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George Clooney's heartfelt message after sad loss

<p>George Clooney has shared a heartfelt message to his <em>Ocean's Eleven </em>co-star, Scott L. Schwartz, who sadly passed away aged 65. </p> <p>"I'm sorry to hear that Scott is gone," he told <em>Variety</em>. </p> <p>"We did three films together and I've never been so gently punched," Clooney continued. </p> <p>"He was a gentle soul and he will be dearly missed."</p> <p>Schwartz, who stood at six feet and 10 inches (approx. 208.3cm) tall, played Bruiser in the <em>Ocean's Eleven </em>trilogy, alongside Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and more Hollywood stars. </p> <p>Clooney's character in the film, Danny Ocean, hires Bruiser to pretend to beat him up during the group's casino heist. </p> <p>Schwartz's wife Misty confirmed he died on November 26 at his Covington, Los Angeles home, according to <em>People</em>. His cause of death is understood to be congestive heart failure. </p> <p>Misty said while he was known for the Ocean's film, she was "most proud of his charity work", which saw him be honoured with the Glass Slipper Award from children's healthcare foundation CHOC.</p> <p>"Most people associate Scott with the movies, but those who know him personally associated him with being a jolly person, so full of life, a strong loving person, foodie and travel aficionado," his wife told <em>People.</em></p> <p><em>"Life won't be the same without him."</em></p> <p>Schwartz is survived by his wife, Misty, and children Angela and Adam.</p> <p><em>Image: SplashNews.com/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Michael Jackson's staggering debt revealed

<p>Michael Jackson was reportedly drowning in massive debt at the time of his death in 2009. </p> <p>According to newly released court documents, the late King of Pop owed more than $500 million ($747.05 million AUD) to more than 65 creditors just before he passed.</p> <p>Jackson had “more than half a dozen lawsuits pending worldwide” and more than “65 creditors’ claims were filed in the estate spawning additional lawsuits, of which several resulted in litigation,” the documents state. </p> <p>According to the documents, that were filed in a Los Angeles court on June 21st, the executors of Jackson's will were able to “renegotiate and restructure financing arrangements,” including a lucrative deal with Sony over rights he had to music publishing for several artists, at “substantially reduced interest rates” to avoid further losses and rectify the debts.</p> <p>The $750 million ($1.120 billion AUD) agreement allowed Sony to acquire Sony/ATV, which held the rights to almost 3 million famous songs from artists including John Lennon and Paul McCartney, David Bowie and Taylor Swift.</p> <p>Despite settling the major agreement with the record label, the Jackson estate still reportedly owes a significant amount of money as “there remain challenging business, tax and legal issues that the executers and their counsel continue to deal with.”</p> <p>The filing reportedly also notes a pending final decision on a victory in a 2021 court battle with the IRS.</p> <p>Jackson’s three children, Prince, 27, Paris, 26, and Bigi Jackson, 22 — who are the beneficiaries of his estate — have been blocked from receiving money from their trust until the IRS dispute has been settled.</p> <p>A spokesperson for the estate clarified, “The estate has a very cooperative relationship with Michael’s children and whenever they need anything, the estate works with them to ensure that they are very well taken care of, just as Michael would have wanted.”</p> <p>The <em>Los Angeles Times</em> previously reported that Michael accrued so much debt largely in part because of his excessive spending habits, which were aired during his 2003 interview with Martin Bashir that laid bare his extravagant spending. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Mousse/ABACA/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Money & Banking

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Teen athlete's tragic death just weeks before Paris Games

<p>A young Olympic hopeful has tragically died just weeks out from making his debut at the Paris Games. </p> <p>Jackson James Rice, 18, was found dead after a diving accident in Faleloa, Tonga on Saturday from a “suspected shallow water blackout”.</p> <p>The teenager had been set to become the first caucasian to represent Tonga at an Olympic Games, having qualified for the new kite-foiling event.</p> <p>He had been free diving from a boat when the tragedy unfolded. </p> <p>His body was found beneath the boat and despite several resuscitation attempts, he could not be revived. </p> <p>Rice's heartbroken father confirmed the news of the teenager's death to the Matangi Tonga newspaper, as tributes flowed for the young athlete.</p> <p>Rice’s sister Lily paid an emotional tribute to her brother on social media on Sunday, as she wrote on Facebook, “I was blessed with the most amazing brother in the whole world and it pains me to say that he’s passed away."</p> <p>“He was an amazing kitefoiler and he would have made it to the Olympics and come out with a big shiny medal … he made so many amazing friends all over the world.”</p> <p>Other friends paid tribute to the teenager on social media, with one writing, “I can’t begin to put into words what I’m feeling right now. I still cannot believe it, when I woke up to this news I thought you were playing around. You’re the most amazing friend anyone could ask for and anyone who has spent time with you would agree.”</p> <p>Rice was originally born in the US but moved to Tonga at a young age with his British-born parents. </p> <p>He grew up in Haʻapai, where his parents run a tourist lodge, and always viewed himself as Tongan.</p> <p>The talented athlete qualified for what had been due to be his first Olympic Games last December, after placing eighth at a Sail Sydney event.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Caring

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"Pure terror": Samuel Johnson recalls infamous Logies moment with Molly Meldrum

<p>Samuel Johnson has opened up on his long-running feud with Molly Meldrum, which began at the 2017 Logies. </p> <p>Johnson appeared on 2Day FM’s <em>Hughsey, Ed &amp; Erin</em> on Wednesday to reveal the brutal fallout of the infamous moment when Meldrum stormed the state during Johnson's acceptance speech and took over the microphone, giving a rambling and at times explicit speech of his own.</p> <p>The win, for playing Meldrum in the two-part miniseries about his life titled <em>Molly</em>, came at a time when the actor had become a tireless fundraiser for cancer research after starting the Love Your Sister charity in 2012 with his sister Connie, who had been diagnosed with multiple cancers throughout her life.</p> <p>However, instead of being able to use his speech to raise awareness for the charity, Meldrum instead stole the actor’s thunder and was left facing a wave of criticism over his bizarre antics. </p> <p>Speaking on Wednesday, Johnson said that incident was “pure terror” and a night he’s still not forgotten about.</p> <p>“I told him it was my moment not his! I was looking down at the front table. It was all the people from <span id="U84206877909VdF">The Project</span> and they all had their jaws on the floor,” he said. “It was 8 minutes of pure terror.” </p> <p>Johnson, who previously claimed Meldrum’s antics at the ceremony cost the charity he had planned to plug over $1 million dollars, went to reveal the fallout of the incident, confessing that he’s not seen Meldrum since all the drama went down that infamous evening.</p> <p>“I don’t hold grudges, I just can’t walk into the future with him,” he continued, suggesting that more has gone down behind the scenes than fans know about.</p> <p>“There’s a lot that he’s done that I don’t say. But it’s not that I hold a grudge, it’s that I’ve moved on.”</p> <p>Johnson appeared on the same radio show last year when he spoke about the feud, when Hughesy urged him to let go of his grudge against the Aussie TV legend. </p> <p>“You said you would never speak to Molly again … I hate grudge holding and that’s bad for you,” Hughes bluntly told Johnson last year. </p> <p>“I agree with you, I totally agree with you, but when I’ve specifically asked you not do something, and it’s a once in a lifetime moment, a moment I’ll never get back … He has breached my trust in that moment and I’m sorry, I’m not going to do the Molly sequel. I don’t think I should,” Johnson argued.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine Network / 2Day FM </em></p>

TV

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Former Neighbours star’s stunning Yarra Valley wedding

<p>In a celebration filled with love, laughter and music, singer and former <em>Neighbours</em> star Bonnie Anderson tied the knot with her beau, Samuel Morrison, in a breathtaking ceremony at the enchanting Acacia Ridge Vineyard in Yarra Valley, Victoria.</p> <p>The 29-year-old songstress and her landscaper husband exchanged vows in the presence of their closest family and friends, marking the beginning of a beautiful journey together.</p> <p>The radiant bride walked down the aisle in a sleeveless, halter-neck lace gown crafted by the talented Australian designer Jason Grech, while the dashing groom looked ever so handsome in a classic black tuxedo. The picturesque vineyard provided the perfect backdrop for this special day, creating an atmosphere of pure magic and romance.</p> <p>Sharing their joy with the world, Anderson captioned the first wedding photo on Instagram with the simple yet powerful words, "Mr and Mrs Morrison."</p> <p>The newlyweds flooded their social media with countless photos and videos, giving fans a glimpse into the magical celebration of their love.</p> <p>During the reception, the talented bride took the stage once again, not only as a singer but as a romantic lyricist. Anderson serenaded her new husband with a heartfelt song she had written especially for him, creating an unforgettable moment as their guests gathered around to witness their love story unfold.</p> <p>The celebration continued inside a marquee on the sprawling estate, where the bridesmaids, adorned in elegant black satin gowns, kicked off the festivities with a rehearsed entrance set to the iconic Beyoncé hit, "Single Ladies". Dinner was served, and the atmosphere was electric as the bride treated the guests to her musical prowess before the DJ took over, transforming the evening into a dance-filled extravaganza.</p> <p>In a pre-wedding interview with the <em>Herald Sun</em>, Anderson expressed her desire for the celebration to be a "big party" filled with entertainment and music, and she certainly delivered on that promise. Life may be chaotic as a mum, singer and wedding organiser, but for Bonnie Anderson, the chaos is well worth the joy that comes with looking forward to the future.</p> <p>The couple, who had already welcomed their bundle of joy, Bobby, in December the previous year, radiated happiness and love throughout the day. Anderson, who found fame at the tender age of 12 as the first winner of <em>Australia's Got Talent</em> in 2007, has come a long way, gracing the screens of <em>Neighbours</em> from 2018 to 2021. Now, as Bonnie Morrison, she begins a new chapter in her fairy tale alongside Samuel.</p> <p>As they dance into the rest of their lives together, Bonnie and Samuel Morrison serve as a testament to the enduring power of love, the magic of music, and the joy of sharing life's grandest moments with those who matter most. Cheers to the newlyweds, and may their journey be filled with endless love, laughter, and, of course, more unforgettable music!</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Jackson Warne speaks for the first time on the moment he found out about his father's death

<p>Jackson Warne has opened up for the first time about the life-changing moment he found out about his father's untimely death. </p> <p>Jackson was 22-years-old when his father, famous Aussie cricketer Shane Warne, passed away of a heart attack while holidaying in Thailand in March 2022. </p> <p>Now, for the first time, Jackson has recalled the moment he and his family found out abut the devastating news. </p> <p>Speaking with <em>SAS Australia</em> chief instructor Ant Middleton on the show's podcast ahead of the show's anticipated finale, Jackson spoke candidly about receiving the life-changing phone call. </p> <p>Middleton asked Jackson, who was a contestant on <em>SAS</em> three years ago, “Do you remember where you were when you got the news?” </p> <p>Jackson said, “Definitely, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to probably forget where I was or what I was doing. Because all you get is a phone call. And then when you hang up the phone call, your life that you’ve been living, your entire life, everything you ever knew sort of was like this, just gets whooshed, just completely flipped upside down."</p> <p>“You have all these thoughts, and you let the tears out, that you just sort of sit in silence. Like we, I was with my girlfriend, my sister, Brooke, and her partner, and then my mum. And we just got to call. Hung up the phone and we just sat in silence for hours."</p> <p>While going through the shock and devastation of finding out about his father's death, Jackson had a profound dream about his late dad, as he felt he was sending him a message. </p> <p>He began, "I can tell you about a dream that might sound bizarre, but it would have been maybe two weeks, or two-and-a-half weeks after dad passed, and I was driving my car. He was driving his car. And we used to sort not race, we used to just drive next to each other and, you know, race a little bit."</p> <p>“But he was always the better driver in the better car. So (he) always beat me all the time, all the time. And in this dream I had, I was driving my car, he was driving his car, we’re both looking each other left and right and driving and driving.</p> <p>“And then all of a sudden our cars sort of, they sort of merged, and I was in the driver’s seat of his car. And then I looked to my left, and he wasn’t there. And then I sort of woke up and I can really vividly remember that dream."</p> <p>“Everything about it, I can remember. And I sort of looked at that as he was sort of giving me the permission to be in charge. Now he’s like, ‘Jackson, I’m giving you the driver’s seat. You’re the one that’s, you know, going to be making the tough decisions. Now you’re the one that has to step up for the family. I’m not here anymore, you have to be (the one)‘."</p> <p>Jackson also shared the reason he is finally speaking out about his father, saying, “To keep someone’s memory alive, you have to keep talking about them."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

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L-plater attacked with traffic cone reveals what sparked road rage outburst

<p>A Perth teenager was behind the wheel for the first time, when the "classy" passenger of a BMW behind erupted with rage.</p> <p>The woman attacked the L-plater behind the wheel in a bizarre outburst, yelling out expletives and hurling a traffic cone in their direction. </p> <p>The L-plater behind the wheel, Aleyna Helvaci, 16, was accompanied by a professional driving instructor when the ugly incident occurred after she accidentally stalled at a busy intersection. </p> <p>“She was just full out wild, I turned (the car) back on, put my foot on the clutch, and everything was ready," Helvaci told 7 NEWS. </p> <p>“I was going to take off, but before I could there was a really loud horn.”</p> <p>Footage of the interaction went viral after the teen's mum posted the outburst on TikTok. </p> <p>“F*** you” the woman screamed as she stormed down the road in front of standstill traffic before pretending to chuck her handbag in the car's direction. </p> <p>She then reaches for a nearby traffic cone and hurls it at the car. </p> <p>“F***ing sl**, move on up!” she screamed before storming back to her own car - its horn still blaring at the teen. </p> <p>At one point, the equally enraged male driver held the horn down for nine seconds straight, as the person calmly filming the incident is told to note down the plate number. </p> <p>The woman eventually sits back down in her car, but doesn't stop screaming expletives at the teen. </p> <p>When they finally merged right to flee the scene, the driver got in on the action himself, honking his horn and flipping his middle finger at the teen. </p> <p>The video racked up thousands of views on TikTok before it was removed, a number of people have slammed the SUV owner's “disgusting behaviour”, adding that “we were all learners at one stage”.</p> <p>“Absolutely disgusting behaviour. I am so sick of this sh*t. Control your anger and grow up!”  one commented. </p> <p>“This is so bad! It’s always the ones with the rich cars too hey … Y’all so 'classy,'" wrote another. </p> <p>Helvaci's family has since filed a police report and the teen told 7News that it would take some time before she felt safe behind the wheels again. </p> <p>“It is all about building confidence in the end, so this is all part of the experience,” she said.</p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Oscar-winning politician Glenda Jackson passes away at 87

<p dir="ltr">Two-time Academy Award-winning performer-turned-politician Glenda Jackson has passed away at 87 years old. </p> <p dir="ltr">The news was confirmed by Jackson’s agent, Lionel Larner, who announced that she had died at home in London after a short illness. Larner also noted that Jackson had “recently completed filming <em>The Great Escaper </em>in which she co-starred with Michael Caine.”</p> <p dir="ltr">And 90-year-old Caine had only kind words to say of his co-star, sharing that she was “one of our greatest movie actresses. I shall miss her.” </p> <p dir="ltr">Jackson was born into a working-class family in northwest England, and laid the groundwork for her career in the arts when she won a spot at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her work as an actress was successful, with Jackson taking home her first Academy Award for Best Actress in 1971 and her second in 1974 - for<em> Women in Love</em> and<em> A Touch of Class</em> respectively.</p> <p dir="ltr">Jackson also held two Emmy Award wins, both for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in the series <em>Elizabeth R</em>. She wasn’t to be stopped there, either, with the star also taking home a Tony Award in 2018 for her performance in <em>Three Tall Women</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">But after more than three decades in the arts, Jackson chose a different path for herself, branching into the world of politics, fuelled by her frustration for the working classes at the hands of then-British Conservative prime minister Margaret Thatcher between 1979 and 1990.</p> <p dir="ltr">And at 55 years old, in 1992, Jackson secured a seat in parliament. As she said at the time, “we must work for the poor, the homeless, the unemployed, the frail, the sick.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Jackson spent 23 years with the Labour Party, and even served as a minister for transport in Tony Blair’s first government in 1997. However, the two seemed to find themselves on opposing sides when it came to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, with Jackson admitting that the decisions made left her feeling “deeply, deeply ashamed.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The victims will be as they always are, women, children, the elderly.”</p> <p dir="ltr">After leaving politics in 2015, Jackson chose to return to performing, where she went on to enjoy some of the most acclaimed roles of her entire career.</p> <p dir="ltr">And for all of her passion and success, Jackson is remembered fondly by her loved ones - those who knew her beyond her work, and those who supported her for it - who flocked to social media to pay tribute. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Glenda Jackson was both the best actress of our generation and an incredibly principled passionate and eloquent advocate of social justice as an MP and as a government minister. I will remember her as a friend whom I admired greatly and what she achieved will never be forgotten,” former-prime minister for the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown, wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Very sad to hear of the passing of Glenda Jackson. An acclaimed actress, a formidable politician and an inspirational woman to so many of us in the Labour Party,” British politician Angela Rayner said. “My thoughts are with her family, friends and many others who loved her.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Devastated to hear that my predecessor Glenda Jackson has died. A formidable politician, an amazing actress and a very supportive mentor to me. Hampstead and Kilburn will miss you Glenda,” friend and fellow politician Tulip Siddiq said. </p> <p dir="ltr">And, as her friends and fans the Muppets wrote, “here’s to Glenda Jackson, legendary actress and scourge of the Seven Seas! In her unforgettable episode of The Muppet Show, she and her merry band of plundering pirates turned our theatre into a ship and set out to sea. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We’ll always treasure the time we spent with you, Glenda.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here’s to Glenda Jackson, legendary actress and scourge of the Seven Seas! In her unforgettable episode of The Muppet Show, she and her merry band of plundering pirates turned our theater into a ship and set out to sea. We’ll always treasure the time we spent with you, Glenda. <a href="https://t.co/zQ8cPVc8Jk">pic.twitter.com/zQ8cPVc8Jk</a></p> <p>— The Muppets (@TheMuppets) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMuppets/status/1669398500243587092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

News

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Shane Warne’s daughter shares never-before-seen photos

<p dir="ltr">Brooke Warne has shared a series of never-before-seen family photos to mark her brother, Jackson's, birthday.</p> <p dir="ltr">The eldest daughter of the cricket legend took to Instagram to share the adorable photos, which included various precious moments from their childhood.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Happy Birthday to my baby brother Jackson!!! love you,” she wrote in the caption.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Thank you for being the strongest human in the world.</p> <p dir="ltr">"You are the best brother and continue to make Dad so proud. Love you so much, Happy Birthday Jacko,” she added with a series of white heart emojis.</p> <p dir="ltr">In one photo, Shane was beaming as he held baby Jackson in his arms and Brooke, who was still a toddler in the photo, was laughing as she sat next to her father.</p> <p dir="ltr">In another photo, Shane had both of his kids on his lap as they pulled silly faces for the camera.</p> <p dir="ltr">Brooke also shared a throwback photo of the trio having dinner together, Shane’s smile still as bright as he posed in between his two kids.</p> <p dir="ltr">Jackson replied to the post in the comments and said: “Thank you Brooke!! Lots of love ❤️”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Many fans have also shared their birthday wishes in the comments.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Happy Birthday @jacksonwarne18 Thinking of you while your dad’s hand remains on your shoulder always, much love brother 🙏🏻” wrote one user.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Happy birthday to your amazing brother Jackson. Give him a big hug from me 🎂” commented another.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Beautiful Family ❤️🎈” commented a third.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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“There was so much more for her to achieve”: Selfless mum remembered for her heroic save

<p>Mother and pioneer for the deaf community Leonie Jackson was enjoying time at the beach with her children when their day - and their lives - took a devastating turn for the worst. </p> <p>When Leonie’s 10-year-old son, Byron, got caught in a rip at Congo Beach, the brave woman dove into the dangerous conditions to save him. She was successful in keeping his head above the water, but the same couldn’t be said for her. </p> <p>The pair were brought to the shore by a surfer who was nearby, and CPR was performed on Leonie by paramedics at the scene. Tragically, they were unable to revive the 50-year-old. </p> <p>A memorial service was held at the beach, with her loved ones paying tribute to her remarkable life and dedicated work for the deaf community. Leonie is survived by her two children: 12-year-old Byron and 15-year-old Tobian. </p> <p>"It's just been shattering," Tony Abrahams told <em>ABC</em>. “It's just one of those events that completely upends lives and communities."</p> <p>According to Tony, Leonie was only in the area to celebrate her 50th birthday for a few days with her friends. </p> <p>“I’d never seen her happier than on the day she died,” he said. “Here is this beautiful place where we shared such a wonderful celebration. It's also the scene of the ultimate sacrifice of a mother swimming out and saving her son and keeping him afloat for several minutes that allowed him to get his breath and to be saved."</p> <p>Alexander Jones - Leonie’s close friend and the father of her children - had similar words to share to the <em>AAP </em>(through an Auslan interpreter), explaining that ““Leonie made that decision because of her love for her children.</p> <p>“She had to do that. There was no other choice to make.”</p> <p>Leonie’s heroism has since been recognised, with the brave mother being awarded a posthumous medal for her actions that fateful day. </p> <p>The awards are distributed each year to those who have demonstrated brave conduct, and recognise members of the community who face danger in pursuit of helping others. Leonie was one of 11 to receive a medal for her bravery, and was announced as a recipient by Governor-General David Hurley. </p> <p>"The courage they showed is matched by their selflessness and they deserve our respect, gratitude and recognition,” Hurley said of the recipients. </p> <p>“For the loved ones of those no longer with us - I hope that the posthumous acknowledgement of their bravery brings comfort. Their stories will not be forgotten.”</p> <p>“It’s heartwarming to know that her act is recognised but I have to say, she would have gotten many more medals if she was still here,” Alexander admitted.</p> <p>“There was so much more for her to achieve.”</p> <p>Leonie had spent years advocating for the deaf community, dedicating her life to the fight for equality in education for deaf children, even establishing Australia’s very bilingual program for deaf and hearing children alike. </p> <p>As Alexander explained, “Leonie was selfless her whole life.”</p> <p>“She was such an impressive human being. She was creative. She was full of ideas. She was a trailblazer.”</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Family & Pets

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“I’ll never speak to him again”: Samuel Johnson blows up at Molly Meldrum

<p>While speaking to Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies on <em>The Morning Show</em>, a visibly upset Samuel Johnson blew up over 79-year-old Molly Meldrum’s bizarre behaviour at a recent Elton John concert. </p> <p>Meldrum issued an apology for the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/a-naughty-boy-who-needs-a-new-belt-molly-meldrum-s-excuse-for-mooning-elton-john-s-crowd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“faulty belt buckle” incident</a>, telling the <em>Herald Sun</em> that he “shouldn’t have ventured on stage, but I just wanted to tell Elton that I loved him. Some people thought it was part of the show. It wasn’t. Elton had no idea I was going to jump on stage. Elton might have been singing The Bitch Is Back but it was more a case of the idiot is back.”</p> <p>Now Johnson has revealed something of a rift between himself and Meldrum – whom he portrayed in the 2016 miniseries “Molly”, and was rewarded for his efforts with a coveted Gold Logie. </p> <p>It was during that 2017 Gold Logie acceptance speech that Meldrum mounted the stage and stole Johnson’s “million-dollar moment” when he was trying to raise funds for cancer, which claimed the life of his sister Connie.</p> <p>Johnson told hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies that he has not said a word to Meldrum since that incident.</p> <p>“I’ll never speak to him again. He cost my charity a million dollars that night</p> <p>“I want to do him a service, not a disservice. I am a little bit uneasy talking about this.</p> <p>“Firstly, thank you, Molly. He has helped me out of a legal pickle and I’ve known him for 20 years. He visited my sister in hospital when she was sick with cancer when she was 11 in the 1980s.</p> <p>“I am really grateful for everything Molly has done in our lives. But at the same time, when I won the Gold Logie I was about to have my million-dollar moment and I told him specifically not to come on stage. He was not nominated, it was my moment.</p> <p>“I wanted to make it about cancer and he wanted to make it about the network. He ended up coming up at the Gold Logies and it was my million-dollar moment gone wrong,” Johnson fumed.</p> <p>“It was an absolute catastrophe. He warbled in a very drunken fashion for eight whole minutes. Now I have seen him do it again at the Elton John concert. Maybe it is time to hang up your hat, mate. I hope he is OK.”</p> <p>Johnson also made it very clear that he did not believe Molly’s excuse and apology. “I thought his apology was false. I don’t believe it was a wardrobe malfunction,” he said.</p> <p>“I believe that if it was a wardrobe malfunction, we would have seen his undies not his bum.</p> <p>“For years, I have not said anything. I don’t want to say anything. Who are his minders? Is he OK? He should not be allowed out in the PM.</p> <p>“He has two shots of vodka in his coffee in the morning. If I want to make any sense out of him, I need to see him before midday. Stop, Molly, stop!”</p> <p><em>Images: Seven / Twitter</em></p>

TV

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"Health is wealth": How Warnie's son has dealt with the loss of his father

<p dir="ltr">Jackson Warne has candidly opened up about his struggles with grief following the death of his cricketer father. </p> <p dir="ltr">Shane Warne, 52, died of natural causes on March 4 in a luxury villa on the Thailand holiday island of Koh Samui.</p> <p dir="ltr">Almost seven months later, Jackson said that he “could’ve easily gone down hill” after losing his dad, but decided on taking the high road. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I could’ve drank a lot of alcohol, gambled too much, quit the gym, ate shit food and not socialise. Be miserable,” he wrote in his Instagram post.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But I didn’t.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I didn’t because I used this trauma as energy for life. I surrounded myself with good people, went to the gym EVERY DAY, drank water, swam, laughed a lot and was consistent. 1 day at a time.”</p> <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/Cjw_211LfaM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/Cjw_211LfaM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jackson Warne (@jacksonwarne18)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Jackson confessed that he is now the happiest and healthiest he’s ever been because of the support he’s been receiving. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I can now say because of this I am the happiest and healthiest I’ve been. Health is wealth.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It cost’s $0 to exercise, laugh, drink water and go outside. If you do this I promise you’ll be the happiest and healthiest you can be.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To everyone who is still messaging me and supports me every single day, It doesn’t go unnoticed and I appreciate it. Thank you.” </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Shane Warne's son shares last pic together for Father's Day

<p dir="ltr">Jackson Warne has shared the last ever photo taken with his dad Shane Warne in an emotional Father’s Day tribute.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 23-year-old posted the photo, taken a week before the cricketing legend’s sudden death, with a simple message for his dad.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This was the last photo we ever took together. 24.2.2022,” Jackson wrote.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e798fd06-7fff-ff30-726b-8aec185a4b33"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“Doing something we both loved. Playing poker. Miss ya mate. Happy Father’s Day. ♥️.”</p> <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/CiE9MSbLHWV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/CiE9MSbLHWV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jackson Warne (@jacksonwarne18)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Jackson’s sister, Brooke Warne, shared her support for her brother, commenting, “🤍 love you so much 🤍”, while their step-brother, Damien Hurley, wrote, “We love you so much Jacko 🤍”.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-233929c7-7fff-3414-5f2e-39588bfb1287"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Father’s Day also marked six months since Warne’s passing, and Brooke took to Instagram to share a message of her own in tribute to her dad and for others who find the celebration of dads hard.</p> <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/CiFG8BGoLM5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/CiFG8BGoLM5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by B R O O K E 🍿 W A R N E (@brookewarne)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“6 Months today since we lost our Dad 💔,” she captioned a throwback photo of her and her dad.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Happy Father’s Day to the Best Dad on Earth and in Heaven 🤍💔.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Today is for you Dad 🌟 You are our shining Star and forever will be 🤍.</p> <p dir="ltr">“All my friends and other people who find Father’s Day just as hard, you are in my thoughts 🤍.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I miss you everyday (sic) Dad, I will Love you Forever 🤍 SW 23 🤍💔.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d9fef65a-7fff-58d8-fcc3-b5ccdf85a750"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @jacksonwarne18 (Instagram)</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Samuel Johnson portrait win Archibald Prize People’s Choice

<p dir="ltr">An emotional portrait of Samuel Johnson OAM has won the Archibald Prize 2022 ANZ People’s Choice award. </p> <p dir="ltr">The portrait, painted by Jeremy Eden, shows a solemn looking Johnson holding a black and white photograph of his sister Connie. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s an honour to have my painting chosen for this year’s ANZ People’s Choice award,” Jeremy said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“This painting has been one I have been thinking about and wanting to make for 10 years. Sam is a storyteller at heart, and it was really important to find a way to share my own narrative while still capturing Sam’s character and emotion in the portrait.”</p> <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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgx4yY8MRz_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/Cgx4yY8MRz_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Art Gallery NSW (@artgalleryofnsw)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“It is inspiring to see what Sam and the team at Love Your Sister have accomplished, having raised so much money for cancer research.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve followed Sam’s journey with the charity for many years and it’s a privilege to be able to contribute in my own way. It is amazing to be a finalist in the Archibald Prize but knowing the painting has resonated with so many people makes the experience even more meaningful.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Jeremy is also selling prints of his award-winning artwork, with 50% of the proceeds going to Sam’s charity ‘Love Your Sister’.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Art

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Michael Jackson songs pulled from Youtube over authenticity claims

<p dir="ltr">Three songs from Michael Jackson’s posthumous 2010 album <em>Michael</em> have been pulled from online streaming services amid allegations the king of pop didn’t actually sing them. </p> <p dir="ltr">The songs in question - <em>Monster</em>, <em>Breaking News</em>, and <em>Keep Your Head Up</em> - are no longer available to buy or stream on global music services. </p> <p dir="ltr">The tracks have been the subject of an ongoing lawsuit against Sony Music and Jackson’s estate, alleging that Jackson did not sing them.</p> <p dir="ltr">In 2014, a fan of the late musician filed a lawsuit against Sony and the estate over the three songs for violation of consumer laws, unfair competition and fraud.</p> <p dir="ltr">Sony and the estate were cleared from the case in 2018 and its appeal in 2020, and the suit is currently in the California Supreme Court.</p> <p dir="ltr">Prior to the album’s release, doubts were raised by Jackson’s family members whether songs were performed by the Grammy-winner. </p> <p dir="ltr">According to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/nov/08/new-michael-jackson-songs">The Guardian</a>, his mother Katherine claimed in 2010 that “some of the tracks on the album are fake”. </p> <p dir="ltr">The musician’s sister, LaToya, told <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2010/11/07/la-toya-jackson-michael-jackson-song-breaking-news-sony/">TMZ</a>, “It doesn’t sound like him”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Michael’s nephew Taryll tweeted at the time, “I KNOW my Uncle’s voice, and something’s seriously wrong when you have immediate FAMILY saying it’s not him.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite the allegations, a spokesperson from Jackson’s website recently said the tracks being pulled “had nothing to do with their authenticity”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The Estate and Sony Music believe the continuing conversation about the tracks is distracting the fan community and casual Michael Jackson listeners from focusing their attention where it should be — on Michael’s legendary and deep music catalog [sic],” the Jackson website spokesperson said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Music

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Oatlands killer appeals severity of sentence

<p>The drug and alcohol-riddled driver who killed four children after crashing into them on their way to the local shops has launched an appeal to decrease the severity of his sentence. </p> <p>On Monday, Samuel Davidson appealed the minimum 21-year sentence he was given for the manslaughter of Veronique Sakr, 11, and her cousins, siblings Antony, 13, Angelina, 12, and Sienna Abdallah, 8, when they were struck by his car as they walked to get ice cream near Oatlands golf course in February 2020.</p> <p>When the accident occurred, Davidson was under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and driving erratically before he mounted the footpath and struck the group of children. </p> <p>Davidson pled guilty to a host of charges around the deaths in October 2020, and was sentenced in April 2021. </p> <p>Davidson had no criminal history before the accident, a point his barrister Stephen Odgers used in Monday’s appeal to argue that his sentence was unreasonable.</p> <p>He also argued that Davidson’s diagnosis of ADHD, which he said made him prone to reckless behaviour, was not properly considered by the sentencing judge.</p> <p>At the time he was sentenced, Davidson was 30 years old and is not set to be released until he is at least 51. </p> <p>“That is a crushing sentence,” Odgers said.</p> <p>The parents of the Abdallah children were not present at the appeal hearing, however Veronique’s mother Bridget Sakr was in attendance at the court.</p> <p>“Our sentence is for the rest of our lives. Our suffering is every day,” she said.</p> <p>Bridget Sakr’s husband David Mackenzie said on Monday that the sentence sent an important message.</p> <p>“There are no comparable cases to our case, sadly,” Mackenzie said.</p> <p>“That’s why our case is so important. Because it sets a benchmark.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / 7News</em></p>

News

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Teenage "speed camera warrior" confronted by grouchy "Karen"

<p>Teenage "speed camera warrior" Beau Jackson has been confronted by a disgruntled middle-aged woman as he warned motorists of an upcoming speed camera. </p> <p>The Central Coast local has dedicated his free time to <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/i-ve-been-saving-them-heaps-teen-speed-camera-crusader-hailed-a-hero" target="_blank" rel="noopener">alerting drivers</a> to hidden speed cameras that can often result in <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/speed-camera-crusader-cops-highly-dubious-fine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hefty fines</a>. </p> <p>While parked on the side of the road with a sign bringing attention to the sneaky cameras, thankful motorists often show their appreciation to Beau by honking their horn. </p> <p>Despite his noble cause, the 17-year-old had his first unpleasant experience with a local, and shared the confrontation on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@scamerasloveme/video/7088872965651172610?is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1&amp;lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">social media</a>. </p> <p>Beau filmed the woman, who he dubbed 'Karen' walking away and said from behind the camera, "This lady tried getting me by complaining about the honks - tried getting a photo of my number plate."</p> <p>"It's the first Karen interaction," he laughed, as another passer-by honked their horn.</p> <p>"She tried to take a photo of my number plate - I'm legally parked, there's nothing she can do about it."</p> <p>When speaking to <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10753241/Beau-Jackson-teenage-speed-camera-warrior-confronted-grouchy-Karen.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a>, Beau explained the woman lived close to where he was parked, and got sick and tired of the honking noise. </p> <p>"She asked me to move because she was sick of the honking," he said.</p> <p>"I told her I was only parked there because the speed camera van was parked a few metres in front of me."</p> <p>The woman was unfazed about his mission to save locals from spending hundreds of dollars in speeding tickets and continued demanding that he move.</p> <p>When he continually refused, she started taking photos of Mr Jackson and his bike.</p> <p>"So I started taking photos of her," he recalled.</p> <p>"She backed right off when I did that, and then she starting making phone calls."</p> <p>Beau was unsure of who the woman was calling, but explained that as soon as the mobile speed camera took off from the area, so did he. </p> <p>"When they left, I had no reason to be there anymore so I left," he added.</p> <p>As Beau's video of the encounter racked up thousands of views, many people left comments telling the teenager to ignore the haters and keep protecting the community. </p> <p><em>Image credits: A Current Affair</em></p>

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