With the best in the business descending on Cannes Film Festival this week, here’s how and where to find all of your favourite famous faces – but be warned, celeb-spotting isn’t cheap
‘This is best place to celeb-spot at the Cannes Film Festival – but it’s not cheap’(Image: Supplied )
Cannes Film Festival kicks off today with a star-studded opening ceremony on the Côte d’Azur, and with celebrities like Robert De Niro and Bella Hadid in attendance, there’s plenty of star spotting to be done.
I’m here at the film festival and have already paid a visit to some of the locations the A-list are residing in, with Julia Garner, Naomie Harris and Bella Hadid all just touching distance away.
The Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel, is where you’re likely to find Julia Garner, Naomie Harris and Mobland star Ansel Boone. These celebs are staying in the beachfront haven and are amongst those attending Tuesday’s invite-only Vanity Fair lunch at the hotel’s beach club.
Perfect for people watching, I spotted Julia grabbing a drink in the lobby while Ansel laughed along with pals by the door, so very casual.
Celeb spotting is easy if you know where to go(Image: Supplied )
Stunning views too(Image: Supplied )
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However, paying a visit to this hotel won’t be cheap, with a diet coke from the lobby bar coming in at €14, while the cheapest drink on the menu is an espresso coffee at €9. They will bring you some nuts and olives though, if that helps the blow…
Across the beach is the coveted Hôtel Martinez, which this year is housing the likes of Bella Hadid and Heidi Klum. If you’re looking to catch some nonchalant A-list action, this is the place to hang around.
Heidi and her husband Tom Kaulitz arrived to the five-star hotel yesterday, joining Andie MacDowell and supermodel Irina Shayk.
With Chopard taking over it’s rooftop bar for their star-studded line-up of exclusive events, this hotel is a hub for the A-list. You’ll have to be smart about your celeb hunting though, as the Martinez bar is closed for bookings and up to the security guards whether you’ll be let in.
Slightly further out is the Hotel Du Cap Eden Roc, which has previously welcomed Tom Hanks, Leonardo Di Caprio and the Kardashians. It is also the home of the annual amfAR Gala, which will return for another year next week.
If the celeb hotel haunts aren’t your speed, there is also the film festival itself. With the opening ceremony kicking things off tonight and Tom Cruise heading to the Mission Impossible premiere tomorrow evening, it wouldn’t go a miss sticking around the Palais – where the premieres take place.
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And if the stars aren’t in their hotels or at the screenings, they are likely at an invite-only party. Luckily, we’ve got access to many of these too.
Head to hotspots such as the Carlton Cannes beach, Lucia Cannes and Copal Beach to try your luck at some parties across the week. While you may not make it inside, those A-Listers have to stumble out at some point…
Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has been banned from driving after pleading guilty to several speeding offences.
The 25-year-old was caught speeding six times on the A52 in the Radcliffe-on-Trent area of Nottinghamshire between December 2024 and February this year.
He admitted five counts of exceeding 70mph on the dual carriageway, and another charge of speeding in a 60mph zone.
Two of the offences happened on 5 December at 01:02 and 19:13 GMT, while one occurred on Christmas Day at 09:18.
The others took place at 09:27 on 17 December, 09:06 on 17 January 2025 and 08:10 on 2 February.
The fastest recorded speed Gibbs-White’s car was caught travelling at was 96mph between Stragglethorpe Road and Lings Bar Road.
He was initially fined £6,000 for all the offences, but the amount was reduced to £666 for each offence due to his guilty plea.
Gibbs-White was also given 19 penalty points on his licence, ordered to pay a £1,598 victim surcharge and £110 in court costs.
The Gogglebox star seems to have a new dress every week, and her most recent one is the perfect buy for this mini-heatwave we’re having in the UK
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The Gogglebox star has found the perfect spring/summer midi dress that flatters curves (Image: Instagram)
Oh, how we’d love to have a peek into Scarlett Moffatt’s wardrobe. The Gogglebox star seems to debut a new frock every week, and her latest one is the ideal purchase for this mini-heatwave we’re experiencing in the UK.
Sharing a photo of herself donning the dress on her Instagram stories, Scarlett reveals that the exact item is Never Fully Dressed’s Palma Island Dress, available in sizes XS through to XXXL. At present, it’s in stock in all sizes, but given how stunning the star looks in it, we don’t anticipate it’ll stay that way for long.
There’s something distinctly Mamma Mia about the Palma Isla Dress – with its Grecian blues, artistic island print and a breezy, just-hopped-off-a-ferry vibe. Crafted from a lightweight 92% cotton fabric that flows beautifully, it’s a garment that makes hot days feel a tad cooler. The print subtly hints at sun-drenched getaways without being too overt, while the relaxed fit and flattering round neck keep things simple and wearable.
What truly distinguishes it is the smart tie waist, which you can tighten or leave loose depending on your preference. It’s like wearing an oversized T-shirt but in dress form– and although it’s a mini cut, it’s not so short that it exposes your bum, reports OK!. Pair it with strappy sandals and minimal jewellery for a laid-back holiday look for the weekend, or wear it to work teamed with a lightweight blazer and some kitten heels.
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Scarlett poses in the Never Fully Dressed tie-waist t-shirt dress(Image: Instagram)
The dress is perfect for heatwave dressing(Image: Never Fully Dressed)
Scarlett Moffatt has been on a roll lately, giving us the inside scoop on some fabulous dresses. Just recently, the 34 year old revealed a stunning find from Next that sent shoppers into a frenzy to snap it up before it sold out. The beloved former Gogglebox star struck a pose in Next’s Pink/Purple Seersucker Bandeau Midi Summer Dress over the Easter weekend, jokingly saying she’s embracing picnic blanket chic.
“Feeling like a little lilac Easter picnic blanket,” she joked, sharing her lovely snaps. “Dress I bought from Next, bag was a gift from my auntie, and the shoes are Bottega (that fun fact I got when I filmed an advert in Istanbul”.
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If you’re keen to get your hands on Scarlett’s exact dress, head over to Next’s online store where it’s available for £42 – but be quick, as it’s flying off the shelves. The lilac number is ideal for sunny days, and it also comes in a delightful butter yellow and a smart monochrome version. Pair this midi with some statement heels and a sleek clutch for a standout wedding guest outfit. Or, if you fancy something different, why not try Scarlett’s Never Fully Dressed Palma Island Dress for £79?
On May 12, two days after the announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi finally addressed the nation. He stated that the Indian army had only “paused” military action and Operation Sindoor, launched in the aftermath of the April 22 massacre in Pahalgam to target “terrorist hideouts”, had not ended.
“Now, Operation Sindoor is India’s policy against terrorism. Operation Sindoor has carved out a new benchmark in our fight against terrorism and has set up a new parameter and new normal,” he said.
Modi’s speech was clearly not meant to reassure the Indian people that the government can guarantee their safety or security and is seeking peace and stability. Instead, it was meant to warn that the country is now in a permanent warlike situation.
This new state of affairs has been called not to secure the national interest but to satisfy Modi’s nationalist support base, which was bewildered and disappointed with the announcement of the ceasefire by United States President Donald Trump. The detrimental impact that this new militarised normal will have on Indian democracy is clearly a price worth paying, according to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The truth is, the political establishment unwittingly put itself in a difficult position when it decided to capitalise politically on the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack in India-administered Kashmir and whip up war fervour.
While victims of the attack like Himanshi Narwal, who survived but lost her husband, navy officer Vinay Narwal, called for peace and warned against the targeting of Muslims and Kashmiris, the BJP called for revenge and embraced anti-Muslim rhetoric.
As a ruling party, it did not feel the need to take responsibility for failing to prevent the attack or explain the carelessness in securing tourist destinations. It immediately converted this act of killing into an act of war against India.
Actions followed the hate rhetoric swiftly. Muslims and Kashmiris were attacked in several parts of India, and arrests were made of those criticising the Indian government. In Kashmir, nine houses were blasted immediately as punishment of those who had any link with “terrorists”, and thousands were detained or arrested. People with Pakistani passports were deported, and families were broken.
Then, Operation Sindoor was announced. The Indian army’s targeting of Pakistani sites was accompanied by frenzied calls from the mainstream media for the complete obliteration of Pakistan. Major TV platforms – entirely falsely – declared the Karachi port had been destroyed and the Indian army had breached the border.
The war cries and fake news emerging from the TV studios and the frantic messaging from the IT cells of the BJP led its supporters to believe that a decisive battle against Pakistan had been launched and its fall was imminent.
In parallel, critical voices were swiftly silenced. The Indian government requested the blocking of 8,000 accounts from the social media platform X, including those of BBC Urdu, Outlook India, Maktoob Media, veteran journalist Anuradha Bhasin and political content creator Arpit Sharma.
Just when war fever had gripped the BJP’s support base, the sudden announcement of a ceasefire by the US caught them by surprise. The truce was seen as a retreat and an admission of weakness.
Some of the BJP’s online supporters turned on the foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, who had declared the ceasefire as the representative of the government of India. He was viciously attacked, and his timeline was flooded with abusive and violent messages, calling him a traitor and coward. His daughter also faced abuse.
The trolling was so severe that Misri had to lock his social media accounts. Interestingly, but unsurprisingly, we did not hear about the blocking of any social media accounts trolling him or any action by the police against them. There was no action to protect Narwal either after she faced abuse and humiliation by the same crowd for daring to call for peace.
Meanwhile, the Association for Protection of Civil Rights, which focuses on rights violations in marginalised communities, has released a report saying 184 hate crimes against Muslims – including murder, assault, vandalism, hate speech, threats, intimidation and harassment – have been reported from different parts of India since April 22.
On Saturday, Misri claimed that India was a democracy that allowed criticism of the government. But the experience of critics raising questions about the objective and efficacy of Operation Sindoor has been bitter.
Criticism of government requires parliamentary deliberation. But the government has been ignoring calls by opposition parties to convene the parliament, which means stalling democratic dialogue.
Now that the prime minister has announced the operation has not ended, total loyalty from the Indian people will be demanded. Opposition parties would feel compelled to suspend all questions to the government. Muslims would feel a burden to prove their allegiance to the nation. The government will happily blame a dire economic situation that is of its doing on the war. There will be freedom of speech, but only for those who speak in favour of the BJP.
Democracy in India thus remains in suspended animation as the country now faces a permanent enemy and a permanent war.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has condemned the recent spate of attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in various parts of the state.
Recently, the insurgents launched attacks on the Maiduguri-Damboa Road, Marte, Chibok, Gwoza, and Kala Balge, among other communities.
Zulum also expressed sympathised with the families of the victims, including those affected by the tragic explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Maiduguri-Damboa Road.
READ ALSO: Boko Haram Attacks Military Base, Kills Two Teachers In Borno
In a statement by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, the Borno governor reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to working closely with the Federal Government, military, and other security agencies to contain the security challenges.
“These acts of terror are deeply condemnable. The recent tragic loss of our education workers, gallant troops, and innocent civilians is a painful reminder of the challenges we continue to face.
“I am more determined than ever to support the military, security agencies, and our volunteer forces in the fight to end terrorism and insurgency in our state,” Zulum stated.
The governor recalled his recent visit to Gwoza, where he engaged with military personnel and the Izge community, as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce resilience and ensure the protection of lives and property.
“The recent surge in attacks will not deter our resolve to tackle the scourge of the 16-year-long insurgency. I urge the people of Borno to remain resilient and prayerful. This is a partial eclipse — and we shall overcome it, Insha Allah,” he assured.
He extended his thoughts and prayers to the families of the fallen troops, innocent civilians, and all citizens of Borno State during this difficult period.
Disclaimer: This explainer contains distressing details
The criminal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs continues for its second day on Tuesday in Manhattan, New York, where he faces charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering.
The trial opened on Monday with jury selection, opening statements and two harrowing testimonies. The three-time Grammy winner has been accused of using his fame and fortune to abuse women over a period of 20 years.
Diddy, 55, who is a rapper, musician and founder of record label Bad Boy Records, has been in federal custody since his arrest in September. District Judge Arun Subramanian is presiding over the case. The trial officially began on May 5.
What is Diddy charged with?
A five-count indictment, spanning 17 pages, against Diddy accuses him of sex trafficking, racketeering, forced labour and transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution. Racketeering refers to fraudulent or dishonest conduct in business.
In November 2023, his ex-girlfriend and musician, Casandra Ventura, also known by her stage name Cassie, filed a lawsuit against Diddy, accusing him of sex trafficking, sexual assault and battery from 2007 to 2018.
The next day, Cassie and Diddy settled the lawsuit, with details of the settlement unknown. Since then, the hip-hop mogul has faced more than 50 lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault.
Diddy has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
If convicted, he could face punishment ranging from 15 years in prison to a life sentence.
What happened on day one of the Diddy trial?
The day began with the selection of 12 New York jurors and six alternates, who are used in case a juror is unable to attend due to an emergency, such as illness. Then, the court heard opening statements.
Courtroom sketches from Monday show Diddy with grey hair and a grey-beige sweater. His mother, Janice Combs, was also present in the courtroom.
“For 20 years, the defendant, with the help of his trusted inner circle, committed crime after crime,” Emily Johnson, assistant US attorney, said. “That’s why we are here today. That’s what this case is about.”
After this, witnesses were brought to the stand and evidence was presented.
Hotel attack video shown
A March 2016 surveillance camera video of Diddy physically assaulting Cassie was shown in court. In the video, he is seen in the lift bank of a hotel, aggressively shoving Cassie to the ground and kicking her multiple times. He is then seen picking up her belongings and dragging her across the floor and leaving.
Cassie is seen distressed, getting up to use the hotel landline phone. In another video clip, Diddy is seen throwing a glass vase, shattering it. This video first surfaced when it was aired by CNN in 2024, after which he apologised.
The video was shown to support the testimony of the first witness, Israel Florez, who is currently a Los Angeles police officer. In March 2016, Florez was a security guard at the Intercontinental Los Angeles Century City, where the surveillance camera video is from.
Florez told the court he received a call from a distressed woman and found Diddy and Cassie on the sixth floor. Florez said Cassie had a purple eye, and she declined his suggestion of calling the police.
A video from a hotel is shown as prosecutor Christy Slavik questions Israel Florez, a former security guard, in this courtroom sketch [Jane Rosenberg/Reuters]
Details about ‘freak-offs’ revealed
Prosecutors said in opening statements that Diddy was involved in “freak-offs” or sex parties that would span days and involve multiple sex workers. They said these parties were drug-fuelled, and the victims were blackmailed with video footage.
“They will tell you about some of the most painful experiences of their lives. The days they spent in hotel rooms, high on drugs, dressed in costumes to perform the defendant’s sexual fantasies,” Johnson, the assistant US attorney, said.
Diddy’s defence held that these events were consensual and the victims did not call the police.
Prosecutor Emily Johnson points to Diddy in this courtroom sketch [Jane Rosenberg/Reuters]
Daniel Phillip’s testimony
The second witness called to court was a male stripper, Daniel Phillip, who told the court he had sex with Cassie for money on multiple occasions between 2012 and 2013 while Diddy watched. Phillip told the court he saw Diddy physically assault Cassie, slapping her, dragging her by the hair and throwing a liquor bottle towards her.
“She literally jumped into my lap, and she was shaking, like literally her whole entire body was shaking. She was terrified,” Phillip said about Cassie.
Daniel Phillip, the prosecution’s second witness, testifies in this courtroom sketch [Jane Rosenberg/Reuters]
Diddy’s defence team testifies
The defence team also spoke on the opening day.
Teny Geragos, the defence lawyer, held that her client is angry and violent, but the allegations against him amount to domestic violence rather than sex trafficking, and that his relationships have been consensual.
“This case is about voluntary choices made by capable adults in consensual relationships,” Geragos said during her opening statement. “For Cassie, she made a choice, every single day, to stay with him,” she was quoted as saying by the BBC.
Geragos added that those accusing Diddy were seeking financial compensation.
What could happen on Tuesday?
The trial is expected to resume at 9:30am (13:30 GMT) on Tuesday with the cross-examination of Phillip. After this, Cassie is expected to take the stand. Prosecutors have said four of Diddy’s accusers will testify during the trial, without identifying them publicly.
