Sometimes you’d feel you were ready for a particular opportunity, yet someone else would receive repeated chances simply because they already belonged to the ecosystem.” The Article 370 actor noted that star children often receive multiple opportunities even after unsuccessful projects, while outsiders frequently have to wait years for a single meaningful role. She added: “You’d think, If I were given that many opportunities, wouldn’t I also continue growing as an actor? That was the real frustration.” Despite those experiences, Gautam believes the industry has evolved in recent years and that audiences are placing greater importance on talent rather than background. She concluded: “But I genuinely believe things have changed. Today, audiences don’t care where you come from. They care whether you’re a good actor. Whether your films are worth watching. Whether they trust your choices. That gives me tremendous hope for the next generation.” On the personal front, Yami Gautam married Uri: The Surgical Strike director Aditya Dhar on June 4, 2021. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Vedavid, on May 10, 2024. Today, Gautam is regarded as one of Bollywood’s most respected performers, with her journey serving as an example of perseverance despite years of setbacks. 

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    Five dead, 41 missing after Indonesia ferry catches fire

    At least five people have died and 41 others remain missing after a passenger ferry caught fire while sailing off Indonesia’s Madura Island, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation. According to Indonesian authorities, the ferry was carrying at least 250 passengers and crew when the blaze erupted during its voyage from Surabaya in East Java to Makassar in South Sulawesi. The captain alerted rescue authorities after the fire broke out early in the morning. Within hours, emergency teams launched a major operation involving rescue vessels and other maritime agencies to evacuate passengers from the burning ship. Officials said the fire rapidly spread across the ferry, leaving much of the vessel engulfed in flames. Many passengers gathered at the bow and bridge while waiting for help, while others were forced to jump into the sea to escape the intense heat and thick smoke. Videos circulating on local media showed heavy black smoke rising from the ferry as passengers wearing life jackets crowded onto lifeboats. Other footage captured desperate scenes of people entering the water as rescue teams threw lifebuoys and pulled survivors aboard nearby vessels. Search and rescue teams have so far recovered five bodies and rescued a large number of passengers. However, 41 people are still unaccounted for, and the operation continues with authorities searching the surrounding waters. Officials said emergency crews responded immediately after receiving the distress call and continue to coordinate efforts to locate the missing. Medical teams are also providing treatment to survivors rescued from the sea. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Maritime authorities have launched an investigation to establish how the blaze started and whether any safety violations contributed to the incident. Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, depends heavily on ferry transport for inter-island travel.

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    BTS concert mishap leaves fans in stitches

    A small on-stage mishap during BTS’ latest ARIRANG World Tour stop has become one of the group’s most talked-about viral moments, with fans praising the members for turning an unexpected mistake into comedy. What began as a missed stage cue quickly transformed into a light-hearted interaction that showcased the group’s trademark chemistry and sense of humour. The incident occurred during BTS’ performance of Normal, when leader RM, whose real name is Kim Nam-joon, appeared to miss his cue to step onto an elevating stage platform. As the performance continued, fans noticed RM looking briefly confused while trying to recover from the unexpected moment. Several audience members captured the incident on video, and the clips quickly spread across social media. Different camera angles showed the sequence from multiple perspectives, allowing fans to watch the group’s spontaneous reactions as the brief mishap unfolded. Among the first to react was Jimin, who could not contain his laughter after noticing RM had missed his mark. Instead of ignoring the situation, the singer decided to play along, adding to the comedy by pretending to scold his bandmate in an exaggerated manner. With his hands placed on his hips, Jimin jokingly acted as though he was reprimanding RM for missing the cue. The playful exchange immediately sent both the audience and fellow BTS members into laughter, while RM smiled through the moment before quickly returning to the performance. Fan-recorded videos also captured the reactions of the other members. Jin and Jungkook were seen watching the interaction with amused smiles, enjoying the brotherly banter unfolding on stage. Their reactions further highlighted the relaxed atmosphere that allowed the members to laugh off the unexpected mistake. The clips quickly went viral across social media platforms, where fans praised the group’s natural chemistry and ability to handle live performance mishaps with humour rather than embarrassment. Many fans affectionately described RM’s confused facial expression as having “golden retriever energy,” while others joked that the moment was another classic “Vmin versus Joon” interaction, referring to the playful dynamic between V, Jimin, and RM. According to fans attending the concert, the brief interruption lasted only a few seconds before the performance resumed smoothly. Rather than affecting the show, the incident became one of the evening’s most memorable highlights, with audience members cheering as the members laughed together on stage. The viral moment once again demonstrated why BTS’ live performances remain so popular among fans. Even when unexpected technical or staging issues arise, the group often embraces them with humour, creating genuine moments that resonate with audiences long after the concert ends. As videos of the interaction continue circulating online, fans have celebrated the incident as another example of the members’ close friendship and ability to entertain both on and off script. For many ARMY members, the brief mishap was not a mistake at all—it became one of the funniest and most endearing moments of the tour so far.