Category Entertainment News

Kneecap rapper Liam O hAnnaidh, 27, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday amid calls for his band to be removed from the 2025 Glastonbury line-up

Liam O hAnnaidh and his Kneecap bandmates have received support from music legend Johnny Marr amid claims of a private and confidential letter being sent to Glastonbury bosses urging them to remove the Irish rap trio from the 2025 line-up.

Rapper O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged by postal requisition over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, in November last year. The 27-year-old is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 18.

Over the weekend, Love Music Hate Racism and Toddla T, husband of former Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac, blasted reports of an alleged letter signed by 30-plus “music industry individuals” calling on Glastonbury bosses to ban Kneecap from performing at the Somerset festival later this month.

The Smiths legend Johnny Marr has joined the group’s growing list of supporters ahead of O hAnnaidh’s court date on Wednesday. In a statement shared on social media, the iconic guitarist said he respects artists “who use their platform to speak out against injustice” and called for an “end to the atrocities and a free Palestine.”

His statement in full reads: “After learning that calls have been made for Kneecap to be censored during their Glastonbury set, I think it’s important that I make my own position clear.

“I’ve played Glastonbury many times and the festival has always had a political aspect. It was founded as a place of free expression and political activism and it’s a fact that I agreed to play there with The Smiths in 1984 purely because to do so at the time was a political act.

“We are living through very troubling times, but for anyone who’s been interested in me or my music over the last 40 years, I feel like my political stance has always been very clear.

“Oppression fears artistic expression. I respect all musicians who use their platform to speak out against injustice, who promote compassion and equality and give voice to the voiceless. I stand with my audience and fellow musicians who call for an immediate end to the atrocities and a free Palestine. Johnny Marr.”

On Friday, Kneecap named the legal team which will defend band member O hAnnaidh against the terror charge. He will be represented by a team that includes Gareth Peirce, solicitor for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange during his fight against US extradition, and Rosalind Comyn, who has represented Extinction Rebellion protesters in court.

His legal team also includes Darragh Mackin from Phoenix Law, Brenda Campbell KC, Jude Bunting KC and Blinne Ni Ghralaigh KC. Mr Mackin was the solicitor for Sarah Ewart, whose successful legal challenge helped to usher in the decriminalisation of abortion in Northern Ireland, while Ms Campbell was the defence barrister in the collapsed case against Seamus Daly, who was accused of murdering people in the IRA bomb attack of 1998 in Omagh.

Mr Bunting acted for non-profit company Liberty in the Stansted 15’s successful conviction appeal after they broke into Stansted Airport to stop a plane deporting people to Africa, which was a case Ms Ni Ghralaigh also worked on.

In an Instagram post the group said: “The British establishment is conducting a campaign against Kneecap which is to be fought in Westminster Magistrates Court… We are ready for this fight. We are proud to have such a strong legal team with us.”

Mr Mackin told the PA news agency: “It is difficult to comprehend a case of greater international importance in recent years. Kneecap has played an unrivalled role in standing up for those without a voice in Gaza. They speak truth to power when others shy away.

“It is a great privilege to be instructed alongside my colleagues to defend the important principle of freedom of expression, in the pending battle before the London Court.”

In May, the Metropolitan Police said Kneecap were being investigated by counter-terrorism police after videos emerged allegedly showing the band calling for the deaths of MPs and shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah”.

They apologised to the families of murdered MPs but said footage of the incident had been “exploited and weaponised”. They also said they have “never supported” Hamas or Hezbollah, which are banned in the UK.

In 2024, the band released an eponymous film starring Oscar-nominated actor Michael Fassbender which is a fictionalised retelling of how the band came together and follows the Belfast group on their mission to save their mother tongue through music.

Formed in 2017, the group, made up of O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, are known for their provocative lyrics and merchandise as well as their championing of the Irish language.

Their best-known tracks include Get Your Brits Out, Better Way To Live, featuring Grian Chatten from Fontaines DC, and 3Cag.

Radio host Aimee Vivian has welcomed her first child as she shared her exciting news and baby’s sweet name after skipping Capital FM’s Summertime Ball with her co-stars

Capital FM star Aimee Vivian has revealed she’s welcomed her first child after skipping the Summertime Ball. She made her exciting announcement after being notably absent from the bash at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

The likes of Mariah Carey, Benson Boone, KSI, Lola Young, Busted vs McFly, Zara Larsson, Dasha, Reneé Rapp and Jessie J all performed. Hollywood star Will Smith made an unexpected appearance at the event alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff, Tate McRae, Myles Smith and JADE, which drew in a crowd of 80,000.

Aimee’s Capital FM co-stars Jordan North, Sian Welby and Chris Stark all attended the event, yet she was missing. The DJ decided to explain her absence to fans and used it as the perfect time to reveal her baby is here.

Alongside a photo of her at the event previously, she shared: “Wishing my @capitalofficial & all of you an amazing Summertime ball day.

“Sad to miss it but as you might of guessed by my silence on here, our new little addition has arrived so we have very much been in our newborn love bubble. Swapping backstage at Wembley for watching on YouTube with milk in one hand and a nappy in the other this year. Update on baby soon x.”

She then shared a sweet update as she revealed her baby girl’s name alongside the first photo. Aimee gushed: “Charli Carter. The girl who stole my heart forever.”

Aimee’s celebrity pals rushed to congratulate her as Sonny Jay commented: “Ahh mate not the same without you! All the love to you all today.” Love Island’s Kem Cetinay added: “Will be missed! Congrats.” Capital’s official account wrote: “miss you momma.”

The radio host announced her pregnancy back in February in a sweet black and white video. She presented a cake that said “coming soon” alongside a scan photo and a pair of adorable little boots.

Aimee revealed: “Been cooking up something special.” She has welcomed her first child with her husband, who has chosen to remain out of the spotlight.

The DJ has been working for Capital FM for the past 10 years and currently works alongside Sonny. Aimee went on maternity leave three weeks ago as she joked: “BRB off to go birth another listener.”

She then added: “Thank you all for being a part of the last nine months, what a laugh we have had. To the incredible team at @capitalofficial & my @gemnashh & @lukejprior you absolutely rock! Finally thank you to my parents who came in to support the last two days. Another life chapter done, Be back on air soon x.”

As the stars prepared for the bash and walked the red carpet on Sunday, fans became concerned over whether it would go ahead. They were shown a statement from organisers on the large screens while inside the stadium.

It read: “We have had to pause the show temporarily. Please remain in the stadium. We hope to restart shortly. Thank you.” It hasn’t been confirmed but fans have said there was a power outage at the stadium. Thankfully, the issue was swiftly resolved meaning the show could go on.

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A Project Runway star has been shot and killed while attending an anti-Trump rally in Utah.

Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, 39, died after being caught in the crossfire after another protester wielded a rifle at Saturday’s No Kings Rally in Salt Lake City.

Official peacekeepers at the rally had accidentally struck him after another protester, 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, allegedly pointed his weapon at the crowd. Gamboa had been ordered to drop the gun, but ran towards the crowd and the peacekeeping team opened fire. Ah Loo was tragically caught in the crossfire.

Authorities confirmed on Sunday that the fashion designer, who is dad to two young children with his wife, was rushed to hospital, where he sadly died.

Alleged shooter Gamboa was taken into custody by police on Saturday evening on a murder charge, though detectives are unclear as to his motive.

Samoan-born Ah Loo voted for the first time in the 2024 election after only recently becoming an American citizen.

Utah Rep. Verona Mauga told KSL TV that she had been with Ah Loo earlier on in the evening at the rally. She said: “Afa is a person who believed in equity and equality for all people and all communities. He believed that everyone was deserving of basic human rights. And that’s why he was there. He was with his community and he was with people he cared about, marching and rallying for all of those things that make our community, like, really great.”

Mauga went on to explain that she hadn’t been with him when the shooting happened and that he had been with a group of friends when shots were fired. She revealed that when they hadn’t heard back from him that they realised “something wrong may have happened”.

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Nigerian celebrities, including actress Kate Henshaw, comedian AY, and rapper Olamide, have joined growing calls for an end to the renewed killings in Benue State, demanding urgent action from the government and stakeholders to halt the violence and restore peace.

Innocent Idibia, known as 2Baba, demanded urgent and collective action over the renewed killings in Benue State, describing the situation as a “national emergency”.

In a video posted to Instagram on Sunday, the Benue-born singer expressed grief and frustration over the incessant bloodshed in his home state.

“What is going on in my state has become a national emergency. I cannot wrap my head around it. I don’t even know what to say at this point in time because it is going to be business as usual,” he lamented.

His outcry followed fresh attacks in the state, where over 100 people were reportedly killed by suspected herders in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area.

Another 25 were slain in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa in Makurdi LGA.

2Baba, 49, said the situation has become “ridiculous” and called for urgent collaboration among all stakeholders.

“This thing has to stop; enough is enough. It has to involve everybody. Every stakeholder in this country, every stakeholder in Benue State. This is not child’s play. It’s becoming ridiculous.

“I do not know where to start expressing my sadness, my grief, my anger, my frustration for these things that keep happening over and over again. You know. Every time, okay, we call on the governors, we call on the president. Oh man, this thing is not funny anymore.

“It has gone beyond just condemning. Serious action needs to start to take place. Every stakeholder needs to come together. We need to fight this. We need a solution here. Let us be serious with the solution. My heart is heavy, terribly sad, terribly angry,” he said.

READ ALSO: Benue Killings Affect Nigeria’s Image Negatively — NUJ

His remarks have sparked further reactions from other public figures. Nigerian rapper Olamide took to X (formerly Twitter) in a repost of 2Baba’s video, writing, “Prayers up for Benue.”

Comedian, Ayo Makun, known as AY, added on Instagram: “We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering happening in our homeland. It’s time for us to stand together.”

Rapper and music executive, Jude Abaga, known as MI, also lamented the killings and declared solidarity with affected communities, while calling for an end to the cycle of violence.

“My heart is heavy. It grieves me deeply to see so much of the Middle Belt bleed. The recent killings in Benue are not just statistics, they are our people, our families, our communities being torn apart. We can’t normalise this cycle of violence that has plagued our land for too long. To those we’ve lost: we will not forget you. To those still standing, we stand with you,” the musician wrote.

READ ALSO: Benue Killings Affect Nigeria’s Image Negatively — NUJ

Popular actor and activist, Mr. Macaroni, voiced his displeasure on X (formerly Twitter), criticising the government’s response to the tragedy.

“Over 200 Nigerians killed in Benue!!! 200 PEOPLE!!!!! 200!!!!!! I don’t think we understand the gravity of this Barbarism!!! What exactly is the Government doing??? 200 PEOPLE??? Just like that!!!!” he wrote.

Over 200 Nigerians killed in Benue!!!
200 PEOPLE!!!!! 200!!!!!!
I don’t think we understand the gravity of this Barbarism!!!
What exactly is the Government doing???
200 PEOPLE??? Just like that!!!!

Singer, Falz, who is the son of human rights lawyer, and activist, Femi Falana, SAN, also criticised the government, tackling the President over the failure protect the lives of Nigerians.

The rapper, known for his activism through music, wrote on X, “You have consistently shown that you are incapable of performing the primary duty of securing lives and property of your citizens. This routine statement does not cut it.”

“Over 200 senselessly slain and burnt alive in Benue and this is not even getting close to enough attention. Why are we so wicked to ourselves?” Falz added.

You have consistently shown that you are incapable of performing the primary duty of securing lives and property of your citizens. This routine statement does not cut it. https://t.co/1AAW1uflAl

Singer Ayra Starr, who was earlier criticised for sharing unrelated content amid the public outrage over the Benue killings, later joined the call for awareness by reposting tweets highlighting the massacre — including one that detailed the horrific killing of children while they slept.

We not in the same room babes https://t.co/dCntykitgG

Nigerian actress Kate Henshaw, known for speaking out on social issues, also shared tweets calling for an end to the violence.

One of the posts she amplified questioned the value placed on human lives amid the ongoing killings in Benue State.

Meanwhile, the activist had recently decried the state of the nation on June 12, stating that the country’s democratic experience has failed to deliver a meaningful impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.

Skitmaker Emmanuel Ejekwu, aka Sabinus, displayed placards with his fellow content creators.

In a post on his Instagram page, he said, “Our government, all the authorities responsible for peace and security in this country, please, we are pleading, every life matters in Benue State. They are humans; try to intervene very fast. We don’t know when it will happen next. It can even happen to us here; that’s why we need to speak out. Government, Benue people need help; life is important.”

The placards had the inscriptions “Stop the killings in Benue State”, “Every life matters”, and “Please, government, intervene.”

Also weighing in, media personality Bobrisky criticised lawmakers for ignoring the killings while prioritising less critical matters.

“Senators/House of Representatives didn’t call an urgent meeting over the killings in Benue… but they can call an urgent meeting when it comes to Bobrisky. Shame!!!!” he wrote.

Pastor Femi Lazarus also urged the Federal Government to act swiftly, citing a trail of violence from “Benue to Plateau to Kaduna, Borno. We are pleading with the government, “Please help look into this.”

Protests, More Outrage

The massacre triggered a protestsin Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

On Sunday, angry youths converged at the Wurukum food basket roundabout, demanding justice and condemning what they described as silence from both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia.

The youths were later joined by a social media influencer, Martin Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

One of the protesters, Solomon Amande, told journalists, “Women, children, the elderly – our people are being slaughtered, and there’s no word from the president or our own governor.”

The protest escalated when the Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, attempted to address the crowd but was rejected by the youths, who insisted on hearing directly from Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Security forces eventually used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.

Incessant Killings

The renewed attacks in Benue have left hundreds dead and displaced many. On Friday, June 14, at least 59 people—including military and civil defence personnel—were killed during a night assault on the Yelewata community.

In April, about 60 residents were slaughtered in Ukum and Logo LGAs, while another 42 people were killed in Gwer West in May.

The violence has drawn condemnation from international and national figures. Pope Leo XIV described the recent incidents as a “terrible massacre” and urged justice.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party leader Peter Obi also criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the crisis.

Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue has refuted claims that Abuja has neglected the state. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, he said President Bola Tinubu has been supportive.

“Seventeen local governments out of 23 were under siege. We fought it down to three with full Federal support. The last time we had severe attacks, three security units were sent from the Federal Government, and those who occupied local areas had to flee,” he said.

Governor Alia further blamed the state’s porous borders for the continued violence.

He noted a growing shift in the pattern of violence and stated that what began as clashes between farmers and herders has now evolved into well-armed, targeted attacks with little to no link to grazing.

The governor also cited intelligence reports from Nasarawa, claiming some of the terrorists may be using Benue as a passage route.

Meeting with the state governor, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, assured that the Federal Government is determined to curb the violence in Benue State and ensure those responsible are held accountable.

Tinubu To Visit Benue 

After several calls and outrage to intervene in the killings, President Tinubu, on Monday, announced plans to visit Benue State on Wednesday to condole with residents following the deadly attack in Yelewata.

Tinubu spoke during the inauguration of the Greater Abuja Water Supply project and said he would adjust his schedule to make the trip.

“I will adjust my programme and go see Benue people on Wednesday,” Tinubu noted.

Ahead of the visit, key federal officials — including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, security and intelligence chiefs, and defence committee leaders from the National Assembly — have been deployed to the state.

His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also disclosed that while in Benue, the President is expected to meet traditional rulers, political and religious figures, community leaders, and youth groups in a town hall meeting aimed at finding sustainable solutions to the recurring violence.

David and Victoria Beckham’s son Romeo has appeared to have issued a bitter clapback at his ex Kim Turnbull as she spoke out on the family drama for the first time

Romeo Beckham has appeared to hit out at his ex Kim Turnbull in a fresh feud for the Beckham family. The former footballer, 22, appeared to issue a very sassy response to his thousands of followers as Kim broke her silence on the Beckham fallout for the first time.

DJ and model Kim was dragged into the drama between Brooklyn Beckham and his famous parents David and Victoria. She faced claims she had previously dated Brooklyn and was used as the reason he and wife Nicola Peltz didn’t attend David’s 50th birthday celebrations.

It all seemed to get too much for Kim as she recently split from Brooklyn’s younger brother Romeo as she found herself at the centre of the family mess. Today, she spoke out for the first time as she fumed she was ’embarrassed by the lies.’

Kim fired: “I’ve avoided speaking on this topic to prevent adding fuel to the fire, however it’s come to a point where I feel the need to address it so I can move on. I will not continue to receive harassment or be embarrassed on the basis of lies, to fit a certain narrative.”

She then clarified: “I have never been romantically involved in ANY capacity at ANY point with the person in question. Nothing between us has occurred further than a school friendship at age 16.

“I would like to remove myself from the ongoing conversation and set the record straight for the sake of everyone involved.” However, just hours later her fresh ex Romeo appeared to hit back with a very telling comment.

He shared a still from a black and white movie that read: “What the world needs is a return to sweetness and decency.” Romeo then added his own remark: “Be nice to people and don’t tell unnecessary lies,” alongside a kissing face emoji.

Kim found herself at the centre of the Beckham feud after it had been reported that Brooklyn was ‘unsure about her motives’ for dating his younger brother, Romeo. Brooklyn and Romeo’s younger brother Cruz even weighed in on the rumours as he denied Kim had dated his older brother.

The DJ and model split from Romeo earlier this month after the couple’s relationship was previously blamed for the alleged rift within the Beckham family in recent months. After seven months together, it was said that their relationship “fizzled out” three weeks after David’s milestone birthday.

Brooklyn brutally snubbed his dad during his 50th birthday celebrations, his knighthood and Father’s Day. The newly appointed Sir paid a heartfelt tribute to his firstborn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper, sharing a snap of them all together and appearing to hint at his feud with Brooklyn.

Captioning the photo, he said: “My most important and favourite job in life is being a dad… I’m so proud of all of you and like daddy ( sorry boys ) tells you every single day I will always be here for you no matter what…

“Mummy thank you for doing the most important part and making me a father there is no greater gift in life than making me a dad… Happy Father’s Day… I love you kiddies more than you could imagine.”

However, Brooklyn remained silent on his dad’s special day, again. His wife, Nicola, also failed to mention her father-in-law, but did pay tribute to her own dad.

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Meghan Markle has finally spoken out about the video she shared of herself and Prince Harry twerking to bring on labour with Princess Lilibet in a brand new interview

Meghan Markle has broken her silence on her controversial twerking video with a defiant response. The Duchess of Sussex raised eyebrows when she shared a clip of her and Prince Harry dancing around a hospital room in a bid to bring on labour while Meghan was in the later stages of pregnancy with Princess Lilibet.

The candid video, which runs for more than a minute, features the song ‘Baby Mamma’ and sees Harry beckoned in by Meghan as the pair dance together, with the duke appearing at the end with the hood of his grey hoodie up as he continues his dance moves.

Meghan, wearing a black maternity dress, cradles her large bump as she dances, as well as lifting her skirt above her knees, raising her hands in the air and wiggling low with her hands on her hips and legs.

The Duchess had not addressed the reaction to the now-viral clip – until now in a brand new interview on the Aspire with Emma Grede podcast. In a preview for the podcast, which drops in full tomorrow, Emma, a London-born entrepreneur behind the brand Good American, chats to Meghan about the clip.

In the teaser, Meghan tells Emma about being authentic to be successful, before asking the host: “Did you see my ‘Baby Momma’ dance?”

Emma, who is also a founding partner of Kim Kardashian’s successful brand Skims, revealed: “We maybe watched it like 20 times yesterday, and I was like, is that, is that her? Is that Prince Harry there with the fingers…I was like, okay…good on Harry, let’s go. But that’s you, right? Like that’s you in a way that we kind of haven’t been able to see you before.”

“And I did like a little secret cheer, cause I was like, well, that’s what I kind of want to see from you. Like I wanna see that happiness and that honesty and that ‘I don’t give a f***’ kind of thing.”

And breaking her silence on the clip, Meghan explained: “That was four years ago. So it’s also a really great reminder that with all the noise or whatever people do, there’s still a whole life — a real, authentic, fun life — that’s happening behind the scenes.”

“I’m just grateful that now, being back on social as well, I have a place where I can share it on my own terms.”

The new teaser clip comes after Meghan took to social media just yesterday to share a heartfelt Father’s Day tribute to her husband, featuring rare never-before-seen footage of the couple’s two children.

Meghan posted a video to Instagram showing Harry alongside Archie and Lilibet, set to the song Have It All by Jason Mraz. “The best,” she captioned her post. “Happy Father’s Day to our favorite guy.”

The compilation showed photos and videos of Harry laughing, dancing and spending quality time with his children through the years. The Duchess made her social media return in early 2025 and regularly shares personal milestones and professional updates through her Instagram account.