Category Entertainment News

At the peak of his fame, Salt Bae (known as Nusret Gökçe) was inescapable, with a 2017 viral video showing the Turkish butcher sprinkling salt on steak turning him overnight into a global celebrity, drawing stars to his pricey Nusr-Et steakhouses

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At the height of his fame, the walking meme that is Salt Bae was impossible to escape. Following a six-second video of the Turkish butcher flamboyantly sprinkling salt onto a steak, Nusret Gökçe went astronomically viral back in 2017, turning him from an unknown chef into a global celebrity basically overnight.

Footballers, Hollywood actors and influencers all flocked to his Nusr-Et steakhouses, more than happy to pay through their noses for a taste of Nusret’s meat, and chance to witness his viral salt shaking. Salt Bae’s story is a classic rags-to-riches tale. Born into a poor family in eastern Turkey, the social media star left school at just 11 to work as a butcher’s apprentice, before going on to open his first restaurant in Istanbul.

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Years of graft paid off when his Instagram videos went viral, earning him the nickname “Salt Bae” and paving the way for a rapid global expansion across Europe, the Middle East, the UK and US.

However, the excessiveness that fuelled his meteoric rise has, it seems, defined his decline.

The London branch of his viral restaurant, based in swanky Knightsbridge, became notorious for its ridiculous prices, with steaks costing hundreds of pounds and some diners racking up bills of tens of thousands.

Critics and customers alike questioned the value of the food, branding the experience as overpriced and underwhelming, while online reviews piled up accusing staff of being pushy and the food of failing to justify the gaudy spectacle.

The financial impact is now clear. Despite early success, Salt Bae’s UK business recently reported losses of more than £5 million, even after cutting prices to tempt customers back.

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Over in the US, things have gone even worse One by one, Nusr-Et locations in New York, Boston, Dallas, Las Vegas and Beverly Hills have closed, leaving just two restaurants open across the entire country.

To make matters worse, Gökçe recently lost a two-year battle to stop another food business from trademarking the word “SALT”.

A UK tribunal ruled the term was too generic and rejected claims that diners associate it exclusively with Salt Bae, ordering his company to pay costs.

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The social media star has been accused of withholding staff tips, breaking Covid safety standards, and overindulging himself during Argentina’s World Cup celebrations in 2022, and has been the subject of controversy throughout his culinary career.

Salt Bae is still far from drying up despite his issues.

In an awkward attempt to describe JD Vance’s political philosophy, she then called the Vice President an “assassin” in front of Charlie Kirk’s widow.

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Nicki Minaj has made a surprise appearance at a political convention run by the widow of Charlie Kirk, with the rapper singing the praises of Donald Trump and JD Vance.

Minaj, real name Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, called the US President and Vice-President “role models” for young men after she arrived at the Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest conference hand-in-hand with Erika Kirk, the wife of political activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September.

Kirk founded Turning Point USA and was the not-for-profit organisation’s leader up until his death. His widow, Erika, now runs the conservative activist group.

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The rapper’s widow, Charlie Kirk, spoke with Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, about her recent admission to support Trump, who she had previously condemned, and about her handling of the violence against Christians in Nigeria.

Minaj addressed the gathered Republicans in a statement to the crowd: “This administration is full of people who have my heart and soul. I’m proud of them. Our vice president makes me, well, I love both of them. Both of them possess an uncanny ability to make you feel special.

The 43-year-old rapper then called JD Vance an “assassin” in front of Kirk’s widow in a horrifying error. At the time, she attempted to describe JD Vance’s political outlook.

Minaj appeared to be shivering, akin to a rehashed statement. Things seemed to go from bad to worse as Kirk appeared to wipe a tear from one of her eyes and Minaj put a hand over her mouth.

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However, Kirk’s widow gracefully addressed the crowd who had gathered to pay tribute to her late husband, saying, “If the internet wants to clip it, who cares? This woman is my favorite.

Minaj claimed she was tired of being “pushed around,” and that having people use their minds when they speak up to differs is unpopular.

Even though he hasn’t said whether he will run for president in the upcoming election, Vance did receive an endorsement from Erika Kirk at the Arizona event.

Despite receiving criticism from the entertainment industry for her support for Trump, Kirk once thanked Minaj for being “courageous.” “I didn’t notice,” Minaj responded.

Last month, the rapper took to social media to reveal herself as a fan of Trump and his polices. She shared a message that was originally posted by the US President about Christian persecution in Nigeria.

On his Truth Social platform, Trump had suggested putting sanctions on the West African nation.

“Reading this gave me a great deal of gratitude,” I said. Minaj wrote on X in a country where we can freely worship God. She was then invited along with US Ambassador Mike Waltz and other religious leaders to speak on a panel at the US mission to the UN.

Following his mother Victoria’s liking of a post about him roasting a chicken, Brooklyn Beckham is said to have blocked his family on social media. This is the latest remark in the ongoing family feud.

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Brooklyn Beckham and wife Nicola Peltz have reportedly asked David and Victoria to “back off” in the ongoing family feud.

It is understood they have made thr request in the hope it’ll bring them peace during the Christmas period, following a difficult 2025. The latest swipe in the saga came over the weekend when Brooklyn, 26, blocked his family on social media after mum Victoria liked a post about him roasting a chicken.

But it is believed Brooklyn and Nicola are “upset” about the reaction to this, including from his youngest brother Cruz, and now want David and Victoria “to leave them alone” during the holiday season. It is unclear how each of the family is spending Christmas Day this year.

The Beckhams could simply back off and leave them alone for the time being, according to a friend of theirs. Nicola and Brooklyn haven’t been commenting. They merely desire tranquility. It would be best for everyone because it doesn’t help them [the Beckhams] to stop contacting, commenting, and briefing.

They have requested that Beckhams withdraw. They simply want to be themselves. The speculation makes them angry. They are attempting to take the dangerous path of living simply by themselves.

READ MORE: Brooklyn Beckham feud with family in full as brother claims they’ve been blockedREAD MORE: Beckhams in agonising split as Cruz says Brooklyn has blocked the whole family

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Since Brooklyn first met Nicola, 30, an American aspiring actress and Nelson Peltz’s daughter, there has been trouble in the Beckhams’ home. Nicola accepted Brooklyn’s marriage proposal, but she was offended when Victoria promised to design her wedding dress before, according to reports, the project was put on hold.

Dim hopes of a reconciliation in the summer faded quickly, and now the situation has taken another bleak turn. The latest row over the Instagram stand-off has caused significant concern among Nicola and Brooklyn’s friends, according to the Daily Mail.

READ MORE: Brooklyn Beckham panned by fans after getting classic British recipe wrong

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And sources close to David and Victoria told The Sun that the distance was “taking its toll”. The insider said: “His absence has really taken a toll on the special days – the knighthood – and now Christmas.

“Over their Christmas and New Year’s, it seems like Brooklyn has a ghost hanging.” They were together last year. The door is always open, and he’s always welcome, is what they’re communicating.

The US chat show host Jim Kimmel praised a “really great year” in his recording of Channel 4’s 2025 Alternative Christmas Message.

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US chat show host Jimmy Kimmel has said it has been a “great year” from “a fascism perspective” in his Christmas address.

The presenter, 58, was chosen to deliver Channel 4’s 2025 Christmas Message, an alternative to the monarch’s annual televised address on December 25. Jimmy, who was taken off air by Donald Trump earlier this year, is expected to say: “From a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year.”

The comedian was suspended indefinitely in September following comments he made on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! after the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, an ally of the US President. Staff were reportedly “shocked” when the programme was yanked off air minutes before it was due to broadcast.

However, Mr. Trump’s decision caused the programmne to be immediately reinstated after Jimmy’s fans voiced their disapproval. Hollywood’s biggest stars and political figures have complained to the US administration about violating their right to free speech and the press.

READ MORE: Jimmy Kimmel’s childhood friend Cleto Escobedo’s cause of death revealed

Mikey Smith

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Jimmy, who was born in Brooklyn, New York City, will continue to reflect on the recent events and share his own experiences and insights in the Christmas Day address. He was at the center of a story that shocked the US and its underlying democratic values.

A Channel 4 spokesperson said: “Donald Trump’s return to the White House and wide-ranging impact on the world has been the story of 2025 and it would be hard to think of a better person to address it than Jimmy Kimmel, who has found himself on the front line of America’s battle over free speech.”

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The channel’s annual broadcast, which first aired in 1993, aims to bring viewers a message about that year’s events. Kimmel’s address follows on from previous messages delivered by a wide range of presenters, including comedian Chris McCausland who addressed ableism last year after becoming the first blind person to win Strictly Come Dancing.

He blatantly stated, “Discrimination is never a good thing. I suppose sometimes, I suppose. Before I started comedy, I applied to be a spy for MI5 many, many years ago. Out of 3, 000 applicants, I made the final 30. The top 1% of potential spies this nation had before they decided against it. They weren’t looking for a blind spy, but I think they were. I believe that discrimination can sometimes be harmful to a country’s safety, but in general, we can do better.

Helen Flanagan, the star of Coronation Street, thanked her mother for supporting her in a furious and public split with Scott Sinclair, her ex-football player ex.

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Helen Flanagan has praised her mother for her unwavering support amid her explosive falling out with ex-fiancé Scott Sinclair. The Coronation Street icon and the Bristol Rovers winger were in a relationship for thirteen years.

Matilda, 10, Delilah, 7, and Charlie, their four-year-old son, are the former couple’s three children. However, after Scott, 36, traveled to Abu Dhabi to watch the Formula One-missing Charlie’s Nativity play, tensions have increased.

An incensed Helen, 35, publicly lashed out online, branding him “a piece of s**t” in a fiery Instagram Stories post. Helen has, however, been able to rely on her mother to help her with her home life as she has been starring in a production of Snow White in Liverpool in recent weeks.

READ MORE: M&S’ coffee and cake hampers are now under £5 in time for Christmas giftingREAD MORE: Helen Flanagan twists knife into Scott Sinclair amid fight over Christmas

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Helen shared a photo of her mother, Julia, cuddling Charlie on Instagram over the weekend. The TV star wrote, “So grateful for my incredible mother who has cared for my kids for a lot of time while I’ve been working,” in a hushed caption.

She continued, “I’m so blessed to have you mom. You’re the BEST grandma ever.” Helen continued, “All the school activities, all the school work, all the washing.” I adore you.

As Scott and Helen co-parent in various counties, Helen has previously discussed how much her mother supports her. He lives like Somerset, according to her previous statement to The Sun. We live so far apart from one another, which is difficult to do when you have three young children.

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She continued, “My mom is amazing. She really aids in raising my kids. I’m very fortunate to have that support.

Helen and Scott’s approach to raising their children together was revealed earlier this year. And she made it clear that communication was essential to ensuring that the children were aware of each other’s plans.

She stated to Closer magazine in June that despite coordinating gifts for their children, she isn’t afraid to exercise her will. She continued, “Oh, we need to talk about getting kids’ gifts.”

If we bought the same item, it would really irritate me. I’m not sure if Scott would actually shop for the kids; he’s a man. His mother probably does it, but he is completely useless. So I simply let him know what I’m purchasing, and that’s it.

Meanwhile, Helen shared snaps of herself with her children this weekend as they visited her at the theatre of her current production. Playing the wicked Queen in the panto at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, Helen is joined in the cast by X Factor star Sean Smith as the Prince and theatre star Ellis Lloyd as Snow White.

Helen was seen embracing her children in warm hugs after sharing photos of herself in costume. She wrote, “My babies, my babies,” in a sweet caption. My three absolute musts Happy but irate mummy

The performances are scheduled to last until Sunday, December 28th, at a price of between £28 and £65. Heather has been frequently sharing photos and videos with fans on her social media accounts and praising the show, “Having a ball… Come see us.”

Holly Hagan, a star of The Geordie Shore, has revealed some much-needed good news about her unborn child while she is still grieving over her 19-year-old sister’s tragic passing.

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Pregnant Holly Hagan has revealed her unborn baby’s gender following the tragic death of her sister in October. Holly, who is already mum to Alpha-Jax, two, shared that she was expecting another baby last month with footballer husband Jacob Blyth.

The 33-year-old recently made the heartbreaking announcement that her half-sister, Darci Rose Gibson had died, aged just 19. But while the Geordie Shore star battles with her grief, she shared some much-needed good news, with a sweet gender reveal video, which showed her family finding out they will be welcoming a little girl into the fold.

In the video, posted on Sunday, Holly could be seen cradling her toddler, while Jacob got ready to fire the confetti canon. The small family stood by their Christmas tree, before pink confetti scattered around them.

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READ MORE: Holly Hagan reveals text she wished she sent her sister on night of tragic drug death

Holly, who had previously predicted the gender by claiming she had been feeling “girl vibes,” was overjoyed before swooping in for a hug with their son. With her husband pulling her in, Holly covered her face, causing her to cry.

Georgia Kousoulo, a TOWIE star, wrote, “I just knew it… your sister sent her,” in the comments section. Nathan Henry, Holly’s former Geordie Shore co-star, continued, “Guys, I’m so happy for you both”!

Holly, who previously revealed she had suffered a miscarriage earlier this year, was delighted to find out she was expecting a baby. She shared a photo of her beaming as she held the positive pregnancy test.

Our little rainbow among the storm, she wrote in the caption. Baby Blyth no2 coming May 2026″.

Holly, a reality tv star, lost her heart following her sister’s tragic death in October. She acknowledged that Darci had tragically passed away, but she was unsure whether to share the news.

In November, Holly wrote on Instagram: “A little life update from last week. I wasn’t sure whether to share or not as honestly this is such a vulnerable time and I’m not really someone who sits and cries to the camera usually but this is the reality of where I’m at right now x.

The toughest four weeks of our lives have been and are still are. My parents and I both have different ways of handling this situation.

“I don’t think anybody realises how much this affects everybody in their lives, the amount of people that’s been affected by this is just absolutely mind blowing. Like, my world has stopped. Her parents’ world has stopped. We feel, like, stuck and then the world keeps spinning.”

She had to pause as she spoke because the subject was so important to her. She continued, “I can usually take my mind off it and do other things in the day… However, typically on a night that is “incredibly difficult,” “incredibly difficult for everyone,”

She acknowledged that she has long wanted to be content again, but she hasn’t yet mastered that. I feel “like weighed by lead,” I tell myself right now. She said, “I feel like I’m just so heavy, everything feels like it’s ten times harder to do.”

The teen “fell ill after taking drugs,” according to a later statement from police. According to Greater Manchester Police, “on Sunday, October 19, 2025, hospital staff called to the care of a 19-year-old woman who had taken drugs and had fallen seriously ill. Sadly, the woman died in hospital yesterday evening (20/10/2025).

At this difficult time, our thoughts are with her family. “We are still looking into this.

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