Pakistani American Dr Asif Mahmood elected chair of US religious freedom commission

Brad Pitt is opening up about a difficult chapter in his personal life, including his family struggles and a major change in his relationship with alcohol. In a candid new interview with Esquire, the Oscar-winning actor revealed that he had maintained seven years of sobriety before eventually returning to drinking. Pitt explained that he now approaches alcohol in a much more limited and controlled way than he did in the past. (Los Angeles Times⁠) Pitt reflects on seven years of sobriety Pitt’s decision to stop drinking became an important part of his personal journey following the breakdown of his marriage to Angelina Jolie. He previously spoke publicly about joining Alcoholics Anonymous and credited the support he received from others in recovery with helping him change his lifestyle. After seven years without alcohol, however, Pitt said he eventually returned to drinking. He acknowledged that he had become overconfident at times but stressed that his current approach is very different from his past relationship with alcohol. (People.com⁠) The revelation marks a notable change for the actor, who had previously discussed sobriety as an important part of rebuilding his life. Rather than presenting the experience as a simple success-or-failure story, Pitt’s comments show how personal struggles can continue to evolve over time. Family challenges remain emotional Alongside his discussion of sobriety, Pitt reflected on the emotional impact of ongoing family difficulties. The actor has faced years of complicated circumstances surrounding his separation from Jolie and his relationship with their children. Pitt’s mother, Jane Pitt, also died in August 2025, adding another major loss to an already difficult period. In the Esquire interview, he discussed returning to Missouri and remembering his mother with his father, William Pitt. (EW.com⁠) Despite these challenges, Pitt continues to describe himself as an optimistic person. His reflections suggest that he is trying to process grief, family difficulties and personal changes while continuing to move forward. A more honest chapter for Pitt The new interview gives fans a rare glimpse into the personal side of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Pitt’s comments about sobriety and family show a willingness to discuss experiences that are often kept private. As he continues his successful film career, the actor appears focused on accepting life’s difficult moments while maintaining perspective. His latest reflections offer a more personal look at the man behind the Hollywood image and the complicated journey he has experienced in recent years.

Dylan Sprouse has opened up about the story behind his first meeting with his wife, model Barbara Palvin, revealing how their relationship began years before they eventually got married. The 34-year-old actor discussed his relationship with Palvin during the Tuesday, August 4 episode of Amanda Hirsch’s Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast. Sprouse looked back on their first encounter in 2017 and shared details about how the pair initially crossed paths. Sprouse and Palvin have now been married for three years, but their romance did not begin with an immediate relationship. Instead, their first meeting happened through a professional connection that eventually developed into something much more personal. How Dylan and Barbara first met During the podcast appearance, Sprouse explained that he first met Palvin after being introduced to her through mutual connections. At the time, the two were beginning to get to know each other, although neither could have known that the meeting would eventually lead to marriage. Sprouse recalled being interested in Palvin from the beginning, but their relationship developed gradually. The actor has previously described their early connection as something that grew naturally rather than happening overnight. Palvin, meanwhile, has also spoken about their early relationship and the way they stayed connected after meeting. Their romance eventually became public in 2018, when the pair began appearing together at events and sharing glimpses of their relationship with fans. From dating to marriage After several years together, Sprouse and Palvin took their relationship to the next level. The couple became engaged in 2023 and married later that year in an intimate ceremony in Hungary. The wedding was especially meaningful for Palvin because it took place in her home country. The couple celebrated with family and close friends, keeping many details of the ceremony private. Since getting married, Sprouse and Palvin have continued to support each other’s careers while maintaining a relatively low-key personal life. Although both have major careers in entertainment and fashion, they often choose to keep their relationship away from the constant attention of Hollywood. Looking back at their beginning For Sprouse, revisiting their first meeting offers a glimpse into how an unexpected introduction can eventually become a lasting relationship. What began with a meeting in 2017 ultimately grew into a romance, an engagement and a marriage. Now, nearly a decade after they first crossed paths, Sprouse and Palvin have built a life together while continuing to pursue their individual careers. The actor’s recent comments also give fans a rare look at the early days of a relationship that has remained one of Hollywood’s more enduring celebrity romances.

George and Amal Clooney have been forced to leave their picturesque home in southeastern France after fast-moving wildfires swept through the region, placing thousands of residents at risk. The Hollywood couple, who live in Brignoles with their nine-year-old twins, Ella and Alexander, confirmed their evacuation as emergency crews battled the devastating blazes.  The Clooneys revealed the news in a heartfelt letter addressed to Brignoles Mayor Didier Brémond. In the message, the couple admitted they had no way of knowing whether their cherished home would survive the disaster. Despite the uncertainty, they expressed hope for the safety of their neighbors and pledged to stand by the local community during the recovery effort.  “At this point we have no idea whether our beautiful home makes it through this terrible moment,” the couple wrote. They also stressed that, regardless of what happens to their property, they remain committed to helping Brignoles rebuild. “We love Brignoles and our friends who live there,” the letter added.  The wildfires have spread rapidly across several parts of southern Europe, including France, Spain, Italy and Greece, fueled by extreme heat and dry weather. French authorities have carried out thousands of evacuations as firefighters continue working around the clock to contain the flames. Reports indicate that some of the fires have grown to cover an area several times larger than Paris, highlighting the scale of the crisis.  George and Amal made France their primary family home in recent years, choosing the quieter lifestyle of Brignoles over the constant attention of Hollywood. The couple has previously spoken about wanting their children to enjoy a more private upbringing, away from the spotlight. George has often described life in the French countryside as peaceful and ideal for family life.  Although the family has temporarily left the area, their message made it clear that they remain emotionally connected to the town they now call home. Their promise to help with recovery efforts has been widely praised by local residents and supporters, who have applauded the couple’s commitment during a difficult time.  As firefighters continue battling the blazes, the fate of the Clooneys’ home remains uncertain. However, the couple’s focus appears to be on the safety of their community rather than their own property. Their response serves as a reminder that natural disasters affect everyone, regardless of fame, while also highlighting the importance of standing together in times of crisis.