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Fitness influencer gets lifetime ban from NYC marathon for filming content

A Texas social media influencer has been disqualified and banned from future races at the New York City marathon. Last weekend, fitness influencer Matthew Choi ran the race with his camera crew on e-bikes, endangering other runners. He finished the 42.2-kilometre course with a time of 2:57:15, about 50 minutes behind Abdi Nageeye, the winner of the men's race. Choi issued an apology to his 400,000 followers after receiving the lifetime ban. "I have no excuses, full-stop," he said on Wednesday AEDT. "I was selfish on Sunday to have my brother and my videographer follow me around on e-bikes, and it had serious consequences. "We endangered other runners, we impacted people going for PBs, we blocked people from getting water and with the New York City Marathon being about everyone else and the community, I made it about myself. "And for anyone I impacted, I'm sorry." He added that the decision "was 100 per cent on me" as he did not receive pressure to film content from any partners or sponsors. New York Road Runners, the organisers of the race, said in a statement that Choi's actions violated the code of conduct and competition rules. "One of the incidents brought to NYRR's attention was that Choi ran with the assistance of two unauthorised people riding the course on electric bicycles, obstructing runners," the group said. The fitness influencer posted several videos of him running the marathon on social media, which immediately drew backlash. "As a runner, seeing him was amazing. Gave me extra motivation to pass him and make sure I never had to see him and his dumb crew for the rest of the race," wrote one user on Reddit. He has since acknowledged the criticism and has vowed to stop the practice. "It won't happen again. My word is my bond." Images: Instagram

Travel Trouble

Dawson's Creek star reveals cancer diagnosis

American actor James Van Der Beek has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, assuring his fans he is "feeling good" since coming to terms with the news. The Dawson’s Creek star, who played the titular character Dawson Leery, announced the news to <a href="https://people.com/james-van-der-beek-diagnosed-with-colorectal-cancer-exclusive-8738844" target="_blank" rel="noopener">People</a> magazine, saying he had been dealing with the diagnosis "privately". “I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” the 47-year-old told the publication. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.” No further details regarding his diagnosis or treatment were shared. Van Der Beek has six children with his wife Kimberly, with his most recent Instagram post sharing photos of the family dressed up and going trick or treating. While the post did not mention is diagnosis, many flocked to the comments to share their well wishes. One fan wrote, "Just saw the people article. Best wishes for good health James. Takes a lot of courage strength to share something that personal." Another person added, "Positive thoughts, prayers and love to and your whole family at this time! ❤️huge fan of yours all around!" Image credits: Shutterstock

Caring

Matthew Perry's sister and step-dad break silence

Matthew Perry's younger sister and step-dad have opened up about the actor's death for the first time since his passing one year ago. Keith Morrison married Perry's mum in 1981 and couple soon after welcomed their first daughter and Perry's half-sister, Caitlin Morrison. In an interview with Hello! Canada Keith said that Matthew's death at just 54-years-old was "incredibly shocking". "Anybody who has lost a child will tell you that, even if you are in some way prepared for the possibility, it's shattering." "What we have decided to do is hang on to that determination and try to do something useful," Keith continued. He added that the late Friends star would want to be "remembered for doing something to help people suffering from addiction," something that Perry himself had been battling. Perry's sister, Caitlin, is the Executive Director of the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada, a separate entity that expands on the work done by the Matthew Perry Foundation in the US. She explained that the work she is doing at the foundation allows her to still feel close to her brother. "The work that I'm doing now is very selfish because it kind of feels like I'm sitting right next to Matthew, working with him every day on something that was important to him," she shared. "I have this treasure of getting to keep him very, very close to my life all the time, which is wonderful." Caitlin works on the foundation alongside both of her parents, and the actor's childhood friend Brian Murray, as well as mental health professional Cara Vaccarino. Image: Instagram <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">Need to talk to someone? Don't go it alone. <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">Lifeline: 13 11 14, <a style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #258440; text-decoration-line: none; background-color: transparent; transition: 0.2s ease-in-out;" href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lifeline.org.au </a> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">Reach Out: <a href="https://au.reachout.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://au.reachout.com/</a> <em style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">Beyond Blue: 1300 224 635, <a style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #258440; text-decoration-line: none; background-color: transparent; transition: 0.2s ease-in-out;" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/beyondblue.org.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">beyondblue.org.au </a>

Family & Pets

Matthew Perry’s chilling final words revealed

Matthew Perry's chilling final words to his assistant on the day of his death has been made public for the first time, not long after five people were <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/five-people-arrested-over-matthew-perry-s-death" target="_blank" rel="noopener">arrested</a> in connection to his death. New details about the star's final weeks alive have been released in relation to the plea deal taken by Perry’s former live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, 59. The former Friends star told his assistant to “shoot me up with a big one,” before he was found dead in the hot tub of his Los Angeles mansion. According to court documents, Perry was injected with a shot of ketamine at around 8.30am, and was administered the second dose while watching a movie at 12.45pm. About 40 minutes later, he asked his assistant to prepare the jacuzzi and shoot him up with the third, and final “big one”, of the day. “Defendant left the residence to run errands... after returning to the residence, defendant found [Mr Perry] face down in the jacuzzi and deceased,” the court documents reportedly said. The newly released police documents also said that Perry had been found unconscious at his home twice before his tragic death in October. Around two weeks before his death it was reported that the doctor accused of supplying the ketamine, Dr Salvador Plascencia, injected him "with a large dose of ketamine", that caused a "significant spike" to his systolic blood pressure and caused his body to "freeze up such that he could not talk or move". Dr Plascencia allegedly told Iwamasa "Let's not do that again" following the scare and later allegedly described Perry as "too far gone and spiralling in his addiction". Despite this the doctor allegedly ordered 10 vials of ketamine for Perry four days before his death, and allegedly contacted Perry's assistant to offer the up for sale. Three other people have been arrested alongside Iwamasa and Dr Plascencia, including Eric Fleming, Dr. Mark Chavez and the so-called “Ketamine Queen of Los Angeles”, Jasveen Sangha. According to Page Six, Iwamasa, Fleming and Chavez all agreed to a deal that saw them plead guilty – while Sangha and Plasencia have pleaded not guilty. Image: Doug Krantz/BFA.com/ Shutterstock editorial

Legal

Five people arrested over Matthew Perry's death

Five people have been arrested in connection with the death of Friends actor Matthew Perry, who died of a drug overdose in October 2023. Matthew Perry’s assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, two doctors, and two alleged drug dealers, including Jasveen Sangha, the so-called “Ketamine Queen of Los Angeles”, have been arrested over the star's death. All five suspectes are facing charges including “conspiracy to distribute ketamine” over allegations they supplied the 54-year-old with the illegal drugs in the final weeks of his life. In the last four days of his life, Mr Perry paid $100,000 AUD for 70 vials of ketamine. Three of the five people charged have pleaded guilty to several drug-related offences, while a licensed doctor and an alleged drug dealer arrested in California on Thursday are the lead defendants in a “broad, underground criminal network” to distribute ketamine to Mr Perry and others. “These defendants took advantage of Mr Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves. They knew what they were doing was wrong. They knew what they were doing was risking great danger to Mr Perry, but they did it anyway,” said US Attorney Martin Estrada. Following the arrests, Matthew Perry's stepfather has shared a message of gratitude to law enforcement and hoped justice would be served. Keith Morrison, a Canadian journalist, and other loved ones of the Friends star in a statement issued to NBC News say they are finding some solace in the legal system nine months on from his death. "We were and still are heartbroken by Matthew's death, but it has helped to know law enforcement has taken his case very seriously," they said. "We look forward to justice taking its course." Image credits: Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock Editorial

Legal

Sweet reason why Olympian ditched Closing Ceremony

Aussie medallist Matthew Denny has explained the sweet reason why he missed the Paris 2024 closing ceremony after winning a bronze medal in the men's discus throw event. The athlete spoke with Today Extra and explained the romantic reason why he missed the special event. "I feel bad, but I didn't end up going to the Closing; I decided [my wife] Mia was going to be by herself, and I need to give back some time to her because ... it's been a pretty brutal 12 months for her," he said. "So I thought it was really important that we had a nice dinner, and we obviously watched the Closing Ceremony, but I just wanted to give her some time." After flying back from Paris to Australia, the athlete said that he had a training session to attend so that he can "finish the year off strong." Denny won third place in the men's discuss throw event, throwing for 69.31 metres on his second attempt of the final. "I'm just thankful that people always back me. To those who didn't think I was going to do it... eat it!" he said to Wide World of Sports following his win. "It's something I'm so proud of, what I do, I get to live an amazing life. I have a great family and support team. "Before I went into this competition, I watched back the Qantas ad we did. I just want to see those people again before I went in here. "I know that's who I'm doing it for. So... yeah, thank you to you guys for supporting me." Despite his win, the athlete is aiming for gold as he hopes to compete again in the Brisbane Olympics. "I can't not be proud of my performance, but the inner critic wants more, and I know there's more there," he said. "To get a medal is amazing but the critic is still there in me. We'll go again. My goal is to get to Brisbane in 2032." Image: Xinhua News Agency/ Shutterstock Editorial

International Travel

Aussie cancer survivor bags Olympic medal

Australian cyclist Matthew Glaetzer has won his first ever medal at his fourth and final Olympic games. After overcoming injury, heartbreak and even thyroid cancer, the 31-year-old, dubbed by many as cycling's unluckiest man, has finally won a bronze medal. Two years before the Tokyo Olympics, the athlete received a thyroid cancer diagnosis, surgery and treatment. He was then hit by a series of injuries including a torn calf, oblique complaint and bulging disc in his back, but that didn't stop him from competing in Tokyo. While he didn't win any medals, he refused to let a career of near-misses define him and finally achieved bronze in the team sprint alongside Leigh Hoffman and Matt Richardson this year. “It was elation — I was so pumped when I saw that ‘three’ ... on the scoreboard,” Glaetzer said after the race. “It’s very special to finally win an Olympic medal. We were definitely aiming for better — we felt like we could have been in the gold (ride-off).” In the lead-up to the Games, he said that his wife Nikki helped ensure he did not make a rash decision after Tokyo. “I wouldn’t be here without her — I was actually pretty close to giving the sport away after Tokyo,” he said. “For us to be a team together and figure out we have some unfinished business, to push to Paris, has been a feat. “I’m pretty proud to be here.” Image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com/ Shutterstock Editorial

Caring

Hamlet: Experience the epic tragedy reimagined

Brett Dean and Matthew Jocelyn’s Hamlet has been one of the most universally applauded operas in recent memory, with successful performances at the Glyndebourne Festival, the Adelaide Festival, New York's Metropolitan Opera and the Bavarian State Opera. Now Opera Australia’s production of the incredible adaptation at the Sydney Opera House continues to bring new life to Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy. With its rich storytelling, the opera masterfully combines the profound themes of betrayal, revenge and madness with stunning musical compositions – but with a huge difference. For those familiar with Shakespeare’s work, this version of Hamlet provides a fresh perspective, blending the traditional elements of the play with operatic expression skilfully applied by Australian composer Brett Dean and Canadian librettist Matthew Jocelyn. Over60 was fortunate enough to secure an interview with librettist Matthew Jocelyn about his experience in adapting one of the world’s most famous plays into an opera. O60: Firstly, by way of an introduction, you’re a director and librettist – can you summarise your career and your current roles? Matthew: “I have led a particularly speckled career, navigating happily between directing theatre and opera, writing, teaching, running arts institutions in France and Canada, and walking. I always look forward to more of the latter. Right now I direct Koffler Arts, a gallery and multi-disciplinary arts project in Toronto, Canada, the first time I have had the opportunity to work directly with visual arts projects.” O60: How did you get involved with working on this production of Hamlet? Was this a project you’d be looking for or did an offer come as a surprise? Had you done a lot of work with Shakespeare works before this project? Matthew: “Brett Dean contacted me in 2013, through the recommendation of a couple of mutual friends in Berlin, a composer and a singer – both of whom I had worked with on a new opera in 2010. Brett was looking for someone crazy enough to embark on a project of adapting Hamlet for the opera. It was a cold call, but after a few conversations it was clear we shared similar ideas about what the opera could look like, and how to go about it.” O60: How did you approach turning Shakespeare’s famous lines into an opera? Did you write the libretto first or did Brett write the music first? Did you feel pressure making changes to the great Bard’s iconic piece? Matthew: “One of the most important decisions we made very early on was to use only Shakespeare’s own words to compose the libretto. But as three different versions of Hamlet were published during Shakespeare’s lifetime, or shortly after he died, there is no one definitive version – giving us both a multitude of choices for various lines, but also a deep sense that Shakespeare himself was continually rewriting his own text, giving us licence to continue doing the same. “The other major decision was to give ourselves freedom in who would say/sing each line. In our version, Hamlet may sing lines from Laertes or Ophelia, Ophelia sings lines from Polonius, Hamlet and Gertrude, lines get moved from one scene to another, and certain scenes appear in unexpected places for those who know the play. But at the end of the day – and this was the goal – the story is clear, and the emotions strong.” O60: You’ve collaborated with Brett Dean on other projects. What do you like about working with this Australian composer? Do you have future plans for work in Australia? Matthew: "Brett and I worked on numerous projects over a nearly ten-year period. This included chamber works, works for large orchestra with solo voices, and this opera. It was a rich and productive collaboration – with deeply thoughtful exchanges and a shared sense of play. Now we are both working on separate projects.” O60: What are your current projects / what’s coming up in the future? Matthew: “I am writing the libretto for a couple of new operas right now – one in Canada, one in France. And my most recent project, Cassandra by Belgian composer Bernard Foccoulle, will be performed at the Berlin Stadtsoper in June, 2025, after opening at the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels last autumn. Reconceiving Koffler Arts is also a bit of a passion project – I’m very lucky that way.” Attending Opera Australia’s Hamlet is not just a night out but an opportunity to witness a masterful adaptation of a classic story. Whether you’re a seasoned opera lover or new to the genre, this production promises to be an enthralling experience. Don’t miss the chance to see this exceptional interpretation of Hamlet and immerse yourself in the beauty and drama of opera at its finest. Visit <a href="https://opera.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://opera.org.au/</a> for more info. Images: Opera Australia \ Tony Hauser

Music

Aussie Olympian amputates finger to compete at Paris Games

Matthew Dawson has amputated part of his ring finger in order to compete in the Olympics. The 30-year-old is set to represent the Australian men's hockey team - the Kookaburras- at this year's Paris Olympics. His Olympic participation was cast into doubt after he broke his finger, but in an extreme show of dedication, he opted to amputate it instead of getting a cast. “I made an informed decision with the plastic surgeon at the time not only for the opportunity to play in Paris but for life after as well,” Dawson told 7NEWS. “The best option was for me to take the top of my finger off. It’s a bit of a change at the moment and an exciting challenge, I guess.” He reportedly didn't have much time to make the decision, but reassured that he was well informed before making the big move. “I had made the decision and then I called my wife, and she said, ‘I don’t want you to make a rash decision’, but I had all the information I needed to make the decision not for Paris but for life after,” he said. “Hopefully, I can not take too long to get back to form.” He added: “There are plenty of other issues and other people going on with other stuff in their lives that are bigger than losing a finger, so I’m very fortunate that it’s just a little bit of my finger.” Kookaburras Coach Colin Batch praised Dawson for making the big decision. “Dawson is back in training now. He’s certainly set the bar high for anyone getting a broken finger in the future, but full marks to Matt; he’s made that decision and obviously really committed to playing in Paris,” he said. The coach also told 7NEWS that the decision was made entirely by Dawson, and that a coach can't decide for a player. “I’m not sure I would have done it, but he’s done it, so great,” he said. The Aussie hockey team will compete against Argentina on July 27 in their first match for the Paris Olympics. Images: Nine

Body

Disturbing development in Matthew Perry's death

An investigation into Matthew Perry's death is rounding out, and authorities reportedly believe that "multiple people" should be charged for his untimely death. The Friends star was found dead eight months ago at the age of 54, in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home, with an autopsy revealing that he had died from the "acute effects of ketamine". A police source has told People that investigation into the star's death is "nearing its conclusion". “A law enforcement investigative source (says the) investigation into Matthew Perry’s ketamine death is ‘nearing its conclusion’ and police believe ‘multiple people’ should be charged,” the source told People “The source says the US Attorney’s Office will make the ultimate decision on whether or not to press charges.” It is understood that Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy to treat anxiety and depression at the time. The autopsy noted that the levels of Ketamine in Perry's system were in the same range for surgical general anaesthesia, which prompted the LAPD to investigate how he received the drug. The LAPD has been working on its investigation since December in conjunction with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S Postal Inspector. “Law enforcement sources tell us there is an ongoing investigation into where Matthew got the ketamine that ended up playing a part in his death - and the main questions are who provided the drug, and under what circumstances,” TMZ reported at the time. “We do know they’ve already interviewed some key people in Hollywood. “While our sources could not provide names they told us investigators have approached and spoken to people who are known to have a history of drug use or abuse. “We’re told those people are not necessarily the actual source of ketamine, but they could have information leading to the source.” Drowning, coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects were also listed as other contributing factors in his passing. Image: Warner Bros Tv/Bright/Kauffman/Crane Pro/Koba/ Shutterstock Editorial

Legal

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

Matthew Perry's cause of death finally revealed

The sudden and tragic death of Friends actor Matthew Perry <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/you-were-loved-tributes-flow-over-tragic-passing-of-matthew-perry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shocked fans worldwide</a>. Now the County of Los Angeles' medical examiner has finally released its report detailing the cause of his demise, attributing it to the acute effects of ketamine. Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the iconic TV series, passed away at the age of 54 on the morning of October 28, after a game of pickleball. He returned home and sent his assistant on an errand. Two hours later, the assistant returned to find Perry unresponsive in the spa. Emergency services were called, but paramedics pronounced Perry dead at the scene. At the time, the coroner's report listed only drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of opioid buprenorphine as contributing factors, ultimately ruling the death as an accident. Ketamine, a dissociative anaesthetic with hallucinogenic effects, has now been determined to have played a significant role in Perry's demise. The autopsy revealed that Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy to manage depression and anxiety. However, the ketamine found in his system at the time of death could not be attributed to the most recent therapy session, as its half-life is only three to four hours. The report stated that the high levels of ketamine in his postmortem blood could lead to cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression. Perry had a history of substance abuse, openly discussing his battles with addiction dating back to his time on Friends in the 1990s. Despite being reportedly clean for 19 months before his death, the toxicology report revealed ongoing ketamine infusions. Perry had detailed his experiences with ketamine in his memoir, describing it as a "giant exhale" that made him feel as though he were "dying". “Ketamine was a very popular street drug in the 1980s," Perry wrote in his book Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing. "There is a synthetic form of it now, and it’s used for two reasons: to ease pain and help with depression. Has my name written all over it – they might as well have called it ‘Matty’.” During the pandemic, Perry received ketamine infusions in a Swiss rehab clinic, as revealed in his memoir. He explained that the drug, known for its pain-relieving and antidepressant properties, provided a unique and different experience. However, he also acknowledged the rough hangover associated with ketamine, ultimately stating that the drug was not for him. “Taking K is like being hit in the head with a giant happy shovel," he wrote. "But the hangover was rough and outweighed the shovel. Ketamine was not for me.” Images: Getty

Caring

Patti Newton's desperate plea to her troubled son

Patti Newton has issued a desperate plea to her son Matthew, who has spent two years out of the spotlight and has built a new life in America. According to <a href="https://www.nowtolove.com.au/womansday" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Woman's Day</a>, Patti is determined to see her family reunited, as she wishes for Matthew to return to Australia. After a series of scandals, Matthew fled the country and has since created a new life for himself in Texas with his <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/huge-matthew-newton-mystery-confirmed-during-bert-s-funeral" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wife</a> Catherine Schneiderman. Matthew was arrested twice in 2012 following altercations in Miami, following a string of scandals in Australia, including several domestic violence allegations a charge of assault. Despite her son now living his best life in the US, Patti desperately wants him to return home. "Moving to Texas is the best thing either of them could have done. They're loving a new outdoorsy life and they're both looking and feeling great," a source told the magazine. "[But] Patti desperately wants them to come home to Australia." It's been several years since Matthew returned home, as he chose <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/why-matt-newton-won-t-be-attending-bert-s-funeral" target="_blank" rel="noopener">not to return</a> for his father Bert's funeral in 2021. Matthew, who suffers from bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and has a history of addiction, refrains from the spotlight after having a stint in the Australian entertainment scene with a series of TV shows and movies. Image credits: Ten

Family & Pets

The enduring appeal of Friends, and why so many of us feel we’ve lost a personal friend in Matthew Perry

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-gerace-325968">Adam Gerace</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a> The <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/videos/world/friends-star-matthew-perry-dies-aged-54/cloatn0ae00ea0jqbpdz0h8td">death of Matthew Perry</a>, best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the television series Friends, has seen an outpouring of grief from fans and the Hollywood community. His passing at age 54 has shocked both those who admired his acting work, as well as those who followed his efforts to bring awareness to <a href="https://people.com/tv/matthew-perry-opens-up-about-addiction-new-memoir/">the pains of addiction</a>. Tributes to Perry have understandably focused on his star-making turn on the incredibly popular television sitcom. Scenes, catchphrases, and his character’s lines have been lovingly repurposed across the internet to memorialise the gifted actor. Meanwhile, many viewers have situated their <a href="https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/friends-fans-mourn-matthew-perry-new-york-apartment-1235772520/">recollections</a> of Perry and the series within the context of their own experiences. Viewers who came of age, or were the characters’ ages during the show’s original run, have reminisced about what the work of Perry and his co-stars meant to them at formative times in their lives. Newer viewers have similarly shared how important the series has been to them – their relationship with the show often beginning long after production ended. For many, Friends was the television equivalent of the soundtrack to their lives. To appreciate the staying power of the series for original and <a href="https://www.etonline.com/streaming-friends-how-a-90s-sitcom-became-gen-zs-new-favorite-show-132624">newer viewers alike</a> almost 30 years since it debuted, we need to consider what functions television viewing serves and the bonds we form with its characters. <h2>Enduring appeal</h2> Part of Friends’ popularity lies in its timing. The show premiered in 1994, a period when network television was still dominant. By its end a decade later, while the power of the big television networks had <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/08838150701820924">eroded</a>, the series had maintained <a href="https://www.ratingsryan.com/2022/09/friends-nbc-ratings-recap.html">an average</a> of more than 20 million viewers each season. The 2004 finale brought in a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/08/arts/friends-finale-s-audience-is-the-fourth-biggest-ever.html">record-breaking</a> 52.5 million viewers in the United States. The series then entered repeats around the world. It hasn’t left our screens since. The late 90s and early 2000s have sometimes been referred to as the end of monoculture. While a <a href="https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/12/17/21024439/monoculture-algorithm-netflix-spotify">contested and controversial idea</a> because of, among other concerns, who was included and excluded on our screens, monoculture meant we watched <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/bestmusic2012/2012/12/21/167836852/the-year-in-pop-charts-return-of-the-monoculture">many of the same things</a>. One of the most popular shows of its era, Friends brought people together. It was a show we watched with our families or friends, spoke about the next day with colleagues, and it provided a common connection. It allowed bonding with real friends as much as fictional ones. Friends did not only reflect style of the time; it also frequently created it. Jennifer Aniston’s haircut, coined “<a href="https://www.bustle.com/style/the-rachel-haircut">The Rachel</a>”, or Perry’s lovable smart-alecky cadence, typified with Chandler’s catchphrase of “Could I be any more…”, were endlessly imitated. I know I attempted to replicate Chandler’s <a href="https://www.gq.com.au/style/celebrity/unexpectedly-great-fashion-inspiration-courtesy-of-friends/image-gallery/f55ac75cc180e31c462525da961295fc">sweater vests</a> and light blue denim look. Participation provided viewers <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-5931.2011.00866.x">a sense</a> of identity. As people enter their 30s and 40s, they often <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0208595">gravitate</a> towards the memories made during their formative adolescent and young adult years. So perhaps it’s no surprise Friends endures for original viewers as it represents – and was a part of – their lives at this important time. <h2>Likeable characters</h2> Television and other fictional media meet our needs for <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2958.2009.01368.x">both</a> pleasure and extracting meaning. We get excited, entertained and moved by television. As part of this, we bond with fictional characters. We cannot help but <a href="https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327825MCS0403_01">empathise</a> with them. A series like Friends with its characters and their combinations of breakups, makeups and other mishaps allowed us to safely use our empathy muscles to cheer on and sometimes commiserate with the group of six. It helped that each character was flawed but inherently likeable. Fictional characters also allow us to <a href="https://theconversation.com/neighbours-vs-friends-we-found-out-which-beloved-show-fans-mourned-more-when-it-ended-212843">experience lifestyles</a> we might not otherwise. In the case of Friends, who didn’t want to live in a rent-controlled apartment like Monica’s, or regularly meet their supportive and funny pals for coffee at Central Perk? As a teen, I imagined such a world for myself in the not-too-distant future. Younger generations might be more aware of how out-of-reach that lifestyle was, or find the show’s <a href="https://ew.com/tv/jennifer-aniston-friends-offensive-new-generation/">humour sometimes dated</a>. But the idea of what the friends’ lifestyle represented – possibility, freedom, a chosen family – evidently still holds appeal. <h2>Fictional relationships, but real sadness</h2> In forming relationships with fictional characters, we form bonds with the performers who bring them to life. The lines between character and creator become blurry, both because of the knowledge about actors’ lives celebrity culture affords us, but also because their characters seem so real. When the actors pass away, we <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.06.042">feel real grief</a>. It’s important for fans of Matthew Perry to <a href="https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/why-with-all-the-sht-happening-in-the-world-its-still-okay-to-grieve-a-celebritys-death/">acknowledge</a> their loss. Even though his character is fictional, and you didn’t know him personally, you can still feel sad. Watching the series may be difficult right now. With time, it will become easier. Matthew Perry wanted <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/matthew-perry-death-addiction-alcoholism-drugs-b2437980.html">his legacy</a> to be awareness of addiction and the help he provided to people struggling with this disorder. Hopefully what will be felt now, alongside collective sadness, is an empathy for those facing addiction. That may be the power of television, and of a character named Chandler, and the actor who brought him to life, who many considered their friend.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/216626/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-gerace-325968">Adam Gerace</a>, Senior Lecturer and Head of Course - Positive Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-enduring-appeal-of-friends-and-why-so-many-of-us-feel-weve-lost-a-personal-friend-in-matthew-perry-216626">original article</a>.

"Matthew would enjoy the humour of it": Ironic detail spotted in Friends tribute

While many fans of the long-running sitcom Friends are in mourning over the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/you-were-loved-tributes-flow-over-tragic-passing-of-matthew-perry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sudden death of Matthew Perry</a>, others have delighted in an ironic detail surrounding the Friends apartment in New York. Since the announcement of Perry's death on Sunday, thousands of fans of the show has flocked to the apartment building in New York City's West Village, where the external shots of the gang's apartment was filmed, to pay their respects. While the sitcom, which ran for ten years from 1994, was actually filmed in Los Angeles, the Bedford Street address was used for the external shots of the New York-based show, with the humble apartment being home to each of the cast members during the show. Fans of the show have left notes, flowers, Central Perk memorabilia, and other sentimental items to pay tribute to the late actor. However, one eagle-eyed fan spotted a quirky detail hovering around the building, as Perry's death coincided with Halloween. <iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKidspotAustralia%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02xSVyrpRthTeLeBNqtvHKWUB36us5bVB5vKCW1R9DYgF66kBWqnsSYarY2kDFfCT3l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="581" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Part of the building's Halloween decorations included a large ghost hovering near the iconic apartment, with many quick to point out the hilarious irony of the figure floating above the makeshift memorial. “That Halloween ghost is kinda fitting for the photo/mood and I think Matthew would enjoy the humour of it,” fan Holly astutely pointed out, sharing photos of the ghost on Facebook. The ironic decorations emerged shortly after Perry's Friends co-stars have <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/so-utterly-devastated-friends-cast-break-silence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">broken their silence</a> over his sudden death in a group statement to People magazine. Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer said on Tuesday, "We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family." "There is so much to say, but right now we're going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss." 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transition: transform 0.2s ease-in-out 0s, opacity 0.2s ease-in-out 0s, transform 0.2s ease-in-out 0s; opacity: 1;"> <div style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); min-height: 12px; height: var(--icon-height); line-height: var(--icon-height); min-width: var(--icon-height); display: inline-flex; justify-content: center;"> </div> <div class="toggled slot-content svelte-1eoizxx" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); filter: drop-shadow(rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25) 0px 2px 0px); box-sizing: border-box; position: var(--button-position); top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 54px; height: 54px; display: grid; align-content: center; justify-content: center; transition: transform 0.2s ease-in-out 0s, opacity 0.2s ease-in-out 0s, transform 0.2s ease-in-out 0s; opacity: 0;"> <div style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); min-height: 12px; height: var(--icon-height); line-height: var(--icon-height); min-width: var(--icon-height); display: inline-flex; justify-content: center;"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="start-time svelte-fllze1" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); top: calc(8px + var(--size-big-button)); position: absolute; left: 27px; transform: translate(-50%); background-color: var(--bg-color-pane); padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 32px; font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: var(--margin-size); margin-left: 2px;" data-cy="start-screen-duration">01:31</div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="center-area svelte-10zo7b2" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); flex-grow: 1;"> </div> </div> <div class="chrome-bottom-shadow svelte-10zo7b2" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); transition: opacity 0.15s ease-in-out 0s; opacity: 0; position: absolute; inset: 0px;"> </div> </div> <div class="bb-layer bb-context-layer" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 730px; height: 411px; overflow: hidden; border-radius: 10px; pointer-events: none !important;"> "For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty's family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world." </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Caring

Matthew Perry's huge net worth revealed

As the world <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/you-were-loved-tributes-flow-over-tragic-passing-of-matthew-perry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mourns the loss </a>of one of its beloved Friends stars, Matthew Perry, whose iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing left an indelible mark on fans worldwide, it's important to remember the legacy he leaves behind – a legacy encompassing not only his role in Friends but also his achievements in film, television, literature, real estate and more. While his presence will be missed, his work will continue to inspire and entertain fans for generations to come. Let's take a look at the legacy he leaves behind. The Friends Phenomenon Matthew Perry's fame skyrocketed when he became Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom in 1995. Initially earning US$35,000 per episode, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/so-utterly-devastated-friends-cast-break-silence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Perry and his five co-stars</a> (Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer and Matt Le Blanc) rewrote history in 2002 when they negotiated a groundbreaking deal to earn US$1 million per episode during the show's final season. Each season consisted of 23 episodes, meaning that Perry made well over US$20 million for just one season. Over the course of the show's ten successful seasons, each cast member earned a staggering $141 million. To add to his wealth, Friends continues to be one of the most popular streaming series globally, guaranteeing the stars royalties of approximately $16 to $31 million annually. Even Warner Bros., the show's producer, reaps substantial profits, with an estimated $1.5 billion yearly from reruns. The 2021 Friends reunion special on HBO Max further contributed to Perry's financial success, with each principal cast member receiving $3.9 million. Film and Television Matthew Perry's talents extended beyond the realm of Friends. He starred in various film and television projects, including The Whole Nine Yards alongside Bruce Willis, Aaron Sorkin's Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip alongside West Wing alum Bradley Whitford, 17 Again, and The Odd Couple, where he also served as an executive producer. In his memoir, Perry disclosed that he negotiated his Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip salary from an initial offer of $79,000 per episode to $275,000 per episode. In the romantic comedy Fools Rush In (1997), he earned $1.57 million. Memoir Perry's memoir, titled Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir, was released in November 2022. Despite a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/keanu-reeves-attacked-for-still-being-alive" target="_blank" rel="noopener">minor hiccup involving actor Keanu Reeves</a>, where he questioned why Reeves was still alive while others like River Phoenix and Heath Ledger had tragically passed, Perry's memoir received a warm reception. Perry swiftly apologised for the comment and promised to remove all mention of Reeves from future editions. It's rumoured that Perry secured a "seven-figure" book deal for the candid memoir, which is bound to generate significant earnings through book sales. Real Estate Ventures Perry also dabbled in real estate throughout his life. In 2011, he purchased a $17 million beachfront home in Malibu, later listing it for $23 million in 2020. Ultimately, the property sold in 2021 for $20 million. In 2015, Perry sold another Malibu home for $17 million. In 2017, he acquired a luxurious 40th-floor condo in Century City for $30 million. Two years later, he listed the condo for $46.4 million but eventually sold it in 2021 for $28.3 million, 38% less than the initial asking price. One of his most recent acquisitions was a $7.8 million Hollywood Hills home, purchased in June 2021. In 2020, Perry bought his Pacific Palisades residence, where he resided until his passing. This midcentury modern ranch-style home boasted four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a fire pit and a raised pool overlooking the ocean. Car Collection Apart from his real estate ventures, Perry was known for his impressive car collection. It included various luxury vehicles, such as a Lincoln Navigator, a BMW 6 Series Convertible, a BMW 7 Series sedan, a Porsche Panamera, and a Porsche 911 Carrera Convertible. He also owned a BMW Z8, an Aston Martin Vantage Convertible, a Porsche Taycan 4S, and an Audi R8 Spyder, each valued between $300,000 and $500,000. Perry's enduring legacy spans far beyond the confines of the Friends universe. His multifaceted career, literary contributions, and real estate ventures have solidified his status as an entertainment icon. While his presence will be missed, his work will continue to inspire and entertain fans for generations to come. Image: NBC

Money & Banking

"So utterly devastated": Friends cast break silence

The cast of Friends have broken their silence on Matthew Perry's <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/you-were-loved-tributes-flow-over-tragic-passing-of-matthew-perry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tragic passing</a> over the weekend. His co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer, issued a joint statement to People Magazine on Tuesday. "We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family," the statement read. "There is so much to say, but right now we're going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss." "In time we will say more, as and when we are able." "For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty's family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world." The statement was signed by the cast. A few other Friends co-stars had previously paid tribute to the actor, Maggie Wheeler andMorgan Fairchild, were among them. Maggie Wheeler, who played Chandler's on-again, off-again girlfriend, Janice wrote: "What a loss. The world will miss you Matthew Perry. The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on. I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared. ♥️" While Morgan Fairchild, who played Chandler's mother, Nora Bing, said she was "heartbroken" by the untimely loss of her "son". Images: Getty

Caring

"You were loved": Tributes flow over tragic passing of Matthew Perry

The world was left in shock and mourning as news broke of the tragic death of beloved actor Matthew Perry, best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends. The 54-year-old actor passed away in an apparent drowning accident at his Los Angeles home, leaving a void in the hearts of countless fans and colleagues. Emergency services were summoned to Perry's residence in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood after an assistant found him unresponsive. Initial reports indicated that it was a "water rescue or water emergency". Disturbingly, a 911 call made from Perry's home shortly before first responders arrived mentioned the word "drowning." The actor was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi, where his life was tragically cut short. In the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the death investigation at Perry's residence, marking the untimely end of a talented and cherished actor. The circumstances surrounding Perry's death remain the subject of public speculation. While law enforcement sources reported that no drugs were discovered at the scene and foul play is not suspected, the investigation continues. The family, including his mother Suzanne Morrison, father John Bennett Perry, and stepfather Dateline NBC's Keith Morrison, issued a statement expressing their profound grief and gratitude for the outpouring of love from fans. "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother," the family said. "Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend. You all meant so much to him, and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love." In the dispatch audio obtained by TMZ, emergency responders referenced a "drowning" incident. While it is reported that Perry was found in a hot tub, a source later claimed that he had just returned home from a game of pickleball. Perry's passing has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond. Former colleagues and fellow stars have paid their heartfelt tributes to the actor who brought laughter to millions with his portrayal of Chandler Bing. Maggie Wheeler, who portrayed Chandler's unforgettable on-again, off-again girlfriend, Janice, in Friends, expressed her gratitude for the joy Perry brought into people's lives. She shared on Instagram, "The joy Matthew brought to so many in his too short lifetime will live on. I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared." Morgan Fairchild, who played Chandler's mother, Nora Bing, described herself as "heartbroken" by the untimely loss of her "son". She acknowledged the brilliance of the young actor and the shock that this tragedy has brought to the entertainment world. Even Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who knew Perry from their shared history when Perry's mother worked as an aide to Trudeau's father, former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, expressed his grief. Trudeau remembered the schoolyard games they played and the worldwide joy that Perry brought to fans. He said, "Thanks for all the laughs, Matthew. You were loved – and you will be missed." Piers Morgan, the renowned broadcaster and journalist, acknowledged Perry's talent as an actor but also recognised the struggles he faced. Perry's candid autobiography about his battle with addiction left a profound impact, and his passing is a stark reminder of the difficulties he endured. Warner Bros Television Group, which produced Friends for its entire run, released a statement expressing their devastation over the loss of their dear friend. “We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry. Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros Television Group family. The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.” NBC, the network that aired Friends, also paid tribute to the late actor, highlighting the immense joy he brought to millions through his pitch-perfect comedic timing and wry wit. They emphasised that his legacy will continue to live on through countless generations. The passing of Matthew Perry is a loss not only for his family and friends but also for the countless individuals whose lives were brightened by his humour and talent. His portrayal of Chandler Bing on Friends remains etched in the hearts of fans around the world, and his memory will live on as an enduring source of laughter and joy. Images: Getty / NBC / Instagram

Caring

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

Chris Dawson's twin brother accused of underage sex

Paul Dawson, the twin sibling of Chris Dawson, who is both a convicted murderer and a perpetrator of child sexual abuse, is now facing allegations from several women claiming he engaged in sexual activity with them when they were minors during their time as students – per <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/60-minutes/wife-killer-chris-dawsons-twin-accused-by-four-women-of-underage-sex/8b9b9345-e1d6-4f3d-9bcc-d3f3d4c06603" target="_blank" rel="noopener">60 Minutes</a>. One of Paul Dawson's former students at Forest High School, Shelley Oates-Wilding, shared her experience on a 60 Minutes interview, detailing her time during the early 1980s when she was a teenager. Multiple women who attended schools in Sydney's Northern Beaches, where Paul Dawson taught, have also come forward, asserting that the now 75-year-old engaged in sexual relations with them when they were underage. Prior to their teaching careers, both Paul and Chris Dawson were prominent figures in the world of rugby league and modelling. However, their roles as educators have recently come under intense scrutiny as law enforcement reopened investigations into the suspected murder of Lynette Dawson. Although the focus had been primarily on Chris Dawson until now, serious questions now arise about Paul Dawson's behaviour. Shelley's public disclosure unveils disturbing details about how Paul Dawson targeted her. In an exclusive interview with 60 Minutes, Shelley revealed that she and Paul spent considerable time socialising with Chris and his young mistress, forming two couples of teachers and students. Shelley alleges that Paul engaged in sexual activity with her at various locations across Sydney's Northern Beaches. The experiences she recalls were intimate and occurred within settings like fitness classes, store rooms, and pools. At the time, the Dawson twins, popular and attractive, garnered admiration from their students, making any attention they showed highly flattering. Shelley reflects on the naivety of youth, sharing that as a 15- and 16-year-old, she lacked the awareness to recognise the grooming that was occurring. She was also a babysitter for Paul's children, which sometimes led to overnight stays. Given the legal framework of the time, the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) deemed it illegal for a teacher to engage in sexual activity with a female student under the age of 17. Shelley vividly remembers an encounter with Paul shortly before the news of Lyn Dawson's disappearance emerged. Paul expressed distress, telling her that something terrible had occurred, and he could no longer maintain their connection. Shelley recalls pondering the severity of the situation at the time. As news circulated about Chris Dawson's missing wife, Shelley sensed a darker narrative than Lyn simply running away. Her personal experiences led her to believe that there was more to the story. "At the beginning of school, I vividly remember going to see him," she said on the program. "He said to me with this extremely pained look on his face that something terrible has happened and he can't see me anymore. I remember thinking, what could be that terrible?" Decades have passed since Shelley's time as Paul Dawson's student. She has since relocated to Hawaii, distancing herself from the Northern Beaches environment where she grew up. While the scars of her childhood experiences can be lasting, Shelley Oates-Wilding channels her journey into positive efforts. She founded Ikaika Hawaii, where she implements holistic programs to guide young individuals toward understanding right from wrong, cultivating perseverance, and embracing respect. She has found the confidence to speak out on Paul Dawson because she knows there are other victims who are in a worse situation than her. Shelley maintains that Paul Dawson likely remains oblivious to any wrongdoing. She perceives a tendency for the Dawson twins to deceive effortlessly, suggesting that their self-perception is intertwined with the narratives they've woven. Images: Nine / 60 Minutes

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