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The traumatic moment that triggered Andrew O'Keefe's downward spiral

As Andrew O'Keefe continues his public battle with drug addiction and charges of assault, <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13863269/andrew-okeefe.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a> has revealed the traumatic experience that triggered his downward spiral. According to the publication, the TV presenter's self-destructive behaviour began barely 72 hours after his "deeply devout" father died. Channel Seven colleagues of O'Keefe's were shocked when he embarked on a brazen, drug-fuelled bender at the Logie Awards in 2014 just a few days after his dad's passing. Daily Mail Australia, who claim the Logies incident is well-known in the industry, marked the start of the concerning behaviour that eventually ended the former Seven star's career, marriage and relationship with his children. Close friends fear O'Keefe - affectionately known as AOK among friends - has now descended so far into "the grip of an addiction he can't beat", he would be better off behind bars for his own safety. One concerned colleague, who worked alongside O'Keefe for more than a decade at Seven, said O'Keefe had confided that he harboured a deep-seated resentment against his father right up to his dying days, revealing to his friend that him he endured a "traumatic childhood" and blamed his strict Supreme Court judge dad for failing to support him. "AOK told me he had a really f***ed-up childhood," the colleague told Daily Mail Australia. "A lot of his trauma relates to the emotional abuse inflicted by his father - there was never anything physical - but he absolutely ignored the pain Andrew was going through." "From what he told me, his dad was this deranged Mel Gibson-type religious zealot and he would hold his own private Catholic masses in their home. He never forgave him for neglecting him in his time of need and never learned how to properly deal with all that pent-up rage." "Now he's in the grip of an addiction he can't beat, and he's pouring through the money he made [while at Seven] and what he got from the sale of his properties. He's cut many of us out of his life and surrounded himself with a new circle of friends who are happy to get high with him, supply him with drugs and bleed him dry." "It's f***ing tragic - maybe going to jail will be the best thing for him, I don't know - we're all just really worried about him and how this will all end." Image credits: Channel Seven

Caring

"Lucky to be alive": Concerning Andrew O'Keefe update

Andrew O'Keefe will remain in jail after his bail was revoked, just days after being arrested on drug charges. The former TV host was arrested on Monday and charged with drug possession after police searched a nearby car and allegedly found methamphetamine. His arrest came just hours after the 52-year-old was discharged from the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/andrew-o-keefe-rushed-to-hospital" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hospital</a>, after he was revived by paramedics in the early hours on Sunday morning after an alleged drug overdose. In Waverley Local Court on Tuesday, Magistrate Jacqueline Milledge said O’Keefe was “lucky to be alive” as she read a police statement of facts on an application to detain the former TV host rather than let him out on bail again. O'Keefe was out on bail at the time of the alleged overdose, after allegedly breaching a court order, trespassing and intimidating a man in Sydney’s eastern suburbs in July. O’Keefe’s lawyer did not argue against the application and the magistrate revoked his bail, meaning he will remain custody before his return to court in October. “If he wants to stay alive that’s the best thing to do,” Milledge said. O’Keefe’s lawyer suggested a possible application for release on the next occasion for O’Keefe to receive treatment but Milledge said “a “highly persuasive” argument would be required. O’Keefe’s frequent appearances in court are “absolutely tragic” and “very, very sad,” the magistrate said. “He’s a frequent flyer, he’s just so used to it,” she said. “The mental health applications, the rehab, all been tried, and tested, and failed. “I just don’t see the same thing over and over again is going to be working for him and, god help him, it’s a shame that he doesn’t have an epiphany.” Image credits: Seven News

Caring

Andrew O'Keefe rushed to hospital

Andrew O'Keefe has been rushed to hospital after being revived by paramedics at a party in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs over the weekend. The disgraced TV host was partying at a home in Vaucluse at 3:30am on Saturday when emergency services were called after allegedly suffering a drug overdose. Paramedics revived O'Keefe at the scene before transporting him to the nearby St Vincent's Hospital for treatment. The Daily Telegraph reported that he has since been released from hospital. In a statement, NSW Police said of the incident, "Officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command were called to a home unit on Old South Head Road at Vaucluse about 3.40am, responding to concerns for the welfare of a 52-year-old man." "NSW Ambulance paramedics rendered assistance to the man before taking him to St Vincent's Hospital where he was reported to be in a stable condition. Inquiries into the incident are continuing." O'Keefe's health incident comes just days after a court upheld his convictions for domestic violence assault, as District Court Judge John Pickering rejected his lawyers' arguments that a woman had inflicted scratch marks on her own arm and later blamed O'Keefe. The troubled former TV star was convicted in January of three counts of domestic violence-related assault, twice contravening an AVO against him, and two charges for possessing a prohibited drug. He was ordered to serve 18 months on a community corrections order, which involves supervision and reporting requirements, and fined $800 for the drug offences. Image credits: JOEL CARRETT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial

Caring

Andrew O'Keefe clashes with press after bail hearing

Andrew O'Keefe has clashed with reporters outside a courtroom after he was granted bail following an interaction with police where he claims a crack pipe allegedly found in his pocket belonged to someone else. The disgraced former TV host sat quietly in the dock as his lawyer, Sharon Ramsden, applied for his release on bail at Waverley Local Court on Monday morning. Police allege the former Deal or No Deal host returned a positive drug test while driving after he was stopped shortly before midday on Sunday in Sydney’s affluent Bellevue Hill. Officers also allege that the 52-year-old also threatened a man in Point Piper shortly before he was stopped by police. The court was told Mr O’Keefe allegedly confronted the man at the property “potentially as a matter of jealousy” following a “rekindling” with his former partner. After O'Keefe was released on bail, chaos ensued outside Waverley police station as the TV host tried to make a quick exit. O'Keefe was followed by reporters as he stepped out into traffic and walked briskly away as he tried to avoid the camera crews. Footage captured by Channel 10 shows Mr O’Keefe handing a reporter her phone after it is dropped before telling her, “get out of my face”. Mr O’Keefe was ultimately granted bail despite magistrate Jacqueline Milledge telling the 52-year-old there were “a lot of aspects of the police facts that are of concern”. “There is a real concern you were somewhere you shouldn't have been and that drugs might still be a factor in your life, but I'm prepared to give you an opportunity to continue with your treatment,” she said. Mr O’Keefe will return before court next month as he faces a single charge each of intimidation and breach a court order, with police foreshadowing more charges pending forensic examination. Image credits: JOEL CARRETT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial

Legal

Dr Chris Brown to reunite with Amanda Keller on new show

Dr Chris Brown and Amanda Keller will be reunited on screen for the first time in two years. Keller confirmed on her WSFM breakfast show that she will reunite with Brown for his new series Once in a Lifetime, and will be travelling across the globe to film the show. “It’s a show called Once in a Lifetime, and Chris Brown is hosting this," she told listeners on Tuesday morning. “And this is a show I know that he’s wanted to do for years … I do know which country I’m going to, but I’m not allowed to say. It’s in Africa. “It’s Chris’s show. He and I are hanging out, and I’m going to be having experiences. “My nature is to over-research things and there’s nothing I can do. I can’t do that. So it’s a TV show where I can go into it floating, I can get on a plane and not have to be anxious about having to prepare something. “It’s a real gift for me, so I’m excited. But I have arranged for people to come in and play with you while I’m away.” Once in a Lifetime will air on Channel 7, and was announced last year. It is an animal adventure series starring Brown, where he will be "pushed to his limits in the pursuit of the ultimate animal encounter," according to a Channel 7 spokesperson. “But he will not be travelling to the furthest corners of the globe alone. In the most delicious twist, Chris will be taking the country’s most intriguing and entertaining personalities along … as his veterinary assistant," they added. This is the first time the duo are reuniting on screen after working on The Living Room together for a decade before it was axed in 2022. Images: Ten

Dr Chris Brown's hilarious dig at Channel 10

The new season of Dancing With The Stars premiered on Sunday night with Chris Brown presenting alongside longtime host Sonia Kruger for the very first time. The former Bondi Vet star left Channel 10 to join Seven a year ago, and while things reportedly ended amicably between them, he couldn't help but take a dig at his former employer on Dancing With The Stars. At the beginning of the episode, Sonia explained that all contestants were safe and “no one’s going home tonight”. Chris feigned relief that he was also "safe" and couldn't be fired on the first night of his new gig, to which Sonia quipped that only the dancers could be voted off and that she and Chris were "as safe as anyone can be in entertainment”. “Shout out to Channel 10,” he quickly remarked, eliciting laughter from the audience. The comment could be in reference to Channel 10 axing a handful of shows over the past few months, leaving several high-profile TV personalities out of work. Yahoo Lifestyle reported that the reboot of Gladiators had been cancelled after one season, and the network confirmed in May that both The Bachelor and The Masked Singer won't be returning this year. In another part of DWTS, Chris also joked abut how his previous role on Channel 10’s The Living Room made him “rivals” with Better Homes and Gardens presenter Adam Dovile. “Now Adam, we do need to address the elephant in the room,” he said. “We were TV rivals for many, many years in the cutthroat vicious world of Friday night lifestyle television. “It’s hard to even look you in the eye, the fury is so deep. But I can’t stay angry at you, look at that smile!” Images: Channel 10

Result of Chris Dawson's appeal announced

In a significant decision, the state's highest criminal appeal court has denied Chris Dawson's attempt to overturn his conviction for the calculated murder of his wife, Lynette, whose mysterious disappearance in 1982 remains one of Sydney's most perplexing cases. Dawson was found guilty in 2022 of murdering Lynette Joy Simms, who was 33 years old when she disappeared from their Bayview home in January 1982. Despite extensive investigations, her body has never been recovered. Justice Ian Harrison, who presided over the trial, determined that Dawson, a former teacher and rugby league player, murdered Lynette to remove what he saw as an obstacle to a new life with "JC", his former student and the babysitter of the couple's two children. JC moved into Dawson's home within days of Lynette's disappearance. Harrison sentenced Dawson to a maximum of 24 years in prison, with a non-parole period of 18 years. Now 75, Dawson appealed the conviction in the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal. On Thursday at 2pm, the court dismissed his appeal, solidifying the initial verdict. Compounding his legal woes, Dawson's non-parole period was extended by a year after his conviction for unlawful sexual activity with a student in 1980. Consequently, Dawson will not be eligible for release until 2041, when he will be 93 years of age. After Lynette was officially declared missing, Dawson remarried twice. He wed JC on January 15, 1984, at the Bayview home he had shared with Lynette. Later that year, the couple relocated to Queensland. JC left Dawson in early 1990 and made her first police statement regarding Lynette's disappearance in May that year, prompting renewed investigations. Dawson's legal team presented five grounds for appeal. They argued that the delay in criminal proceedings disadvantaged Dawson and that Harrison's verdict was unsupported by evidence. They claimed the Crown failed to disprove that Lynette was alive on January 9, 1982, and that the evidence as a whole did not substantiate Dawson's guilt. Harrison maintained in his August 2022 judgment that proving Lynette's death around January 8, 1982, was crucial to the Crown's case. Dawson's barrister, Belinda Rigg, SC, argued that it was plausible Lynette was alive on January 9 and had contacted Dawson at his part-time job, suggesting she needed time away to resolve personal issues. However, Harrison found Dawson's claim – solely supported by his own testimony, which he did not present at trial – was a lie. Justice Christine Adamson, one of the appellate judges, highlighted the absence of phone records, noting the uncertainty they posed: "We don’t have the phone records, and there’s no way of knowing whether the phone records are going to be completely neutral, or exculpatory, or inculpatory." Rigg contended during the appeal that Dawson's ability to verify his account independently had been compromised by the delay. The court's decision to dismiss Dawson's appeal reinforces the gravity of his crimes and underscores the enduring quest for justice in one of Australia's most enduring mysteries. Images: Twitter (X) | Nine

Legal

Dr Chris Brown recalls "dramatic" personal renovation disaster

Dream Home host Dr Chris Brown has revealed his own renovation fail on the latest episode of the show. The vet turned TV star has taken on a new role where he guides six teams of aspiring renovators through the joys — and pitfalls — of house remodelling in the new Channel 7 reality show. Speaking to 7NEWS, the star recalled the terrifying moment his home nearly fell in on itself when he was trying to build a garage. “On my first renovation, I decided I needed a garage underneath my house,” he said, adding that he had council approval for the renovation. “With a couple of tradies, we went about digging out the garage underneath the house, in the sand. “We just kept on digging, digging, digging, until a rather large sound indicated the house was about to fall into the hole! “So that’s about as dramatic as it as it gets. “To have your house sort of falling in on itself, that was a pretty big learning curve.” He said that the problem was solved "very quickly" with a lot of underpinning and structural support. “A lot of those steel support posts that you can sort of wind up and down, they went in, and thankfully the house didn’t fold in half,” he said, laughing at the situation. He added that unexpected situations like this are what make renovation shows so appealing as "there’s so much natural drama, you don’t have to fake anything." “Choices have to be made, and it’s either the right way or the wrong way, and you only really discover that as you go along," he added. “Sometimes it’s too late to turn back once you realise you’ve made a terrible mistake.” Chris added that his role on the show is almost as a"coach" to the pairs, supporting them through the renovation challenges, and helping them get to the finish line. “What these couples are going through, and just how much they put on the line to get these renovations done, is quite inspiring and quite uplifting and but also thoroughly entertaining,” he said. Image: Seven

Real Estate

"Devastated": Chris Pratt mourns sudden death of longtime friend and stunt double

Superstar of big and small screen Chris Pratt is grieving the death of his longtime friend and former stunt double, Tony McFarr, who was found dead at his home near Orlando, Florida, on Monday. McFarr was 47, and the cause of his death remains undetermined. Pratt and McFarr began their professional relationship on the set of Jurassic World in 2015. Their collaboration continued on Passengers, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Over the years, they developed a strong bond that clearly extended beyond their work on screen. In an emotional Instagram tribute on Friday, Pratt expressed his heartbreak over the loss of McFarr. "We did several movies together," Pratt wrote. "We golfed, drank whiskey, smoked cigars, and spent endless hours on set. I'll never forget his toughness." Pratt then recalled a particularly intense moment during the filming of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 when McFarr suffered a severe head injury but quickly returned to work. "He was an absolute stud. He was always a gentleman and professional. He'll be missed." Pratt concluded his tribute by offering prayers to McFarr's friends and family, especially his daughter. He shared a series of photos showcasing their time together on set, displaying their striking resemblance, particularly when dressed in matching costumes. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/05/ChrisPratt_Insta02.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="970" /> In addition to doubling for Pratt in several films, McFarr's impressive career included work on other major Marvel productions like Captain America: Civil War and Ant-Man and the Wasp. He also served as Jon Hamm's stunt double in the 2018 action comedy Tag. <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2024/05/16/chris-pratt-stunt-double-tony-mcfarr-dead-dies-guardians-of-the-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to TMZ</a>, McFarr's mother, Donna, reported that "he passed away Monday at his home just outside Orlando -- and while we're told the family doesn't know the exact circumstances of his death just yet ... Donna does say his passing is unexpected and shocking." "She says Tony was active and healthy ... and we're told the medical examiner's office is running toxicology tests now. The Orange County Medical Examiner confirms to us they have the case ... and that an official cause is still pending." Images: Instagram

Caring

"I was angry": Julia Morris comes clean about Dr Chris Brown's departure

We are all well aware that Dr Chris Brown, beloved former co-host of the jungle rollercoaster known as I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, bid farewell to the show last year. Host Julia Morris, renowned for her vivacious wit and boundless charm, recently shed some light on her inner turmoil when her long-time partner in jungle antics decided to hop over to rival network Seven. The departure of Chris, after nine glorious seasons of quips and critters, left Julia in a state of bewilderment. "I was shocked," Morris <a href="https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/julia-morris-admits-she-was-angry-when-chris-brown-quit-im-a-celebrity-004322904.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told Yahoo! News</a>. "I was angry, but I was also fine because it's what my friend needed to do. It was a super confusing time." Morris then faced the daunting prospect of finding a new partner-in-crime; enter Robert Irwin, the youthful wildlife enthusiast and heir to the Crocodile Hunter legacy. After a rigorous audition process involving around six Aussie personalities, Robert emerged as the chosen one. Julia described the moment as if the clouds parted, and a celestial spotlight shone down on young Irwin. "Everybody dissolved immediately and everybody knew it," Julia recounted. Now, the burning question on everyone's minds: Will Julia be just as flirtatious with the sprightly 20-year-old Irwin as she was with Chris? On that matter, Julia has remained coy: "I don't know how and why it's already working so beautifully." she teased. Julia also reassures us that she and Robert have already formed a bond akin to that of two koalas clinging to the same eucalyptus tree. "Now we have fun. I'm learning along the way from Robert, which is fantastic," she gushed. And thus, a new era dawns in the jungle, where critters roam, celebrities squirm and Julia Morris reigns supreme as the queen of quips and camaraderie. Image: Network 10

Dr Chris Brown recalls embarrassing moment on crowded train

Dr Chris Brown tends to attract attention wherever he goes with his 6'5 height and beautiful blond hair - but he got more than he wanted on his recent trip to Japan. Appearing on the morning radio show Triple M’s Mick and MG in the Morning Show, he recalled an embarrassing incident that he would rather forget. “It may not surprise you to learn that I do tend to stand out a little bit on the streets of Tokyo,” he began, to the amusement of radio host Mick Molloy. “Um, six foot five, blond hair, and on the subway especially. “But, I don’t know if you know, in Japan you can buy beers absolutely anywhere — vending machines on the streets, in the subway when you’re just queueing for a train, and so I got involved in this. “I bought a can of Asahi, nice Japanese beer, and was carrying it in my bag, just over my shoulder.” As he got into the crowded train and made his way, the TV vet shared that started to feel a “cold trickle” down his leg. “I realised very quickly that the beer I’d bought had exploded in my bag,” he said. “And I now have a rapidly growing wet patch across my groin, running from my bag to my groin and down my leg, and a highly suspicious amber fluid going across a crowded train carriage,” he continued, making everyone in the studio laugh. “If I couldn’t stand out any more, I found a way.” He added that nobody said a word because Japanese people are so polite, but he did say there was “endless gazing," because they thought he wet himself. “They’re connecting the dots from the trickle along the carriage back up my leg and up to my very wet body,” he added. “Oh wow, oh well I hope you were filming that,” Mick Molloy chuckled. “By the way, that’s how I leave the station every day, on a train, with a wet patch, talking to myself,” he quipped. “Well, I tell you what, if you want to clear some space, it’s a great way to do it, let me tell you,” the TV vet laughed. Images: Mick & MG in the morning

International Travel

Chris Brown's candid love life admission

Dr Chris Brown, who has stolen the hearts of many Aussies with his good looks, charm and love for animals has opened up about his love life. In a candid interview with Stellar, the TV personality revealed that he will keep his relationships private until he knows it's strong enough to withstand speculation and online commentary. “The challenge, really, is that it's hard enough to meet the right person, anyway,” he told the publication. He also opened up on what it's like to date in the public eye. “That extra layer of speculation and interest… once you're actually in a relationship it's easy, but it's meeting that person at the start that's really hard. You could potentially be on your first date and you get photographed. “And then there’s a search for who this person is, what her backstory is, and then all of a sudden, it becomes something that it may not be that stage.” The former I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! host added that it's easy to get into a “cycle”, which is “so bizarre it’s almost amusing”. In a previous interview with <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/lifestyle/stellar/dr-chris-brown-im-certainly-looking-for-the-one/news-story/1bade13d3b6cd4d8fa89ca2549ab573f" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stellar</a>, he also said that he was "certainly looking for the one" and that his younger self would be "horrified" if he knew that he is still unmarried and without kids. “But it's my doing. I’ve probably prioritised work more than I potentially should have over the past 10 years – to the detriment of my personal life,” he added. The beloved TV vet also said that he is looking for a serious relationship: "I don’t want to be this person with a history of short to medium-term relationships.” While Chris is known for keeping his love life private, he has had a few relationships in the past. In 2014 he was romantically linked to Bondi-based project manager Hannah Thomas and Home and Away actress Kassandra Clementi. In late 2016, he dated TV producer Kendall Bora, who he was with for two years. Bora has since tied the knot with Weekend Sunrise host Matt Doran. In 2018 he reportedly dated Liv Phyland for a year, before eventually calling it quits although they remain "really good friends" according to Women's Day. He was most recently linked to luxury magazine founder, Brooke Meredith, although they rarely made a public appearance together and reportedly split in late 2022. Images: Instagram

Relationships

Darryl Somers jumps the gun with major Dr Chris Brown announcement

Darryl Somers, the man who made Dancing with the Stars a glittering extravaganza of dance and dazzling outfits, has decided to take centre stage once again. After months of speculation about Dr Chris Brown taking over the hosting reins, Somers took it upon himself to make a rogue announcement on his Facebook page that was about as expected as a cha-cha-cha in a tango. Rumours have been swirling for some time now about Channel Seven's big reveal, scheduled for their upfronts event, a time when media executives and TV buffs gather to find out what fresh television delights are in store. But Somers, always one to seize the spotlight, decided to drop the bombshell himself. "Hi All, Just want to confirm the speculation that I will not be hosting Dancing With The Stars in 2024. Seven let me know recently that they have signed Chris Brown to the network full-time, and amongst his commitments, he will be hosting DWTS," Somers wrote on Facebook. In a heartfelt message, Somers went on to share his gratitude for the 20-year journey he's had with Dancing with the Stars, dating back to 2004. He's completed ten series, with his last one being a "huge ratings success". And what better way to pass the torch than with a mirror ball, the symbol of dancefloor triumph, presented personally by Somers to Chris Brown. Somers also expressed his fondness for his co-host, Sonia Kruger, and the judges, Todd McKenney and Mark Wilson. It seems that while he will miss the sequins and glitter, he's "now unencumbered to pursue the projects [he] put on hold during Covid and shall have some exciting news on that score early next year." We can't wait to find out what Somers has hidden up his well-tailored sleeves. But let's not forget the man of the hour: Dr Chris Brown. Not only will he be grooving to the tunes of Dancing with the Stars, but he's also going to be hosting a brand new show titled Dream Home. It's not about dreaming of a dream home; it's about couples turning a run-down shack into a palace, all while winning some cold hard cash. If we know Brown, he's probably going to charm the participants into renovating their homes with just a smile and a stethoscope. Before all of this unfolded, there was speculation that Brown might take over for Kochie when he retired from Sunrise after 21 years – but of course that Big Chair went to Olympian Matt Shirvington. In the world of Australian television, the tango of hosting changes continues, with Somers' premature announcement adding an unexpected twist. It seems that even after 20 years of dancing with the stars, you can still surprise everyone with a perfectly timed leap and a graceful pirouette into the unknown. Images: Instagram

Chris Dawson's daughter reveals the emotional last texts from her father

Chris Dawson's daughter has revealed the final messages she sent to her dad as the investigation into his wife's murder made mainstream news. In August 2022, Chris Dawson was found guilty of murdering his wife Lynette in January 1982, and is now serving 24 years for the murder, and a three-year sentence for the unlawful carnal knowledge of a 16-year-old pupil. Now, Shanelle has opened up about the conflicting feels she holds for her father in an emotional interview with <a href="https://www.womensweekly.com.au/news/shanelle-dawson-tells-her-story/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Australian Women's Weekly</a>. Shanelle spoke candidly about how her life changed when the investigation into her others murder gained so much traction on the award-winning podcast Teacher's Pet. “My inner world [was] playing out for the masses. [I] couldn’t pretend anymore,” the mother-of-one told the publication. In a text to her father, Shanelle told Dawson she loved him, “but I won’t live a life based on lies, nor will I keep subjecting myself to emotional manipulation and control”. “You have dishonoured our mother so terribly,” her message read. “One day, I will forgive you for removing her so selfishly from our lives.” To which Dawson responded, “You’re clearly very lonely and depressed in the life you’ve chosen … It is your adult life, now 41 with a child and without a partner, that has clearly caused this terrible depression.” That same month, she received what would be his final text to her, reading: “Hi Shanelle, hope you and Kialah are both well. Thinking of you constantly xx.” She also recalled in the interview her father telling her when she was 13 that he “wished he had tried harder” to make his marriage with Lynette “work”. It was a throw-away comment that Shanelle said was “possibly” prompted by “the realisation that he’d murdered our mum for no good reason”. Now, she added, “I honestly believe that he’s got some kind of split personality disorder and he doesn’t remember [killing her]”. Image credits: 60 Minutes

Family & Pets

Marvel star ties the knot in super secret ceremony

Marvel movie star Chris Evans has tied the knot with his girlfriend Alba Baptista in an intimate ceremony at their home in the state of Massachusetts. According to <a href="https://pagesix.com/2023/09/10/chris-evans-marries-alba-baptista/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Page Six</a>, the Hollywood A-lister and Baptista, a Portuguese actress, got married on Saturday, with only a handful of their closest friends and family attending the nuptials. An insider told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/hook-ups-break-ups/chris-evans-marries-alba-baptista-in-intimate-athome-wedding/news-story/872c843aa221bc8173f0a82feb7c6477" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> that the nuptials were “locked down tight,” as guests signed NDAs and phones were forfeited for the "beautiful" ceremony. The guest list also included some of the actor’s Marvel co-stars, including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth and Jeremy Renner. The Captain America actor and Baptista first sparked rumours of a romance in November 2022, when a source told <a href="https://people.com/movies/chris-evans-dating-alba-baptista-source-exclusive/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">People</a> that the duo had been dating for “over a year.” “They are in love, and Chris has never been happier,” the insider said, already calling their relationship “serious” at the time. “His family and friends all adore her.”<iframe id="google_ads_iframe_/5129/ndm.nent/entertainment/celebritylife/hookupsbreakups_5" tabindex="0" title="3rd party ad content" role="region" name="google_ads_iframe_/5129/ndm.nent/entertainment/celebritylife/hookupsbreakups_5" width="4" height="4" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Advertisement" data-load-complete="true" data-google-container-id="6" data-integralas-id-69c76c0a-f5d2-9885-70ea-25cce3e0243a=""></iframe><iframe width="1" height="1" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> Just hours after the news broke, the couple was spotted holding hands during a stroll in Central Park. While little is known about the low-key couple’s relationship, Evans has proudly been flaunting his affection for Baptista online. The Knives Out star was spotted leaving a flirty comment on Baptista’s Instagram post around the same time that news broke of their relationship. Then, in February, the couple went Instagram-official as Evans began posting a series of PDA-filled pics to his Instagram Story in honour of Valentine’s Day. Image credits: Instagram

Relationships

Andrew O’Keefe breaks down in court

Andrew O’Keefe has broken down in court after promising the magistrate he would steer clear of drugs. The embattled TV host and his lawyer fronted court to make an unexpected guilty plea, after he was arrested for allegedly breaching an AVO. On August 19th, police were called to a unit in Point Piper and took O’Keefe to Waverley Police Station where he was charged with contravening a restriction of prohibition of an apprehended violence order. He was then refused bail in Parramatta Bail Court the following day, with the matter set down for August 30th. However, O’Keefe’s solicitor Sharon Ramsden fronted court on Friday for an unexpected mention where she told Magistrate Greg Grogin her client would be entering a plea of guilty. Ramsden told the court that O’Keefe was at the apartment, which he was prohibited from attending, to collect some of his belongings. “There was no contact between the parties, and she returned to the property at 11:45pm having been on a walk,” Ms Ramsden said. Ms Ramsden asked the Magistrate to consider sentencing O’Keefe to a conditional release order without a conviction, to which the police prosecutor Michael Cleaver did not oppose. Magistrate Grogin then addressed O’Keefe directly, asking if the former television presenter could abstain from drugs which aren’t prescribed by his doctors. “One thing I don’t do, I don’t try to set people up to fail … can you fulfil that obligation?” the magistrate asked. O’Keefe responded: “Your Honour, I can guarantee that will be my sincere endeavour.” Mr Grogin sentenced O’Keefe to a conditional release order with no conviction, to which O’Keefe thanked the magistrate through tears. “Mr O’Keefe, on a personal basis you have been through some hard times,” the magistrate said. “You’re going to have good days and bad days and you’re going to go forward and go back, you must comply with court orders … the leniency will not be extended forever.” Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

Andrew O'Keefe back behind bars

Andrew O'Keefe, the once-celebrated television personality, has found himself under fresh legal scrutiny after an alleged incident on Saturday evening in a residential unit located in the serene eastern districts of Sydney. O'Keefe is now slated for a prolonged stay behind bars, as a result of his arrest on charges of reportedly violating the terms of an apprehended violence order. The 51-year-old was apprehended at a residence in Sydney's eastern suburbs, with his subsequent hours spent within a police holding cell. Law enforcement intervened in response to a situation at an address on Longworth Avenue in Point Piper, an enclave within Sydney's eastern quarters, at approximately 11:45 pm on Saturday. Appearing via remote video link at Parramatta Local Court on Sunday, the former host of Deal or No Deal was formally charged with violating the terms of the restraining order. According to a statement from New South Wales police: "Officers attended a unit on Longworth Avenue, Point Piper, following reports that a 51-year-old man was at the unit in breach of an Apprehended Violence Order. The man was arrested and taken to Waverley Police Station where he was charged with one count of contravene restriction/prohibition in AVO (domestic)." Bail was denied, and he will remain in custody until his upcoming appearance at Downing Centre Local Court on August 30. O'Keefe's legal woes extend to multiple charges stemming from previous incidents, encompassing accusations of resisting arrest, drug possession, and domestic violence-related assault in connection to a purported event at Point Piper in September 2021. Charges related to an alleged occurrence in January 2022 at his Sydney CBD residence were dropped in February after the sole witness and alleged victim, the prosecution's key source, left the country. According to police, O'Keefe was accused of choking a 38-year-old woman and subsequently assaulting her within his Sydney CBD dwelling in January 2022. O'Keefe, who previously practiced law and is the son of former NSW Supreme Court justice Barry O'Keefe, maintained that his actions were grounded in self-defense. Earlier this year, police prosecutor Michael Cleaver withdrew charges of intentional choking without consent, common assault, and assault causing actual bodily harm. In June 2021, O'Keefe managed to evade a domestic violence conviction, as charges were resolved under the purview of the NSW Mental Health Act. In May 2022, he was conditionally released to attend a rehabilitation facility for a period of up to 12 months, aimed at addressing his struggles with cocaine, methamphetamine, and cannabis misuse. In April, O'Keefe encountered charges after purportedly operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs in Sydney's eastern suburbs, arising from a routine roadside test in Point Piper in January. Images: Seven News

Money & Banking

"Divinely gifted" Mamma Mia star passes away aged 40

Broadway luminary Chris Peluso, renowned for his roles in acclaimed productions like Mamma Mia! and Wicked, has passed away at the age of 40. In the period preceding his demise, Peluso reportedly grappled with Schizoaffective disorder, a mental health condition characterised by hallucinations and a fusion of symptoms from both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The University of Michigan paid homage to Peluso on their musical theatre department's webpage, confirming the sorrowful news, given his previous attendance as a student. Linda Goodrich, interim chair, conveyed: "The Michigan Musical Theatre family is heartbroken as we announce the passing of our dear family member/alum, the loving, charismatic, and divinely gifted Chris Peluso." Goodrich added: "Chris appeared on Broadway in Mamma Mia!, Assasins, Lestat, The Glorious Ones and Beautiful, played Fiyero on tour in Wicked and starred in London in Miss Saigon and Showboat. Our hearts go out to his family." He leaves behind his wife Jessica Gomes and their two children. In the preceding year, friends of Peluso established a GoFundMe page, detailing his inability to perform due to his mental health struggles and battle with Schizoaffective disorder. They beseeched fans to contribute towards his medical expenses in the United States. The page noted that "in recent months, the paranoia has consumed him to the extent that he is unable to work any job and has had to leave his wife and young child and return to America to seek treatment." "Chris has no health care insurance in the US and was recently hospitalised for about two weeks. Currently, he is seeking treatment at an inpatient mental health rehabilitation centre." "In his own words, 'Hopefully this helps bring some awareness to how so many suffer from mental illness in silence. You never know what someone may be going through. Be kind to each other.'" In a November update shared on the same page, Peluso extended his gratitude to fans for their "incredible generosity" and donations, sharing that he was "doing well". "Hi guys! Thanks so much again for your incredible generosity! I'm very pleased to say that I completed the in-patient treatment facility in Tennessee and have been stable and doing well," he said. "The new medication I'm on works well to keep my symptoms in check and has minimal side effects. I'm able to hold down a job again and even began taping some auditions." He added: "It's going to be a lifelong process of going to therapy and working with doctors but I'm so much better than I was before treatment. It really means the world to me to have such incredible support from you all. None of this progress would have been possible without you." A sum of USD $25,000 was raised on behalf of the now-departed star. Images: Instgram

Caring

"Hemsworthy": The Woolies cake that has Chris Hemsworth's seal of approval

Chris Hemsworth celebrated his 40th birthday like a true Aussie, with an iconic cake from Woolworths. The Thor actor took to Instagram to share photos of his birthday celebrations with the caption: "Thank you for all the birthday wishes! Another lap around sun and still goin strong! "I can safely say not a single piece of cake made it through the night." The star celebrated his birthday with his wife Elsa Pataky. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv0aWixhgnI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv0aWixhgnI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth)</a> </div> </blockquote> In a TikTok video the supermarket giant revealed that Hemsworth had kicked off his birthday celebrations with The Woolworths Chocolate Drip Cake. The clip showed a Woolies employee looking at the Instagram pictures the Aussie actor had posted before zooming in on the dessert with the caption: "I have seen that cake before." They then confirmed that the cake was in fact their delectable $29 sponge cake with chocolate buttercream and a Belgian dark chocolate drip. Fans were delighted to see the actor celebrate his birthday in true Aussie style. "It brings me so much comfort that Thor had a Woolies cake for his birthday," one person commented. "If it's good enough for Thor it's good enough for me," another wrote. "Even celebrities can't resist a Woolies cake," commented a third. A Woolworths spokesperson also released a statement sharing how happy they were that the Hollywood star loved their cake. "We have an amazing selection of quality cakes that are ready and available for everyone to celebrate, and we mean everyone!" they said. "So glad to see there wasn't a single piece of our iconic Chocolate Drip Cake left - we are glad it was Hemsworthy and we hope that he enjoyed his birthday celebrations." Image: Instagram

Food & Wine

First state to lock in Matilda's public holiday promise

New South Wales premier Chris Minns has backed Anthony Albanese's proposal to implement a public holiday if The Matildas win the FIFA Women's World Cup. The Prime Minister flagged the idea of a public holiday if the Australian women's team claim the victory, however, the actual decision for the day off will come down to each individual state. NSW Premier Chris Minns has thrown his support behind the idea, and has even put forward the idea of a "ticker tape parade" through the Sydney CBD. "If the Matildas win the semi-final and then win the World Cup final, then yes we will pursue a public holiday in NSW, not just to celebrate the victory but also to have a massive civic celebration and allow the Matildas to celebrate with the people of Sydney what will be an amazing, like, life-changing and unbelievable event in the state's history," Minns told 2GB's Ben Fordham on Monday morning. He said the government was currently working on "contingency plans" in the event of the Matilda's victory. Minns went on to say that any celebrations would happen the week of the winning game, and not the Monday after. Despite the surge of support for the Matildas throughout the tournament, some businesses have opposed the idea of a public holiday, saying they can't afford the expense. "If we did do it in Sydney for a big public holiday, and a massive ticker tape parade, can you imagine the kind of energy and economic excitement," Minns said. The Matildas will be taking on England in the semi-final game on Wednesday night, with the winner going into the final against either Spain or Sweden. Image credits: Getty Images

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