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Matthew Perry's sister and step-dad break silence

<p>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. </p> <p>Keith Morrison married Perry's mum in 1981 and couple soon after welcomed their first daughter and Perry's half-sister, Caitlin Morrison. </p> <p>In an interview with<em> Hello! Canada </em>Keith said that Matthew's death at just 54-years-old was "incredibly shocking". </p> <p>"Anybody who has lost a child will tell you that, even if you are in some way prepared for the possibility, it's shattering."</p> <p>"What we have decided to do is hang on to that determination and try to do something useful," Keith continued.</p> <p>He added that the late <em>Friends </em>star would want to be "remembered for doing something to help people suffering from addiction," something that Perry himself had been battling. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>She explained that the work she is doing at the foundation allows her to still feel close to her brother. </p> <p>"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.</p> <p>"I have this treasure of getting to keep him very, very close to my life all the time, which is wonderful."</p> <p>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. </p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p> <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;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;">Need to talk to someone? Don't go it alone.</span></em></p> <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;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Lifeline: <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;">13 11 14</span>, <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></em></p> <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;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Reach Out: <a href="https://au.reachout.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://au.reachout.com/</a></em></p> <p><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: <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;">1300 224 635</span>, <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></em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

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Katy Perry's massive AFL payday revealed

<p>Katy Perry is reportedly set to take home a huge sum for her AFL grand final performance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday. </p> <p>The AFL secured the <em>Wide Awake </em>singer as their headline pre-game entertainment act in July. </p> <p>Since then, there have been rumours of disagreements between Katy's team and organisers on the set list, but the pop star is still set to be paid $1 million for each song she performs. </p> <p>According to <em>The Herald Sun</em>, Katy will be paid $5 million for the event, as she will perform five songs on the night. She is also set to share the stage briefly with an Aussie female pop star, that is yet to be named, but is someone she "looks up to". </p> <p>During an appearance on Channel 10's <em>The Project</em>, Katy hinted that the mystery guest is a Scorpio, which could point to Delta Goodrem or Tina Arena. </p> <p>“She’s a Scorpio, that’s another hint for your digging,” she said when probed by<em> The Project</em> host Sarah Harris. </p> <p>Perry reportedly only recently settled the drama about which five songs she'll be performing according to footy journalist Tom Morris. </p> <p>Morris told <em>SEN Breakfast</em> on Monday that the AFL requested that she performed her popular hits from her older albums, but Katy's team was reported to have pushed back, as they wanted to perform two new songs from her comeback album <em>143</em>. </p> <p>They eventually reached an agreement for Katy to perform just one new song.</p> <p><em>Image: The Project</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Matthew Perry’s chilling final words revealed

<p>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. </p> <p>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.</p> <p>The former <em>Friends</em> 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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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.</p> <p>“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.</p> <p>The newly released police documents also said that Perry had been found unconscious at his home twice before his tragic death in October. </p> <p>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". </p> <p>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".</p> <p>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. </p> <p>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.</p> <p>According to <em>Page Six</em>, Iwamasa, Fleming and Chavez all agreed to a deal that saw them plead guilty – while Sangha and Plasencia have pleaded not guilty.</p> <p><em>Image: Doug Krantz/BFA.com/ Shutterstock editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Legal

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Five people arrested over Matthew Perry's death

<p>Five people have been arrested in connection with the death of <em>Friends</em> actor Matthew Perry, who died of a drug overdose in October 2023. </p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>In the last four days of his life, Mr Perry paid $100,000 AUD for 70 vials of ketamine.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>“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.</p> <p>Following the arrests, Matthew Perry's stepfather has shared a message of gratitude to law enforcement and hoped justice would be served. </p> <p>Keith Morrison, a Canadian journalist, and other loved ones of the <em>Friends</em> star in a statement issued to NBC News say they are finding some solace in the legal system nine months on from his death.</p> <p>"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."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Legal

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Disturbing development in Matthew Perry's death

<p>An investigation into Matthew Perry's death is rounding out, and authorities reportedly believe that  "multiple people" should be charged for his untimely death.</p> <p>The <em>Friends </em>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". </p> <p>A police source has told  <em>People </em>that investigation into the star's death is "nearing its conclusion". </p> <p>“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</p> <p>“The source says the US Attorney’s Office will make the ultimate decision on whether or not to press charges.”</p> <p>It is understood that Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy to treat anxiety and depression at the time. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>The LAPD has been working on its investigation since December in conjunction with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S Postal Inspector. </p> <p>“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.</p> <p>“We do know they’ve already interviewed some key people in Hollywood.</p> <p>“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.</p> <p>“We’re told those people are not necessarily the actual source of ketamine, but they could have information leading to the source.”</p> <p>Drowning, coronary artery disease and  buprenorphine effects were also listed as other contributing factors in his passing.</p> <p><em>Image: Warner Bros Tv/Bright/Kauffman/Crane Pro/Koba/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Legal

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Pirates of the Caribbean actor and former pro surfer killed in shark attack

<p>Tamayo Perry, renowned surfer and actor known for his role in <em>Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides</em>, tragically lost his life in a shark attack off Oahu's North Shore on Sunday.</p> <p>The 49-year-old was surfing near Goat Island when the incident occurred, as confirmed by Shayne Enright of the Honolulu Emergency Services Department.</p> <p>Perry, who played a buccaneer in the popular movie franchise, had a distinguished career with appearances in films such as <em>Blue Crush</em> and the television series <em>Hawaii Five-O</em>. Beyond his acting career, Perry was celebrated as a former professional surfer and a beloved lifeguard.</p> <p>Responding to an emergency call just before 1pm local time, personnel from Honolulu Ocean Safety, alongside the city's fire, police and emergency medical services departments, rushed to Malaekahana Beach. The caller reported seeing a man who appeared to have suffered shark bites. Lifeguards promptly brought Perry to shore, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival. In response to the attack, Ocean Safety personnel posted shark warnings in the area.</p> <p>"Tamayo's personality was infectious, and as much as people loved him, he loved everyone else more," said Honolulu Ocean Safety acting chief Kurt Lager at a news conference. "Tamayo was a legendary waterman and highly respected," added Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, describing Perry's death as "a tragic loss".</p> <p>Perry, alongside his wife Emilia, ran the Oahu Surfing Experience, a business offering surfing lessons. According to his biography on the company's website, Perry surfed professionally for over 15 years, notably winning the Pipeline Master trials in 1999. He began his career as a lifeguard on the North Shore for the City and County of Honolulu Ocean Safety in July 2016. That same year, he appeared in <em>Pirates of the Caribbean</em> and an episode of <em>Hawaii Five-0</em>.</p> <p>Perry's wife Emilia shared a heartfelt tribute to her lost husband on Instagram, writing: "We all want to be the hero of our own story, one of the redeeming characteristics of humanity is our desire to follow our convictions always and without fear. Few of us are able to truly be that hero, Tamayo Perry was is and will be forever.</p> <p>"He was everyone’s big brother, stern and uncompromising with an infectious and kolohe smile. He was your rescuer in time of need, your safety when all things fell apart. He was a knight forged in the fires of the North Shore in the 90’s, his faith in Christ the rock upon which he stood. Few are those who truly follow in the footsteps of Jesus, Tamayo never took his eyes off the path.</p> <p>"Tragic though his passing may be, he left this world doing what he loved where he loved to do it. We find strength in knowing he is in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ, trading barrels at Pipeline with his friends that have gone before him."</p> <p>The World Surf League also expressed their condolences in a statement: "We are deeply saddened to share that the surf community lost a beloved icon yesterday. A well-known surfer and lifeguard, Tamayo Perry, passed away after injuries from a shark attack that occurred on the East Side of Oahu. Tamayo was a Pipeline/Teahupo’o specialist, freesurfer, former competitor, and member of the WSL for many years. He became a lifeguard for the city and was a big part of the North Shore community. Our hearts go out to Tamayo’s family and friends."</p> <p>Perry's passing has left a profound void in both the surfing and local communities, where he was deeply admired for his skills, charisma and generous spirit.</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/C8nL-QeS5C2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C8nL-QeS5C2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tamayo Perry (@oahusurfingexperience)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><em>Image: Walt Disney Studios | Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Matthew Perry's cause of death finally revealed

<p>The sudden and tragic death of <em>Friends</em> 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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Perry had a history of substance abuse, openly discussing his battles with addiction dating back to his time on <em>Friends</em> 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".</p> <p>“Ketamine was a very popular street drug in the 1980s," Perry wrote in his book <em>Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing</em>. "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’.” </p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">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.</span></p> <p>“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.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Caring

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

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-gerace-325968">Adam Gerace</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a></em></p> <p>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.</p> <p>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>.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>For many, Friends was the television equivalent of the soundtrack to their lives.</p> <p>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.</p> <h2>Enduring appeal</h2> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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>.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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 <em>be</em> 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.</p> <p>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.</p> <h2>Likeable characters</h2> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <h2>Fictional relationships, but real sadness</h2> <p>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>.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-gerace-325968"><em>Adam Gerace</em></a><em>, Senior Lecturer and Head of Course - Positive Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>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>.</em></p>

TV

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

<p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>Fans of the show have left notes, flowers, Central Perk memorabilia, and other sentimental items to pay tribute to the late actor. </p> <p>However, one eagle-eyed fan spotted a quirky detail hovering around the building, as Perry's death coincided with Halloween. </p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKidspotAustralia%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02xSVyrpRthTeLeBNqtvHKWUB36us5bVB5vKCW1R9DYgF66kBWqnsSYarY2kDFfCT3l&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="581" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>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. </p> <p>“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.  </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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."</p> <p>"There is so much to say, but right now we're going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook / Kidspot</em></p> <div id="fuse-injected-22953829264-1" class="fuse-slot-dynamic publift-video-ad" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-top: 24px; padding-bottom: 24px; display: flex; justify-content: center;" data-fuse="22953829264" data-fuse-injected-at="1698722632652" data-fuse-code="fuse-slot-22953829264-1" data-fuse-zone-instance="zone-instance-22953829264-1" data-fuse-slot="fuse-slot-22953829264-1" data-fuse-processed-at="1440"> <div id="bb-iawr-over60au-1692594483990158" class="bb_iawr" style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative; overflow: hidden; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; width: 730px; height: 0px; opacity: 0.01;"> <div id="bb-wr-over60au-1692594483990158" class="bb-media bb_wrapper bb-muted bb-phase-init bb-mode-video bb-state-loading" style="box-sizing: content-box; cursor: auto; 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display: inline-flex; flex-direction: column; row-gap: 0.3em; column-gap: 0.3em;" role="contentinfo"> <h1 class="title svelte-10zo7b2" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap; font-size: 1.1em;">Rupert Friend Spills Secrets of 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' at Star Wars Celebrations</h1> <div class="share-button bar-button svelte-10zo7b2" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); width: var(--bar-button-size); height: var(--bar-button-size); margin-top: calc(-0.25 * var(--bar-button-size));"> <div class="button-element svelte-1eoizxx no-toggle-transform no-hover-transform" style="text-shadow: 0px calc(var(--font-size) / 12.5) 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25); box-sizing: border-box; width: 38px; height: 38px; position: relative; cursor: pointer; pointer-events: initial; border-radius: var(--border-radius); --foreground-color: #ffffff; --border-radius: 50%; --icon-height: 16px; 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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: 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;"> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem;">"For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty's family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Caring

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Matthew Perry's huge net worth revealed

<p>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 <em>Friends</em> 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 <em>Friends</em> but also his achievements in film, television, literature, real estate and more.</p> <p>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.</p> <p><strong>The <em>Friends</em> Phenomenon</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p>To add to his wealth, <em>Friends</em> 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.</p> <p>The 2021 <em>Friends</em> reunion special on HBO Max further contributed to Perry's financial success, with each principal cast member receiving $3.9 million.</p> <p><strong>Film and Television</strong></p> <p>Matthew Perry's talents extended beyond the realm of <em>Friends</em>. He starred in various film and television projects, including <em>The Whole Nine Yards</em> alongside Bruce Willis, Aaron Sorkin's <em>Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip </em>alongside <em>West Wing</em> alum Bradley Whitford, <em>17 Again</em>, and <em>The Odd Couple</em>, where he also served as an executive producer.</p> <p>In his memoir, Perry disclosed that he negotiated his <em>Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip</em> salary from an initial offer of $79,000 per episode to $275,000 per episode. In the romantic comedy <em>Fools Rush In</em> (1997), he earned $1.57 million.</p> <p><strong>Memoir</strong></p> <p>Perry's memoir, titled <em>Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir</em>, 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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p><strong>Real Estate Ventures</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p><strong>Car Collection</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p>Perry's enduring legacy spans far beyond the confines of the <em>Friends</em> 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.</p> <p><em>Image: NBC</em></p>

Money & Banking

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"So utterly devastated": Friends cast break silence

<p>The cast of <em>Friends</em> 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. </p> <p>His co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer, issued a joint statement to<em> People Magazine </em>on Tuesday. </p> <p>"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. </p> <p>"There is so much to say, but right now we're going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss."</p> <p>"In time we will say more, as and when we are able."</p> <p>"For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty's family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."</p> <p>The statement was signed by the cast. </p> <p>A few other <em>Friends</em> co-stars had previously paid tribute to the actor, Maggie Wheeler andMorgan Fairchild, were among them. </p> <p>Maggie Wheeler, who played Chandler's on-again, off-again girlfriend, Janice wrote: </p> <p>"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. ♥️"</p> <p>While Morgan Fairchild, who played Chandler's mother, Nora Bing, said she was "heartbroken" by the untimely loss of her "son". </p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p> <p> </p>

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

<p>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 <em>Friends</em>.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>"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."</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Maggie Wheeler, who portrayed Chandler's unforgettable on-again, off-again girlfriend, Janice, in <em>Friends</em>, 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."</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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."</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Warner Bros Television Group, which produced <em>Friends</em> 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.”</p> <p>NBC, the network that aired <em>Friends</em>, 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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty / NBC / Instagram</em></p>

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Aussie designer wins lawsuit against Katy Perry

<p dir="ltr">One of Katy Perry’s companies has been found guilty of infringing the trademark of a Sydney fashion designer.</p> <p dir="ltr">Katie Jane Taylor has designed and sold her own line of clothing under her label ‘Katie Perry’ since 2008.</p> <p dir="ltr">While the pop superstar Perry, born Katheryn Hudson, initially fought the Australian registration of the Katie Perry brand, she later withdrew it. </p> <p dir="ltr">Taylor sued the singer for infringement in the Federal Court in 2019, more than a decade after the <em>Firework</em> singer started selling her own brand of merchandise, including clothing, under her stage name. </p> <p dir="ltr">“This is a tale of two women, two teenage dreams and one name,” Justice Brigitte Markovic wrote in a judgement published on April 29 2023.</p> <p dir="ltr">Judge Markovic found Hudson had infringed the mark on Twitter ahead of one of her Australian tours in 2014.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite the infringement, the judge concluded that the singer did not owe any compensation to the designer as she had used the trademark in “good faith”.</p> <p dir="ltr">One of the singer’s other businesses Kitty Purry however is liable for damages because of the sale of clothing during her 2014 tour. </p> <p dir="ltr">A bid by the star and her companies to cancel the Katy Perry trademark was dismissed by the Federal Court.</p> <p dir="ltr">Markovic is yet to determine the amount of damages owed by Kitty Purry. </p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-6c0faee1-7fff-5497-933e-14ee948d4dac"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

Legal

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Keanu Reeves attacked for still being alive

<p dir="ltr">Matthew Perry has backtracked on his insensitive comments questioning why beloved Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves is still alive. </p> <p dir="ltr">In his memoir <em>Friends, Lovers And The Big Terrible Thing</em>, the <em>Friends</em> star questioned why his friend River Phoenix died but Reeves didn’t.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Why is it that the original thinkers like River Phoenix and Heath Ledger die, but Keanu Reeves still walks among us?” he wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">Perry was discussing his friendship with River Phoenix - who is also friends with Reeves - and about the heartache he had when he overdosed on drugs in 1993 at the age of 23.</p> <p dir="ltr">He called Phoenix his “closest friend of that era” before attacking Reeves for still being alive. </p> <p dir="ltr">Social media was in uproar at his comments with many questioning why Perry would wish death upon anyone. </p> <p dir="ltr">“In a world full of Matthew Perry’s… be a Keanu Reeves,” someone wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Of all the people in Hollywood, there’s absolutely no reason to come for Keanu Reeves who even after personal tragedy has remained, by accounts, generous and kind. He just makes movies and comics, treats his cast and crew right, and minds his own business,” another wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Imagine coming for Keanu Reeves like that. Might as well let the internet know you think all kittens should be drowned at birth. Good luck out there, man,” someone else commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">Perry eventually came out and apologised and explained he was “actually a big fan” of Keanu Reeves. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I'm actually a big fan of Keanu,” he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I just chose a random name, my mistake. I apologize. I should have used my own name instead.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Friends star claims Cameron Diaz punched him on date

<p dir="ltr">Matthew Perry claimed that Cameron Diaz punched him in the face while out on a date.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>Friends</em> star revealed in his memoir titled <em>Friends, Lovers And The Big Terrible Thing</em>, that he was set up with the <em>Charlie’s Angels</em> star after she split up from Justin Timberlake in 2007.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair went out in a group setting but it was apparent to Perry that Diaz just wasn’t interested, and he says she immediately got stoned.</p> <p dir="ltr">Perry continued trying to get the actress’ attention by saying something “witty” during a round of Pictionary, which did not go down so well.</p> <p dir="ltr">He claims that Diaz, who was allegedly stoned, tried to hit him on the shoulder but then “accidentally” hit him in the face.</p> <p dir="ltr">'Are you f***ing kidding me?' he recalled saying to Diaz.</p> <p dir="ltr">Perry and Diaz obviously did not eventuate into anything, with rocker Benji Madden eventually putting a ring on the actress' finger.</p> <p dir="ltr">In his memoir, Perry is exposing past relationships including a <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/matthew-perry-reveals-rendezvous-with-julia-roberts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rendezvous with Julia Roberts</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Perry found himself on the receiving end of Roberts’ flirty messages before he found out that she only agreed to appear in Friends if they shared the storyline.</p> <p dir="ltr">The actors went on to date before Perry’s mental health deteriorated and the couple split.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Books

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Matthew Perry reveals rendezvous with Julia Roberts

<p dir="ltr"><em>Friends</em> actor Matthew Perry has opened up about his heated rendezvous with Julia Roberts…and other actresses. </p> <p dir="ltr">Perry found himself on the receiving end of Roberts’ flirty messages before he found out that she only agreed to appear in <em>Friends</em> if they shared the storyline. </p> <p dir="ltr">The sitcom’s co-creator urged Perry to get in touch with Roberts and “woo” her to join the series. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I had to woo her. I wanted something a tad flirty. I sent her three dozen red roses and the card read, ‘The only thing more exciting than the prospect of you doing the show is that I finally have an excuse to send you flowers’.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Her reply was that if I adequately explained quantum physics to her, she’d agree to be on the show.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The following day I sent her a paper all about wave-particle duality and entanglement, and only some of it was metaphorical.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Not only did Julia agree to do the show, but she also sent me a gift: Bagels — lots and lots of bagels.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair continued to communicate via fax for three months before Roberts appeared at Perry’s doorstep. </p> <p dir="ltr">In Perry’s new memoir <em>Friends, Lovers And The Big Terrible Thing</em>, he revealed that he would be rushing home to see if Roberts had faxed him back. </p> <p dir="ltr">“This was pre-internet, pre-cell phones. All our exchanges were done by fax,” he wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I was grinning like some 15-year-old on his first date. And we had never even spoken yet, much less met each other.”</p> <p dir="ltr">One fateful fax later, Roberts told Perry to call him and he realised that they had fallen for each other. </p> <p dir="ltr">Later that week, Roberts appeared at his doorstep and their relationship blossomed into a whirlwind romance.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I let her in, both figuratively and literally, and a relationship began. We would already be a couple by the time we started filming the Friends Super Bowl episode.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Then on New Year’s Eve in 1996, Roberts took Perry to a mountain hideaway in New Mexico on her private jet to her mountain hideaway to meet her family. </p> <p dir="ltr">But soon things took a turn with Perry unable to tame his demons and the thought of dating Julia Roberts became too much. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Dating Julia Roberts had been too much for me. I had been constantly certain that she was going to break up with me.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I could never be enough; I was broken, bent, unlovable. So instead of facing the inevitable agony of losing her, I broke up with the beautiful and brilliant Julia Roberts.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I can’t begin to describe the look of confusion on her face.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Later in his memoir, Perry went on to reveal that he was also interested in Jennifer Anniston but she only wanted to be friends.</p> <p dir="ltr">He admitted that things were awkward on set but eventually he moved on from her lack of interest in him. </p> <p dir="ltr">And in 1994, before <em>Friends</em> hit the world by storm, Perry met Gwyneth Paltrow at a party in Massachusetts and the pair made out.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We slipped off into a broom cupboard and made out,” he revealed.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This was the last summer of my life when I could make out at a party with a beautiful young woman called Gwyneth and no one, save Gwyneth and I, cared.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Relationships

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Matthew Perry fans worried over latest Friends promo

<p>Fans have been left in a state of worry over Matthew Perry’s wellbeing, after the<span> </span><em>Friends<span> </span></em>reunion promotional video aired.</p> <p>The 51-year-old sat with his co-stars, with an odd gaze and laboured pattern speech.</p> <p>People magazine’s website and YouTube channel posted the video on Wednesday to promote the HBO Max special.</p> <p>Perry appeared with former co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc as they talked about how it felt to be reunited for the legendary sitcom one last time.</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CPD_CWQnELw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CPD_CWQnELw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Friends (@friends)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>When asked about whether he ever took a souvenir from the old set after the end of the show in 2004, Perry could be heard slurring his words.</p> <p>“I stole the cookie jar that had the clock on it,” he said, pronouncing a distinct “sh” sound at the beginning of “stole.”</p> <p>The comment worried fans, with one saying: “Just saw People interview and can’t believe how Matthew Perry looks like … seriously it breaks my heart.”</p> <p>Another fan wrote, “It pains me to see Matthew Perry like this, he just seems off, gazing at the void, speaking slowly.”</p> <p>“Hate to say it, but I’m sad and scared like hell for Matthew Perry,” a third viewer added. “Damn, Matthew Perry in those PEOPLE Friends interviews.”</p> <p>A third said: “Just watched @people exclusive interview clip of Friends casts and the time hasn’t been kind. I hope Matthew Perry is okay. Damn how much I love them.”</p> <p>The<span> </span><em>Friends</em><span> </span>cast reunited at Stage 24 at Warner Bros. Studios in LA.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841341/daily-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/badef58d7fb2432eb43ac3c906b4a167" /></p> <p>Perry has been extremely candid about his struggle with addiction for many years.</p> <p>He revealed his problems reached a dangerous point after a 1997 jet ski accident left him addicted to Vicodin.</p> <p>“I was out of control and very unhealthy,” he told<span> </span><em>People</em><span> </span>at the time.</p> <p>Perry admitted that he doesn’t recall filming multiple seasons.</p> <p>By 2001, the star was drinking large amounts of vodka and showing up to set hungover.</p> <p>“I don’t remember three years of it,” he told BBC Radio 2 in 2016.</p> <p>“Somewhere between Seasons 3 and 6 … I was a little out of it.”</p> <p>The star is now happily engaged to literary manager Molly Hurwitz, who accompanied him to the reunion.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

TV

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"You're wasting our time": David Koch names and shames best and worst celebrities

<p>Sunrise star David ‘Kochie’ Koch delivered some brutally honest opinions about his experiences with celebrities he has interviewed.</p> <p>While appearing on KIIS FM’s Kyle and Jackie O show on Wednesday morning, Kochie was read a list of famous names he’s met during his 18 years as a presenter, and was asked to give them a rating out of 10.</p> <p>Kochie labelled Harrison Ford a 2/10, stating the<span> </span><em>Star Wars<span> </span></em>actor “is one of those grumpy blokes.”</p> <p>In fact, the breakfast morning show host said the Sunrise interview went so badly with Ford that he put an end to it.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838489/sunrise-david-koch-4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/e4f6242354f2483fac665d8e0c83700b" /></p> <p>“I said, ‘Obviously you don’t want to be here, you’re wasting our time and the viewers’ time,’ and we finished the interview,” Kochie said.</p> <p>Asked how the actor responded, the Channel 7 star said: “You couldn’t tell because he had a grumpy face the whole interview.”</p> <p>Jackie O also admitted she was no fan of Ford either, revealing that when she interviewed him in a hotel room, he “was sitting in a very inappropriate way … major manspreading in my direction”.</p> <p>Kochie went on to rate A-list singer, Justin Bieber a 3/10, labelling him plainly as “a brat.”</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838491/sunrise-david-koch-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/91dc8cf4f08c496081ac9eb6e5fcce46" /></p> <p>“One of our floor managers was positioning him for a song and just very gently said, ‘This is where you stand,’ and he said, ‘Don’t you dare touch me!’”</p> <p>Kochie added that the incident took place years ago when Bieber was a teenager, and added that “by the look of it he’s matured and grown up and he’s quite a good bloke now”.</p> <p>The Sunrise co-host labelled David Duchovny a 4/10.</p> <p>He’s just a bit boring; he’s a bit too serious,” Kochie said about The X-Files actor.</p> <p>“When people start talking about their craft and their journey and film noir, I’m lost with all that stuff.”</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838493/sunrise-david-koch.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/801f0dee695a4564b387fe9dc0c474ab" /></p> <p>For Michael Richards,<span> </span>Kochie gave him a 3/10.</p> <p>He said the actor who played Kramer on the hit TV show<span> </span>Seinfeld<span> </span>was “annoying”.</p> <p>“I’m a huge Seinfeld fan and really looked forward to interviewing him,” Koch explained.</p> <p>“Everyone wants him to be funny, so I fed him a line to be funny and he was deadly serious. I went, ‘Oh, so he’s being Michael Richards.’ So I fed a serious line to him and he was funny.</p> <p>“And I went, ‘Who am I interviewing here? Michael Richards or Kramer? I was confused.’”</p> <p>When asked about Katy Perry, Kochie said the singer was a 9/10.</p> <p>He said: “Fun! She’s bright, she’s effervescent and she did the weather like no other person.”</p> <p>He added: “Talented, smart, quick-witted.”</p> <p>Kochie had nothing but a glowing review for Matt Damon who he said was just “absolutely charming” after rating him a perfect 10/10.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838492/sunrise-david-koch-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/eb0221598a7747a3bca5d4a0b27d6682" /></p> <p>“Fantastic bloke.</p> <p>“I walked into Matt Damon’s interview, sat down, and he goes, ‘Gee, I love your boots.’ He was just absolutely charming.”</p> <p>Hugh Jackman also received a perfect score.</p> <p>“He’s fantastic,” Kochie said about the Aussie A-lister.</p> <p>“He’s a natural. I reckon he could do (host) Sunrise … but it wouldn’t pay as much (as his films do).”</p> <p>Kochie saved his favourite experience for last, saying he “fell in love” with Dame Julie Andrews.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838490/sunrise-david-koch-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c5592f3bbeb54bc0be78f91f13c9fbe5" /></p> <p>“I’m a massive Sound Of Music fan,” he admitted.</p> <p>“I had high expectations, met her and fell in love.”</p>

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Katy Perry causes a stir in the MasterChef kitchen with raunchy comments

<p>Many dream about having someone like Katy Perry prancing around their kitchen while they whip up a weeknight meal, and that’s exactly what happened on last night’s episode of<span> </span><em>MasterChef</em>.</p> <p>The soon-to-be-mum was invited to guest judge<span> </span><em>MasterChef: Back to Win</em><span> </span>and not only did she send the contestants into a spin but was also praised by those watching at home for being “weird”, “wonderful” and “chaotic”.</p> <p>But in true Katy Perry fashion, it was her string of raunchy comments that had everyone in Australia in hysterics.</p> <p>When tasting the first dish, which was Sarah Tiong’s pork, the 35-year-old songstress told judge Jock Zonfrillo she had a sprained thumb so she couldn’t cut her own food.</p> <p>“Party in mouth. Put it in my mouth, Daddy!,” Perry said excitably.</p> <p>The racy comment was met with laughter, with fellow judge Andy Allen saying, “Can you cut mine too please Daddy?”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Katy Perry calling Jock ‘daddy’ has made my entire week. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MasterChefAU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MasterChefAU</a></p> — Georgia Duncan (@_georgiarae) <a href="https://twitter.com/_georgiarae/status/1260882576295821312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">did... did katy perry just call jock... daddy? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MasterChefAU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MasterChefAU</a></p> — 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘦 🍉 (@goldenwildfIwr) <a href="https://twitter.com/goldenwildfIwr/status/1260880781460729856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Hopefully Katy Perry’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MasterChefAU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MasterChefAU</a> legacy is not the theme song but everyone calling Jock ‘Daddy’</p> — Jess Chandra (@jesschandra) <a href="https://twitter.com/jesschandra/status/1260880967108984834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>And that wasn’t all.</p> <p>After tasting Reece Hignell’s cake, she folded a napkin into a set of breasts.</p> <p>“You’re the tits, Reece,” she said.</p> <p>While everyone was ecstatic about Perry’s presence, Reece became completely starstruck as he struggled to focus on the cook.</p> <p>“Oh sh*t,” he said, laughing and looking down at his workspace as the star introduced herself.</p> <p>“I don’t know how to talk, I don’t know how to move, I’m just shutting down,” Hignell had told the camera, taking a deep breath.</p> <p>Poh, Reynold, Sarah, Simon and Reece were fighting for immunity as the singer entered the kitchen.</p> <p>The challenge – something “hot and cold” in honour of the show’s theme song performed by Perry.</p> <p>“Reece, the only thing is I don’t love really fishy things, so anyone that’s doing anything very fishy,” Perry tells Hignell during their brief – and giggly chat.</p> <p>“Well we’re doing cake,” he responded shyly.</p> <p>“Oh I love a cake,” Perry bellowed bizarrely.</p> <p>“Ever since I became with child, I’m definitely into it.</p> <p>“I have a serious allergy to gluten though … JK,” the cheeky songstress added to an awe-struck Reece.</p> <p>“You’re stirring very aggressively,” she teased before wandering off.</p> <p>“Katy Perry is just like a goddess, she’s just floating through the kitchen,” he later said, still in disbelief.</p> <p>According to New Idea: “She took a day out of her busy schedule to film<span> </span><em>MasterChef</em><span> </span>under a military-like veil of secrecy,” the publication’s source revealed.</p> <p>“The judges and contestants couldn’t believe their eyes when pop superstar Katy strode into the<span> </span><em>MasterChef<span> </span></em>kitchen.”</p> <p><em>MasterChef: All Stars continues Sunday night from 7.30 pm on Channel 10.</em></p>

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