Molly-Mae, 26, has now issued a statement on social media after a number of viewers complained about the National Television Awards result on social media.
Sharing a picture of herself on the stage, she then wrote: “Last night at the NTAs I shared a category with people whose stories will always be more powerful and inspirational than mine.
“I see that, I believe that and I want to acknowledge it again here.”
She continued: “It was only right to dedicate this award to the late Rob Burrow and his family and to the remarkable people in my category … this win belongs to them.”
However, even though the former reality star acknowledged that other nominees were ‘more powerful and inspirational,’ she thanked her fans for voting for her.
She added: “I’m so grateful for the recognition but even more grateful to have stood alongside such strength and inspiration. [White heart emoji]
“To everyone that voted … I am absolutely blown away. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Molly-Mae admits she’s ‘so proud’ of Tommy Fury – as boxer stays home from NTAs to babysit
At the time of the ITV ceremony broadcast, Fans slammed the ceremony as they thought that ‘more worthy’ nominees should have gotten the gong.
Taking to X, one fan fumed: “Molly Mae winning an NTA over Rob Burrow or Amy Dowden is everything that is wrong with the world.”
A second stated: “If you want to know the state of tv these days… Molly Mae documentary beat Rob Burrow documentary. What wild times we live in.”
“All those wonderfully powerful documentaries and Molly Mae won!?” wrote a third.
I shared a category with people whose stories will always be more powerful and inspirational than mine.
Molly-Mae HagueInstagram
While a fourth added: “Molly Mae winning an NTA over Rob Burrow really reminds me how much I hate society today. And the mid-speech dedication felt false and completely inappropriate. His family’s face said it all.”
Speaking on Lorraine, Vogue said: “I’m going to plan a break up because then I’m going to win an NTA myself,” before she burst out in laughter.
The star added: “Yeah there were quite a few shocked faces in the room because she was up against Rob Burrows, Freddie Flintoff, Amy Dowden, incredible documentaries.
7
“I think there were a few shocked faces in the audience but she did pay tribute to Rob Burrows in her acceptance speech.”
She told the audience: “Oh my goodness. Honestly, just to be nominated for this award was such an honour.”
“I think as you guys saw, we were up against some seriously inspirational people in this category.”
Molly-Mae Hague – Five Ways She Spends Her Wealth
MOLLY-MAE Hague has raked in a whopping £48K a week. Yet what five things has the mum of one spent out on?
She then went on to thank her production team as she continued: “This team has been the reason why this experience has been so incredible for me.
“I think with nights like tonight it’s not just about the talent. It’s about the people that make shows like these.
“I’ve learned so much, I feel like I could start my own production company at this point.”
She then went onto thank her family who she labelled as the “best support system.”
I think as you guys saw, we were up against some seriously inspirational people in this category.
Molly-Mae HagueThe NTAs
Molly-Mae added: “And thank you to my own family who didn’t choose this life [of stardom] but came on the show for me because they knew how much it meant to me.
“You’re the best support system I could ask for.”
7
Molly acknowledged that some of the other nominees were ‘more powerful and inspirational’Credit: Getty
7
Vogue Williams took a savage swipe at Molly-Mae on LorraineCredit: ITV
7
The star dedicated the award to the late Rob BurrowCredit: Splash
The Italian journalist who — for some reason — excluded Ayo Edebiri in a question about Hollywood and the Black Lives Matter and #MeToo movements has spoken out about the now-viral interview.
Federica Polidoro posted a statement Monday on Instagram defending her work, saying that she has been subject to “violent language, personal attacks, and cyberbullying” following the “question that, for some reason, was not well received by some members of the public.”
“Rather than focusing on the thoughtful responses of Ayo Edebiri, Julia Roberts, and Andrew Garfield, the discussion continues solely on how I should have phrased the question,” Polidoro wrote.
The exchange in question occurred at a press event with Edebiri, Roberts and Garfield at the Venice Film Festival, where their film “After the Hunt,” directed by Luca Guadagnino, made its world premiere. In a video that has been shared widely, Polidoro is heard asking Roberts and Garfield what they thought was “lost during the politically correct era” and what people can expect from Hollywood now that “the #MeToo movement and Black Lives Matters are done.”
After Roberts asks the journalist to clarify who the question is directed to, Polidoro reiterates that her question is for Roberts and Garfield. As the actors share a look, Edebiri raises her hand to respond instead.
“I know that that’s not for me and I don’t know if it’s purposeful that it’s not for me — but I am curious — but I don’t think it’s done,” the star of “The Bear” says. “I don’t think it’s done at all.”
“I think maybe hashtags might not be used as much,” she continues, “but I do think that there’s work being done by activists, by people, every day, that’s beautiful, important work that’s not finished. That’s really, really, really active for a reason. Because this world is really charged. And that work isn’t finished at all. Maybe there’s not mainstream coverage in the way that there might have been, daily headlines in the way that it might have been, eight or so years ago, but I don’t think it means that the work is done. That’s what I would say.”
“The movements are still absolutely alive,” Garfield says in agreement. “Just maybe not as labeled or covered or magnified as much in this present moment.”
In her statement, Polidoro pushed back against accusations of racism, saying she has “interviewed people of every background and ethnicity” over the course of her 20-year career.
“My own family is multi-ethnic, matriarchal, and feminist, with a significant history of immigration,” wrote Polidoro, who in her Instagram bio mentions being a Golden Globes voter and awards season analyst. “In my view, the real racists are those who see racism everywhere and seek to muzzle journalism, limiting freedom of analysis, critical thinking, and the plurality of perspectives.”
Polidoro’s statement also said, “Censoring or delegitimizing questions considered ‘uncomfortable’ does not fall within the practice of democracy. … Journalism’s role is to ask questions, even on delicate topics, with respect and responsibility.”
Wayne Rooney responds to recent online comments from former England team-mate Michael Owen about which striker was a more prodigious talent as a teenager.
This Morning star Alison Hammond has issued a brutal response to cruel trolls who have called for her to be axed from an ITV show.
13:19, 23 Aug 2025Updated 13:19, 23 Aug 2025
Alison Hammond has hit back at trolls(Image: ITV)
Alison Hammond has delivered a blunt three-word message to critics calling for her axe from an ITV programme – “deal with it”.
The host has responded to demands from online trolls over her position on For The Love Of Dogs.
The 50-year-old broadcaster took over hosting the ITV programme after Paul O’Grady’s death in 2023 and two years on she continues to face scrutiny.
Yet, the This Morning favourite has served up a brutal comeback. Chatting to The Guardian, Alison declared: “People say Pete Wicks would be better than me at presenting For the Love of Dogs.
“He might be, but I’m doing it. Deal with it! I know my worth. Besides, my mum would have been so proud. That’s why I do this. She’s my guiding light.”
Alison addressed juggling all her TV roles and turning down opportunities(Image: Getty Images)
Additionally, Alison referenced a TikTok clip showing a woman slamming her involvement in Celebrity Gogglebox,” reports Birmingham Live.
Alison revealed she is “good at saying no” and will reject opportunities if they don’t fit her schedule or when she requires downtime.
She went on: “It may seem like I’m on TV a lot, but I stand out partly because it’s still not common to see a Black woman doing this.
Alison took over hosting For The Love of Dog after Paul O’Grady’s death(Image: ITV)
“I don’t want to bring race into it but nobody says that about Davina or Ant and Dec. I’ve worked hard for 22 years to get here.”
Alison emphasised she is merely “doing a job that I adore to the best of my ability, trying to be better than I was yesterday”.
Previously this year, Alison was stunned when a vicious online bully branded her “repulsive”. She shared a light-hearted video of herself driving a tractor in a cornfield on social media, with the caption: “Rolling into my holidays.”
Alison delivered a brutal response to people who want her replaced(Image: Getty)
However, a comment from a 77-year-old man named Peter left her almost speechless. Peter’s comment read: “People say Pete Wicks would be better than me at presenting For the Love of Dogs.
“Any time we see you are on TV we switch channels as you turn our stomachs being so fat and repulsive with a huge mouth.”
Clearly distressed, Alison retweeted his comment with a single word – “Wow”.
One fan, rallying behind the presenter, commented: “Alison you know how special and fantastic you are.”
LOVE Island’s Dejon has clapped back at “false” slurs on his character after his step sister branded him a “narcissist.”
The ITV2 show alum, who was voted out with partner Meg ahead of Monday’s show final, took to TikTok to address the allegations in his first ever video.
6
Love Island’s Dejon has responded to hos step-sister’s claims that he’s a ‘narcissist’ and ‘manipulative’Credit: Tiktok
6
Dejon, who was paired with Meg on the show, address ‘false’ speculation following his time in the villaCredit: ITV
6
He clapped back at his step-sister Niah’s video on what she called the ‘real Dejon’Credit: tiktok
Niah, who is not biologically related to Dejon but shares a brother with him, took to TikTok to give fans an unfiltered glimpse into the ‘real Dejon’ and insisted he is “manipulative” and “narcissistic”.
She has even gone as far as to write her own account in a tell-all book named ‘Surviving Dejon’, which is already available to buy.
After the rumours swirled – and coming under fire for his controversial behaviour on the show and being branded a “gaslighter” by fans – he has spoken out.
Dejon appeared topless in his new clip, donning a bling diamond necklace.
He strolled around a room with crisp white walls and exposed black beams and initially thanked fans for their support.
He said of the good wishes: “It really means the world to me, honestly especially in times like now.
“I feel like there’s a lot of false stories out there about me which are very untrue, unfair and I feel like from that, really big up to my supporters.
“I’m excited and looking forward to showing you guys who I really am.
Watch the moment Maya Jama takes savage swipe at another girl after Meg and Dejon miss out on Love Island final
“For now, lets go play some table tennis.”
The end of the clip showed him reunited with Meg as they played table tennis.
SHOCK CLAIM
In her scathing six minute video, his step sister Niah claimed that what viewers have seen on TV is an accurate reflection of how Dejon behaves in real life.
She began: ” So I’ve decided to speak out because I’ve been silent for way too long and I know that I will be receiving probably a lot of backlash from my family for this.
LOVE ISLAND VOTING PERCENTAGES
TONI and Cach won the Love Island 2025 final – yet what were the exact voting percentages?
Las Vegas waitressToni Laitesand professional dancer Cach Mercer went head-to-head with OG islandersShakira KhanandHarry Cooksleyin a nail-biting finale.
However, Toni and Cach were triumphant andwon the summer seriesafter surviving a love triangle just two weeks before the final.
A results table shared on Love Island’s Instagram account this afternoon showed Toni and Cach were the runaway winners on the night, taking over a third of the votes, with 33.5% of viewers backing them for the crown.
However, Shakira and Harry drew a sizeable 26.2% of the votes, and Yas and Jamie were not far behind taking 22% on the nose.
Aesthetics practitionerAngel, 26, only made her debut on July 17, but managed to secure an impressive 18.3% of the overall voting audience with Casa Amor boy Ty.
“You guys are all clearly very traumatised from seeing Dejon on TV and seeing everything that he’s doing and watching everything play out it seems as though no one is holding him accountable.
She went on to say: “Dejon is a narcissist, he’s manipulative. I’ve been telling everyone this for the past 10 years now but no one believed me. And it’s just crazy now that the whole of the UK can see what I’ve been trying to explain to people for so long.
She continued: “I didn’t want to speak out on this. That’s why I haven’t made any videos directly explaining anything about him because I know that it can affect my family in a bad way.
“And I do completely understand if they are upset with me for this post.
She added: “One thing I will say is, I knew from the beginning, from the first episode I knew exactly what was going to go down.
“It’s just a shame because I don’t want him to be seen like this, but I genuinely don’t think that he sees that he’s a narcissist, you know? and I actually do feel bad for Meg in a sense.”
Speaking about the book alongside a trailer for it, she penned: “This book answers everything. reasons why I spoke out. Why fear kept me silent for so long. How I lost everyone and everything I ever cared about.
“It reveals the truth behind the rumours I never wanted to address. I need to tell my truth in the way that I feel in control. This is not for attention, creating this book was like therapy for me.
“I would never put my reputation on the line or lose the people I loved if I didn’t have a powerful reason to finally speak.”
Niah even posted a trigger warning for the book as it contains: “emotionally intense and potentially distressing content”.
DEJON’S TAKE
Speaking to the Daily Mail previously, Dejon has hit back at claims of him being a ‘narcissist’, he said: “I do take full accountability for how I communicated at times in the villa.
“The girls who were on the show with me say I’m not a narcissist, I’m not a gaslighter, all of these things they have seen online, it means a lot to me because they spent 24 hours a day with me.
“I could have handled situations better but when it comes to being a ‘narcissist’ and these words, empathy is definitely something that I have, it’s something I had for Meg, for Harry, and when Meg was upset, I was there for her, and when Harry was upset it would break my heart.
“Me and Harry had a thing, we called it fitness and feelings where we would go to the gym and I would say “don’t worry H, we can be free here, our tears, people will think they’re sweat.”‘
6
Fans had accused the businessman of being a ‘gaslighter’ on the seriesCredit: ITV
6
He failed to reach the series final with MegCredit: ITV
6
Dejon vowed to show fans ‘who I really am’Credit: ITV
George Skelton and Michael Wilner cover the insights, legislation, players and politics you need to know in 2024. In your inbox Monday and Thursday mornings.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
SACRAMENTO — In fighting President Trump, Gov. Gavin Newsom reminds me of actor Gene Hackman’s hard-nosed character in the movie “Mississippi Burning.”
Hackman plays a take-no-prisoners FBI agent, Rupert Anderson, who is investigating the disappearance of three young civil rights workers in racially segregated 1964 Mississippi. His partner and boss is stick-by-the-rules agent Alan Ward, played by Willem Dafoe.
The 1988 film is loosely based on a true story.
The two agents eventually find the victims’ murdered bodies and apprehend the Ku Klux Klan killers after Anderson persuades Ward to discard his high-road rule book in dealing with uncooperative local white folks.
“Don’t drag me into your gutter, Mr. Anderson,” Ward sternly tells his underling initially.
Anderson shouts back: “These people are crawling out of the SEWER, MR. WARD! Maybe the gutter’s where we oughta be.”
And it’s where they go. Only then do they solve the case.
Democrats need to gain just three net seats to retake control of the House and end the GOP’s one-party rule of the federal government.
Trump is trying to prevent that by browbeating Texas and other red states into gerrymandering their Democrat-held House districts into GOP winners.
Republicans currently hold 25 of Texas’ 38 House seats. Democrats have 12.
In California, it’s just the opposite — even more so. Out of 52 seats, Democrats outnumber Republicans 43 to 9, with room to make it even more lopsided.
“We could make it so that only four Republicans are left,” says Sacramento-based redistricting guru Paul Mitchell, vice president of Political Data Inc.
Mitchell already is crafting potential new maps in case Newsom follows through with his threat to retaliate against Texas by redrawing California’s districts to help Democrats gain five seats, neutralizing Republican gains in the Lone Star State.
Newsom and the Legislature would be seizing redistricting responsibility from an independent citizens’ commission that voters created in 2010. They took the task away from lawmakers because the politicians were acting only in their own self-interest, effectively choosing their own voters. As they do in Texas and most states, particularly red ones.
But the governor and Democrats would be ignoring California voters’ will — at least as stated 15 years ago.
And Newsom would be down in the political gutter with Trump on redistricting. But that doesn’t seem to bother him.
“They’re playing by a different set of rules,” Newsom recently told reporters, referring to Trump and Republicans. “They can’t win by the traditional game. So they want to change the game. We can act holier than thou. We could sit on the sidelines, talk about the way the world should be. Or we can recognize the existential nature that is the moment.”
Newsom added that “everything has changed” since California voters banned gerrymandering 15 years ago.
That’s indisputable given Trump’s bullying tactics and his inhumane domestic policies.
“I’m not going to be the guy that said, ‘I could have, would have, should have,’” Newsom continued. “I’m not going to be passive at this moment. I’m not going to look at my kids in the eyes and say, ‘I was a little timid.’”
Newsom’s own eyes, of course, are on the White House and a potential 2028 presidential bid. He sees a national opportunity now to attract frustrated Democratic voters who believe that party leaders aren’t fighting hard enough against Trump.
Newsom continued to echo Hackman’s script Friday at a news conference in Sacramento with Texas Democratic legislators.
Referring to Trump and Texas Republicans, Newsom asserted: “They’re not screwing around. We cannot afford to screw around. We have to fight fire with fire.”
But yakking about redrawing California’s congressional maps is easy. Actually doing it would be exceedingly difficult.
“Texas can pass a plan tomorrow. California cannot,” says Tony Quinn, a former Republican consultant on legislative redistricting.
Unlike in California, there’s no Texas law that forbids blatant gerrymandering.
California’s Constitution requires redistricting by the independent commission.
Moreover, a 1980s state Supreme Court ruling allows only one redistricting each decade, Quinn says.
Trying to gerrymander California congressional districts through legislation without first asking the voters’ permission would be criminally stupid.
Newsom would need to call a special election for November and persuade voters to temporarily suspend the Constitution, allowing the Legislature to redraw the districts.
Or the Legislature could place a gerrymandered plan on the ballot and seek voter approval. But that would be risky. A specific plan could offer several targets for the opposition — the GOP and do-gooder groups.
In either case, new maps would need to be drawn by the end of the year to fit the June 2026 primary elections.
Mitchell says polling shows that the independent commission is very popular with voters. Still, he asserts, “there’s something in the water right now. There’s potential that voters will not want to let Trump run ramshackle while we’re being Pollyannish.”
“The reality is that a lot of Democrats would hit their own thumb with a hammer if they thought it would hurt Trump more.”
Mitchell also says that California could out-gerrymander Texas by not only weakening current GOP seats but by strengthening competitive Democratic districts. Texas doesn’t have that opportunity, he says, because its districts already have been heavily gerrymandered.
Democratic consultant Steve Maviglio says Newsom is “trying to put the toothpaste back in the tube” and doubts it will work. “Unilaterally disarming was a mistake.
“But Newsom’s not wrong. They play hardball. We don’t.”
Newsom and California Democrats should fight Trump and Texas Republicans in the MAGA gutter, using all weapons available.
As Hackman’s character also says: “Don’t mean s— to have a gun unless you (sic) ready to use it.”
Palestinian group Hamas says it has given a “positive” response to a United States-brokered proposal for a Gaza ceasefire, raising hopes of a possible breakthrough in halting Israel’s deadly offensive.
US President Donald Trump earlier announced a “final proposal” for a 60-day truce in the nearly 21-month-old war, stating he anticipated a reply from the parties in the coming hours.
Hamas said late on Friday that the group had submitted its reply to Qatar and Egypt, who are mediating the talks.
“The movement [Hamas] has delivered its response to the brotherly mediators, which was characterised by a positive spirit. Hamas is fully prepared, with all seriousness, to immediately enter a new round of negotiations on the mechanism for implementing this framework,” a statement by the group said.
Trump said earlier this week that Israel had accepted the main conditions of a proposed 60-day truce, during which time negotiations would aim to permanently end the war. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to publicly endorse the plan.
Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged war crimes in Gaza, is expected to meet Trump in Washington on Monday.
According to Israeli media reports early on Saturday, Israeli government officials had received Hamas’s official response to the latest ceasefire proposal framework and were reviewing its contents.
Details from the proposed deal
According to a translated copy of the framework shared with Al Jazeera, the deal would include a 60-day truce, guaranteed by Trump, with a phased release of Israeli captives and increased humanitarian aid.
The proposed exchange includes the release of 10 living and 18 deceased Israeli captives from the “List of 58”. Releases would occur on days one, seven, 30, 50, and 60 – beginning with eight live captives on the first day.
Palestinians displaced by the Israeli air and ground offensive on the Gaza Strip stand in an area at a makeshift tent camp at dusk in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Wednesday, July 2, 2025[Abdel Kareem Hana/AP Photo]
Under the plan, aid would flow into Gaza immediately following Hamas’s approval, in quantities comparable to the January 2025 agreement. Distribution would be handled by agencies including the United Nations and the Palestine Red Crescent Society.
As part of the proposed Gaza ceasefire framework, all Israeli military operations would stop once the agreement takes effect, Al Jazeera has learned.
The deal includes a pause in military and surveillance flights over Gaza for 10 hours each day – or 12 hours on days when captives and prisoners are exchanged.
Negotiations for a permanent ceasefire would begin on day one under the supervision of mediators. Talks would cover a full exchange of captives for Palestinian prisoners, Israeli troop withdrawal, future security arrangements, and “day-after” plans for Gaza.
‘Much-awaited response’
Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Gaza City, said the Hamas response was “much-awaited, much-anticipated”, with anxious besieged Palestinians asking when it would come.
“We don’t know whether this response … is going to bring an end to the ongoing killings … or the presence of the [Israeli] drones,” he said.
Heavy shelling and gunfire continue near food distribution points, and uncertainty remains over whether serious negotiations will lead to relief.
“None of this is clear right now,” Mahmoud added, “but at least it’s a first step.”
Trump, speaking early on Friday, said he expected clarity from Hamas “over the next 24 hours”.
He added, “We hope it’s going to happen. And we’re looking forward to it happening sometime next week. We want to get the hostages out.”
Israel pushing for side deal with Trump
Despite Hamas’s endorsement, the group has reportedly sought guarantees that the proposed truce would lead to a permanent end to Israel’s war and prevent Tel Aviv from resuming attacks at will.
According to two Israeli officials quoted by the Reuters news agency, details of the proposal are still under negotiation. Meanwhile, Israel is said to be pressing Trump for written assurances that it can resume operations if its key demands – Hamas disarmament and the exile of its leadership – are not met.
Israeli broadcaster Channel 14, citing a senior political source, reported earlier this week that the deal includes a side letter from Trump granting Israel the authority to “renew the fire” should Hamas fail to comply. The document would allow Israel to determine whether the terms had been fulfilled.
Netanyahu has repeatedly insisted that any Palestinian resistance groups in Gaza must be dismantled as a precondition for peace – an issue that remains a major sticking point.
A previous two-month truce ended when Israeli strikes killed more than 400 Palestinians on March 18 and led to what UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called “the cruellest phase of a cruel war”. More than 6,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel broke the truce.
Overall, Israeli forces have killed at least 57,268 Palestinians and wounded more than 130,000 since October 7, 2023.
Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff has been tipped in some quarters as the next England head coach, but the man himself insists Brendon McCullum is the best man for the job and he has no interest in replacing the Kiwi
Andrew Flintoff coach of England U19’s during the 2nd ODI match between England U19’s and India U19’s at The County Ground (Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Andrew Flintoff insists he has no interest in succeeding Brendon McCullum as England head coach. Flintoff is overseeing the fortunes of England Lions and Northern Superchargers in The Hundred, having returned to cricket following his Top Gear crash that left him with severe facial and rib injuries.
He has been linked with the top England post, possibly if McCullum opts against extending his contract with the national side that covers all three formats and runs up to and including the 2027 World Cup. But Flintoff rejected the notion, instead choosing to highlight how big a fan of McCullum he is, likening the New Zealander’s influence to Sir Gareth Southgate with the England football team from 2016-24.
Asked about the prospect of taking over from McCullum, the 2005 Ashes hero told the Stick to Cricket podcast: “It’s not something I’m looking at, Baz McCullum is incredible – the best England coach.
“He’s unbelievable and the culture he’s created is incredible. It’s similar to what Gareth Southgate did with the football lads; they are not just good players but great lads as well.
“I’m enjoying working under Keysy (England managing director of men’s cricket Rob Key), it’s no secret he’s one of my best mates and he’s helped me so much in other things. With Baz, we’ve got a great relationship and the utmost respect.”
Flintoff, a former England captain, initially joined then white-ball head coach Matthew Mott’s backroom team on an ad-hoc basis in September 2023 although he did not travel to that year’s World Cup in India.
He was, however, involved afterwards and part of England’s coaching staff at last year’s T20 World Cup, which following a semi-final exit led to Australian Mott’s sacking.
Flintoff last year lifted the Superchargers to within a whisker of the knockout stages in his first season, after they had finished bottom of the standings the year before, while he presided over a tour to Australia last winter with the Lions, who have recently drawn two unofficial Tests against India A.
Andrew Flintoff is a huge fan of Brendon McCullum(Image: 2025 MB Media)
The 47-year-old former all-rounder added: “Honestly, at the moment, I feel as though I’m in the perfect place working with the Lions. I don’t see this as a stepping stone to anything else, I’m invested in this and get a chance to work with these lads.
“I’m not looking at the franchise world or anything else, although I do the Northern Superchargers which came around last year and I enjoy working with (Superchargers captain) Harry Brook on that.
“I’ve been guilty of, in the TV world and in retirement, of always looking for the next thing, chasing things.
“I’m actually really happy, working with great lads and great staff around me. I think ‘I’ve got a job to do here’ and it’s not like ‘what’s next?’.”
Days after Alex Cooper accused her former college soccer coach of sexual harassment, Boston University has responded.
The host of the popular “Call Her Daddy” podcast, who made the allegations in a two-part Hulu documentary that premiered Tuesday after screening Sunday at the Tribeca Film Festival, played Division I soccer at the university for three years, during which time Cooper claims coach Nancy Feldman made inappropriate comments about her body and sex life, engaged in controlling behavior and touched her thigh.
“Nancy Feldman was someone I trusted. Someone I believed in. Someone who was supposed to help me grow. Someone who was supposed to protect me,” Cooper wrote Thursday on Instagram. “But instead she made my life a living hell and abused her power over me.”
In the same post, Cooper said she reported the abuse to athletic director Drew Marrochello, who she said ignored her complaints. The university addressed the allegations in a statement obtained Thursday by People and other news outlets.
“Boston University has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment. We have a robust system of resources, support and staff dedicated to student wellbeing and a thorough reporting process through our Equal Opportunity Office,” the statement reads. “We encourage members of our community to report any concerns, and we remain committed to fostering a safe and secure campus environment for all.”
While Cooper’s documentary began as a way to show behind-the-scenes footage of her 2023 Unwell Tour, a visit to Boston University — specifically the soccer field — brought her emotions back to the surface, she said in Tuesday’s brief episode of “Call Her Daddy” titled “My College Soccer Trauma.”
“The minute I stepped on that field, I felt so small,” Cooper said. “I felt like I was 18 years old again, completely powerless, with no voice.”
Cooper said “everything changed” when she discovered that other women had alleged similar experiences with Feldman. She decided that she needed to speak out after talking to one of the women.
“If a woman in my position, who has power and a platform, is still fearful, is still scared of speaking out about my own lived experience of sexual harassment, how the hell will any other woman feel safe and confident to come forward?” Cooper asked in the episode.
Since “Call Her Alex” premiered, TikTok user @sizzlinghotsarah shared her own experience with Feldman, alleging that the soccer coach harassed her for her sexuality. Cooper responded to the post, “I’m sick I’m so sorry she did this to you. Reaching out to u privately.”
Feldman retired in 2022, but Cooper claims the harassment continues under her successor.
“Call Her Alex” also traces her journey to becoming one of the top podcasters in the world. Featured in the documentary are Cooper’s former co-host Sofia Franklyn, husband Matt Kaplan, lifelong friend Lauren McMullen, who is an executive producer on the podcast, and Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports — the previous home of “Call Her Daddy.”
Cooper has become known for her revelatory interviews with everyone from Hailey Bieber and Paris Hilton to Monica Lewinsky and Jane Goodall. Last year, Cooper sat down with then-Vice President and presidential hopeful Kamala Harris — chronicled in the documentary.
Cooper created her own podcast network, Unwell, in 2023 and has hired emerging talent including Madeline Argy, Owen Thiele and Alix Earle, who abruptly left in February. In August 2024, Cooper signed a $125-million deal with SiriusXM.
UFC president Dana White says he cannot stop Jon Jones from retiring, despite the American having “agreed” to fight Tom Aspinall.
White was responding to the social media activity of the UFC heavyweight champion, who suggested he was retired before calling out ex-UFC fighter Francis Ngannou.
Speaking at the UFC 316 post-fight news conference, White said 37-year-old Jones had said nothing about retiring to him and that he was only interested in matching him with Aspinall.
“Tom Aspinall is the guy. If the guy wants to retire and doesn’t want to fight, there’s nothing you can do,” White said.
“I didn’t want Khabib [Nurmagomedov] to retire, I thought [Daniel Cormier] should’ve stayed in it longer, so it’s none of my business.
“I’ll do what I can to make the fight, if we can, if he’s talking that crazy, I didn’t realise that.”
With Ngannou fuelling speculation he might be open to a return to the UFC, White played down the chances even if it was to fight Jones.
June 1 (UPI) — China criticized the United States on Sunday for having a “Cold War mentality” after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared to warn that the U.S. is prepared to go to war to prevent China from dominating the Indo-Pacific region in a speech Saturday.
“Hegseth deliberately ignored the call for peace and development by countries in the region, and instead touted the Cold War mentality for bloc confrontation, vilified China with defamatory allegations, and falsely called China a ‘threat,'” a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
“The remarks were filled with provocations and intended to sow discord. China deplores and firmly opposes them and has protested strongly to the U.S.”
Hegseth had delivered his remarks during the International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue event in Singapore. He said the Indo-Pacific region is the United States’ “priority theater” and won’t allow China to push it and its allies out of the region.
China retorted Sunday that “no country in the world deserves to be called a hegemonic power other than the U.S. itself.”
“To perpetuate its hegemony and advance the so-called ‘Indo-Pacific strategy,’ the U.S. has deployed offensive weaponry in the South China Sea and kept stoking flames and creating tensions in the Asia-Pacific, which are turning the region into a powder keg and making countries in the region deeply concerned,” the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.
Hegseth had also said that China was “preparing to use military force” to alter the balance of power in the region and appeared to indicate that the United States would step in to defend Taiwan if China were to attack it.
Mainland China and the island of Taiwan, among other islands, were ruled by the Republic of China before the ROC lost the Chinese Civil War in the early 20th century to the Chinese Communist Party, which established the new government of the People’s Republic of China in October 1949.
The ROC in turn established a temporary capital in Taipei on the island of Taiwan, a former Japanese territory, in December 1949 that served as the seat for China at the United Nations until it was replaced by the People’s Republic of China in 1971 when foreign countries switched their diplomatic relations.
China views self-governed Taiwan and its 23 million residents as a wayward province and has vowed to retake it by force, if necessary. Many supporters of Taiwan have since argued that it is already an independent sovereign state separate from mainland China, which has never controlled Taiwan.
Tensions between the United States and China started to grow during the administration of President Joe Biden in 2022 when then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosivisited Taiwan, sparking a military response from the Chinese government and increased drills in the Taiwan Strait. In 2022, a four-star general predicted that the U.S. and China could be at war by the end of this year.
After returning for his second term, President Donald Trump‘s administration has escalated tensions with China, particularly related to trade tariffs that appear now to be expanding into broader military and diplomatic arenas.
For example, the Pentagon has increased naval patrols in contested areas of the South China Sea and bolstered military partnerships with allies including Japan, Australia, and the Philippines.
“The Taiwan question is entirely China’s internal affair. No country is in a position to interfere. The U.S. should never imagine it could use the Taiwan question as leverage against China,” the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. “The U.S. must never play with fire on this question.”
The French Open night sessions – which were introduced in 2021 – feature just one singles match on Court Philippe Chatrier.
A women’s singles match, played over three sets, has not been put in this primetime slot since 2023 – meaning the past 19 night-time sessions have been men’s singles matches, which are played over five sets.
Only four matches have been from the women’s draw since they were brought in four years ago.
Questions are raised every year about whether the French Open should do more to promote the women’s game.
Mauresmo says women’s matches potentially going “really fast” is the justification behind the choices.
“There is nothing new under the sun compared to the previous editions,” she said.
“We have one single match per night session. It hasn’t changed. We won’t change everything again.
“Two sets can go really fast when you have three sets minimum – that’s the lens for me.
“It’s not the level the [women] reach right now. I’m not talking about this.”
Mauresmo also said the tournament does not want to have two matches in the night session, like the Australian Open and US Open, in fear of creating late finishes.
She pointed to the full crowd at Thursday night’s match between French favourite Gael Monfils and British number one Jack Draper – played in front of a full house until it finished at 23:45 local time – as a measure of the schedule’s success.
“If we have two matches in the night sessions, it doesn’t work in terms of how late the players are going to finish,” she said.
“But if we start earlier, the stands are going to be empty in most of the first match, so we keep this one match in the evening.
“It’s not ideal. We cannot check every box because we have many, many things to think when we are doing these choices.”
Celebs Go Dating expert Dr Tara Suwinyattichaiporn has spoken out after Christine McGuinness announced her sudden exit from the E4 show during filming in Ibiza
Celebs Go Dating expert Dr Tara has praised Christine for her decision to quit the show
Celebs Go Dating expert Dr Tara Suwinyattichaiporn has praised Christine McGuinness after her decision to quit the E4 dating show while out filming in Ibiza.
Christine, 37, had been unveiled as part of the line-up last week, and was set to appear in the fourteenth series of the show. However, last night she took to her Instagram story to reveal she had withdrawn from the process.
The mother of two said in her statement: “I joined Celebs Go Dating with great intentions but have realised that dating on a public platform and the attention that brings is just too soon for me. They’ve said the door is always open for me which I’m so grateful but for now I’m returning home to my family.”
Christine announced her departure from the show on Thursday night (Image: Channel 4)
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror about Christine’s departure, Dr Tara, who joined the show as a ‘Sexpert’ during series 12, said she “completely respects” Christine’s decision to walk away.
“As one of the dating experts on the show, I completely respect Christine’s decision to step away at this time,” she said. “It takes real self awareness and strength to recognise your emotional boundaries, especially in such a unique and public setting. We support her wholeheartedly and wish her continued healing, happiness, and love on her terms.”
Dr Tara is currently out in Ibiza filming alongside returning experts Anna Williamson and Paul C Brunson, alongside celebrity clients including Kerry Katona and Love Island star, Olivia Hawkins.
Dr Tara is currently out in Ibiza filming the new series of Celebs Go Dating (Image: Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn)
Kerry Katona first entered the agency in 2019, and a spokesperson for the show said “the door has been left open” for Christine. “We have loved having Christine on the show and completely respect her feelings and decision to return home and have told her that the door is always open for her in the future at the agency,” they said.
Christine’s involvement with the show comes three years on from the news that she had separated from Paddy McGuinness. The former couple, who have three children together, announced that they had split up back in 2022.
Speaking about joining the show, Christine previously said: “I’m really excited to be joining the agency, I’m going to have a summer of fun! Who knows what might happen? I’ve not really dated much before, so I feel like I’m doing a crash course!”
“I’m looking forward to getting to know the other celebs and I’m especially looking forward to the coaching side of things with the agents. I think that’s going to be good for me,” Christine added in a statement released last week.
A TV insider told The Sun: “This is set to be a great coup for Celebs Go Dating. “The agents will be eager to get to know the real truth about Chris and what he is looking for following his connection with JoJo.” The Mirror has reached out to Celebs Go Dating for comment.
![Palestinians displaced by the Israeli air and ground offensive on the Gaza Strip, stand in an area at a makeshift tent camp at dusk in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Wednesday, July 2, 2025. [Abdel Kareem Hana/AP]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AP25183695042685-1751561754.jpg?w=770&resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
