India cricketer Abishek Porel arrested over rape allegations

Elon Musk has sparked fresh controversy after taking aim at actress Anne Hathaway over a speech she delivered nearly eight years ago in support of LGBTQ+ rights. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO criticized Hathaway on X after clips from her 2018 Human Rights Campaign National Dinner speech resurfaced online and gained renewed attention.  The debate began when marketing professor Gad Saad shared criticism of Hathaway’s remarks from the event. Responding to the post, Musk dismissed the actress in blunt terms, writing, “She’s just a marionette. Whoever wrote her speech is the real douchebag.” In separate posts, he also suggested Hathaway was simply reading a script and accused her of lacking independent thought.  Hathaway’s original speech was delivered in September 2018 after she received the National Ally for Equality Award from the Human Rights Campaign. During her address, the Oscar winner spoke about equality and urged people to reject discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and race. She also encouraged audiences to embrace empathy and treat others with dignity and respect.  Although the speech was widely praised at the time, a short clip recently resurfaced on social media, introducing it to a new audience. The video quickly went viral, triggering intense debate online and drawing reactions from supporters and critics alike. Musk’s comments added fuel to the discussion, with many users defending Hathaway while others echoed his criticism.  As of now, Hathaway has not publicly responded to Musk’s remarks. Her representatives have also remained silent on the renewed backlash surrounding the years-old speech.  The exchange highlights how old public statements can resurface and generate fresh controversy years later, particularly when amplified through social media. It also reflects the increasingly polarized conversations surrounding cultural and political issues online, where comments from high-profile figures often become major talking points. For now, the disagreement remains confined to social media, with Musk standing by his criticism and Hathaway choosing not to engage publicly. Whether the actress will respond remains to be seen, but the episode has once again demonstrated how celebrity opinions and online platforms can reignite debates long after the original moment has passed. 

Will Smith has received rare public support from his King Richard co-star Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, who has defended the actor’s actions during his infamous 2022 Oscars confrontation with Chris Rock. Ellis-Taylor, who played Oracene “Brandy” Price in the Oscar-winning film, discussed the controversy during an appearance on The Daily Beast’s Obsessed podcast. More than four years after the incident, she made it clear that she still stands behind Smith’s decision to defend his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. (People.com⁠) “I know that he wanted to protect his wife, and I stand by that,” Ellis-Taylor said during the interview. She also criticized the idea that freedom of speech should automatically protect comments she considers deliberately hurtful or disrespectful. (People.com⁠) The controversy dates back to the 2022 Academy Awards, when Rock was presenting the award for Best Documentary Feature. During his remarks, the comedian made a joke about Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, comparing her appearance to Demi Moore’s character in G.I. Jane. Pinkett Smith had previously spoken publicly about her alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss. (The Washington Post⁠) Smith initially appeared to laugh at the joke before walking onto the stage and slapping Rock. He then returned to his seat and shouted at the comedian to keep his wife’s name out of his mouth. The shocking moment was broadcast to audiences around the world and immediately became one of the most talked-about incidents in Oscars history. (The Washington Post⁠) Smith later apologized publicly, calling his behavior unacceptable and inexcusable. The Academy also launched a formal review, and Smith eventually resigned from the organization. He was subsequently banned from attending Academy events for 10 years. (The Washington Post⁠) Despite the controversy, Ellis-Taylor says her personal experience with Smith was very different from the image created by the Oscars incident. She praised him for being caring and respectful while they worked together on King Richard, particularly toward crew members and background actors. She described his kindness on set as something she considered unusual in Hollywood. (Page Six⁠) Her comments offer a different perspective on an incident that continues to divide public opinion. While many have condemned Smith’s decision to respond physically, Ellis-Taylor believes understanding his motivation matters. The actress is not the first person connected to King Richard to defend Smith. Richard Williams, the real-life father portrayed by Smith in the movie, also previously expressed support for the actor and said he would not turn against him over the Oscars incident. (cbsnews.com⁠) Years later, the slap remains part of Smith’s public story. But Ellis-Taylor’s latest comments show that some of the people who know him personally continue to separate the controversial moment from the person they experienced behind the scenes.