Families of South Africans allegedly tricked into joining Russia’s military say their loved ones are stranded on Ukraine’s front lines. Distress calls and new arrests tied to recruitment efforts are fuelling legal and political fallout in South Africa.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked soldiers on the frontlines for retaking northern districts of the town of Kupiansk, saying they’d given diplomats ‘the opportunity to negotiate’. Russia claimed to have seized the area in November.
Paul Walker’s daughter has shared a moving tribute to the Fast and Furious star, 12 years on from his death. Meadow Walker, who is now 27, took to social media to share the tribute about her dad.
Meadow, who was Paul’s only child, took to Instagram once again to explain how she plans to honour the star. Sharing a reel, the model posted a video message to invite fans and followers to support the Paul Walker Foundation.
She says in the video: “Hey, it’s Meadow, I’m doing something very special to honour my father’s legacy, and support the Paul Walker Foundation. The ocean is a special place for us, and the foundation was created to protect its beauty for future generations.
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“So, I’ve teamed up with Alltroo to give away an incredible four-day trip to Hawaii.” She went on to open up about the huge opportunity.
For a chance to truly appreciate the ocean and all its beauty […] please give what you can, we must protect our ocean.” She ended by saying: “Thank you so much, and good luck.”
It’s far from the first time she has spoken out in her dad’s honour and to support his legacy. The Fast and the Furious star died in a car accident after colliding at 100mph. The vehicle burst into flames before emergency responders could arrive on the scene.
He reportedly died of traumatic and thermal injuries incurred as a result of the accident. Paul, who was a passenger in the vehicle, died alongside the driver. No alcohol or drugs were reportedly involved in the incident.
Two weeks ago, Meadow marked 12 years since the star’s passing. She uploaded a carousel of three images where her dad can be seen celebrating her birthday when she was young. In the photos, Paul is holding a plate of cupcakes.
The pair are seen blowing out candles together. And Meadow captioned her post: “12 years without you… I love you forever.”
Meadow launched the Paul Walker Foundation a decade ago. The non‑profit organisation focuses on the Hollywood actor’s passion for the ocean. It helps to fund marine and wildlife conservation projects as well as offering grants and scholarships to young people who are looking to get into marine science or ocean-protection schemes.
Meadow went on to marry Louis Thornton-Allan in 2020. However, after three years of marriage, the duo called it quits. Sharing the news at the time on Instagram, she wrote: “Statement from the two of us. After three wonderful years of marriage, we have come to the agreement to amicably separate.
“This is truly a united decision and we sincerely hope everyone can respect our wishes for privacy. We maintain mutual love and respect for one another, and will continue to support one another.”
Swiss Eurovision winner Nemo said they will return their 2024 victory trophy because Israel is being allowed to compete in the pop music competition.
The singer, who won the 2024 edition with operatic pop track, The Code, posted a video on Instagram showing them placing the trophy in a box to be sent back to the Geneva headquarters of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
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“Eurovision says it stands for unity, for inclusion and dignity for all people,” Nemo said, adding that Israel’s participation amid its ongoing genocidal war on Gaza showed those ideals were at odds with organisers’ decisions.
The EBU, which organises Eurovision, cleared Israel last week to take part in next year’s event in Austria, prompting Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia and Iceland to announce they would be boycotting the contest.
“When entire countries withdraw, it should be clear that something is deeply wrong,” Nemo said on Thursday.
On Friday, contest director Martin Green said in a statement sent to The Associated Press that organisers were “saddened that Nemo wishes to return their trophy which they deservedly won in 2024”.
“We respect the deeply held views Nemo has expressed and they will always remain a valued part of the Eurovision Song Contest family,” he added.
Next year’s Eurovision is scheduled to take place in Austria’s capital, Vienna, after Austrian singer JJ won the 2025 contest in Basel, Switzerland. Traditionally, the winning country hosts the following year.
“This is not about individuals or artists. It’s about the fact that the contest was repeatedly used to soften the image of a state accused of severe wrongdoing, all while the EBU insists that this contest is non-political,” said Nemo.
“Live what you claim. If the values we celebrate on stage aren’t lived off stage, then even the most beautiful songs become meaningless,” they added.
Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza has killed at least 70,369 Palestinians, according to the territory’s health authorities.
Taylor Swift’s parents have faced their own health battles over the years as their daughter’s success continues to soar.
Today (December 12), Disney Plus has dropped Taylor Swift’s brand new projects giving fans an insight into her Eras tour including behind the scenes access.
The End of an Era documentary will see two episodes being released weekly, with six in total, and will explore the development, impact, and inner-workings of the huge phenomenon that was the Eras Tour, which spanned from 2023 to 2024.
Disney Plus teases: “The End of an Era” is an illuminating docuseries on Disney+ that gives an intimate look at Taylor’s life as her tour made headlines and thrilled fans around the world.”
As well as the documentary, the Final Show concert film is also released which was captured during the star’s final show of the tour, which features for the first time, the entire set of The Tortured Poets Department album.
But away from her growing success, Taylor Swift has been quite open about her struggles over the years from her own mental health, to her parents’ health battles. Anyone that is a fan of Taylor, will also be familiar with her parents Scott and Andrea, who are often seen showing their support.
What some fans may not know is that both Scott and Andrea have battled cancer in their lives. Back in 2015, the singer told her fans her mum had an “important battle to fight” and so would be seen less frequently.
A few years later in 2019, Taylor wrote for Elle that she has “had to learn how to handle serious illness in my family.” She continued that both of her parents have had cancer, adding: “And my mom is now fighting her battle with it again.”
Back in 2020, the Brain Tumour Charity wrote: “Everyone whose life has been touched by a brain tumour diagnosis will know instinctively just how difficult this is for Taylor Swift and her family.”
Taylor and the family have remained relatively quiet regarding Andrea’s health but from her past album Lover, the 2019 song titled Soon You’ll Get Better reference her own pain. Fans remain positive though following appearances at concerts.
Taking to social media, one person said: “I think about this often. I hope she’s doing well.”
When it comes to Taylor’s dad Scott, he too has faced his own health battles. Just this year, Taylor revealed on the New Heights Podcast her dad had quintuple bypass surgery.
She said: “My dad had an interesting summer. He actually had a quintuple bypass surgery and that’s a really intense surgery. It all happened really quick.”
Despite perfect EKG results, the blockages were soon found during a resting stress test as Taylor opened up on the intense period, even helping to care for him.
How the acquisition of the legendary Hollywood studio Warner Bros could reshape the media landscape.