Category Entertainment News

A Japanese great-grandmother with 400,000 Instagram followers who shot to fame for her goofy self-portraits after taking up photography aged 72 has died, her son said on Thursday.

Kimiko Nishimoto, who died this week at the age of 97, told AFP in a 2018 interview that “you can take photos no matter how old you get”.

“Wherever it is, in your house, outside, or in your bed, you can do it. That is the nice thing about a camera,” she said.

Dubbed the “selfie queen” by Japanese media, Nishimoto’s posts showed her in various candid poses — from riding a broom like Harry Potter to imitating an off-duty sumo wrestler on their fifth beer of the night.

READ ALSO: Two BTS Megastars Released From South Korea Military

“Our mother always created her work with a smile,” a post from her son Kazutami Nishimoto said on her Instagram account.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who visited her photography exhibitions held across the country, to those who shared warm words of encouragement through Instagram… and to all who supported her warmly throughout her journey.”

Nishimoto’s son teaches photography classes, which his mother started taking in retirement.

“Though she began photography at the age of 72, she was blessed with countless encounters, which enriched this third chapter of her life tremendously,” he said.

Nishimoto appeared on national television as her online following grew and was interviewed by major news outlets.

But her more out-there visual scenarios were also the cause of some confusion over the years.

One snap — showing her wrapped in a garbage bag, as if she had been discarded — drew criticism from people who didn’t know she was involved in its set-up.

The judge in the Harvey Weinstein sex crimes retrial declared a mistrial on the outstanding rape charge against the movie producer Thursday, after the jury foreperson refused to return to deliberate the case amid a jury room feud.

In front of packed press and public benches in the 13th-floor New York courtroom, Judge Curtis Farber dismissed jurors who had been unable to reach a verdict on the charge that Weinstein raped Jessica Mann.

“Deliberations became heated to such a degree I am obligated to declare a mistrial on the one count on which you didn’t reach a verdict,” Farber declared from the wood-paneled bench, wearing a robe and reading glasses.

READ ALSO: Harvey Weinstein Found Guilty Of Sexual Assault After Retrial

Weinstein’s lawyer Arthur Aidala had forcefully argued that a crime had been committed against one of the jurors, but the judge dismissed the claim.

On Wednesday, the jury convicted Weinstein for sexual assault on Miriam Haley, and acquitted the fallen movie mogul for allegedly sexually assaulting Kaja Sokola. The defense vowed to appeal.

The prosecutor brushed off the defense’s claim that a retrial on the charge of raping Mann would exert unfair pressure on the alleged victim. “We will proceed to trial and that is what justice would be in this case,” Nicole Blumberg said.

Outside court, Aidala alleged that two jurors had indicated to his team that the panel had considered the cases of rapper Sean “P Diddy” Combs and convicted child sex abuser R. Kelly in their discussions.

“(If) they say, ‘Well, look at R Kelly. Look what’s going on across the street with P Diddy’… That’s not what you can do, and that’s what we just heard happen,” said the sharp-suited attorney.

Combs is on trial at a nearby courthouse for alleged racketeering and other crimes, and the publicity of that case has largely eclipsed Weinstein’s retrial.

Weinstein, 73 and wheelchair-bound by ill-health, is already in jail for a 16-year term after he was convicted in a separate California case of raping a European actress more than a decade ago.

Proceedings in New York have been dogged by personal issues between jurors, two of whom have privately complained to the judge about fellow panelists.

The foreman had told judge Farber he could not continue after facing threats.

“One other juror made comments to the effect ‘I’ll meet you outside one day’,” the judge said Wednesday quoting the foreman, adding there was yelling between jurors.

After Weinstein’s lawyer demanded a mistrial over the jury rupture, Weinstein himself addressed the court Wednesday, deploying a commanding voice reminiscent of his Hollywood heyday.

‘Threats, violence, intimidation’

“We’ve heard threats, violence, intimidation — this is not right for me… the person who is on trial here,” he said.

The Oscar-winner’s conviction on the Haley charge is a vindication for Haley whose complaint in part led to the initial guilty verdict in 2020.

That landmark case helped spur the “MeToo” movement that saw an outpouring of allegations from prominent women who were abused by men.

Weinstein underwent a spectacular fall from his position at the top of the world of Hollywood and show business in 2017 when allegations against him exploded into public.

The movement upended the film industry, exposing systemic exploitation of young women seeking to work in entertainment, and provoking a reckoning on how to end the toxic culture.

More than 80 women accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct in the wake of the global backlash against men abusing positions of power.

Sam Thompson was pictured training for this Sunday’s Soccer Aid match with Louis Tomlinson – and both are playing on the England team for the charity game

Sam Thompson and his ex-girlfriend Zara McDermott’s new partner, Louis Tomlinson, were spotted together at a Soccer Aid training match this week. The former Made In Chelsea star and Love Island’s Zara dated for several years before she moved on with the One Direction singer.

Radio star Sam, Louis and a myriad of big celebrity names are set to enter the pitch on Sunday for the annual Soccer Aid charity match, which raises millions for UNICEF. The unfortunate coincidence of Zara moving on with Louis meant that Sam and the singer would have to cross paths all in the name of charity.

READ MORE: Apple iOS 26 could convince users to upgrade – this iPhone 16 deal stands out

In a new picture, the duo could be seen looking at each other on the pitch as the practised for the big day. Sam had his usual smile on his face as he stood by the side.

Louis’ face was obscured from the camera when they looked at each other. Both lads are playing for the same England team for Unicef – the charity for which Sam recently completed a gruelling 260-mile marathon over five days.

Despite former Made In Chelsea star Sam insisting there’s ‘no hard feelings’, Sunday’s game could be awkward given that he and Love Island and Strictly Come Dancing star Zara, 28, announced their split in January after being together for over five years.

Zara then swiftly moved on with singer Louis, 33, and the loved-up pair have been practically inseparable since their relationship came into the public eye in March.

It first emerged that they enjoyed a romantic dinner at a hotel before snaps of them holding hands emerged on the internet. Sam previously opened up about romance and swift transitions.

He remarked: “I suppose a lot of people look for validation in other people right? And they look for the next person instantly because it’s like ‘I need to find someone else to fill that hole and I need to find that excitement.'”.

But Sam seemed a little more level-headed during a podcast chat with buddy Pete Wicks. Sam revealed an interview question that drew attention to their looming interaction.

The star recounted: “At the end of the interview, he goes, ‘Look mate, I’ve got to ask the question that everyone wants to know. This is sort of the big question really, the elephant in the room, What’s it going to be like with you and Louis? Obviously he’s doing Soccer Aid too.'”.

Sam then recalled the tense moment with a laugh, adding: “Mate, you should have seen the room, everybody, it was silent then everyone goes ‘Woah, Woah Woah, end the call! End the call!’ and I have just gone ‘No, no guys, I’ve got this, I’ve got this.’ I held my hands up to say just relax.”

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

READ MORE: ‘It fixed my very dry skin overnight!’ Big tub of Weleda body butter hits £10 sale for 24 hours

Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague was pictured leaving her office in Cheshire this weekend after receiving another parking ticket

Molly-Mae Hague was hit with yet another parking ticket after leaving her Mercedes G-Wagon on a street by a Cheshire office this week. The Love Island star, 26, was pictured leaving a meeting at her office wearing a grey matching set from her very own clothing brand, Maebe.

She accessorised with a camel-coloured bag, black sunglasses, and sneakers. The star added a bit of shine to the casual look with a couple of rings. The TV personality, who is used to getting parking tickets, seemed unfazed as she texted on her phone while walking back to her £200,000 car. It marked her second ticket in a day and her fifth this year as she was slapped with tickets in January, February and March.

READ MORE: Apple iOS 26 could convince users to upgrade – this iPhone 16 deal stands out

Molly-Mae’s parking ticket comes after it was reported Molly-Mae and Tommy Fury’s recent reunion caused a rift between the families. Tyson and Paris Fury are said to be frustrated at Molly-Mae’s sister Zoe’s comments about Tommy’s drinking.

Zoe recently admitted in Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime Video documentary that she was worried about her sister. She said: “I do worry for her and my relationship with her if they did get back together.

“I think she potentially needs to look into the future and think about what’s best for her and Bambi. She’s got a long, rocky road ahead, unfortunately.”

Later, Zoe admitted she was just worried for her sister more than anything. She said: “I’ve literally been there, through everything. Through the upset calls in the middle of the night because he’s out and you don’t hear from him.

“I mean, he’s proven me wrong so far, to be fair, but I do think at some point that it’s gonna happen again. If the drink hasn’t gone away forever, the problems could potentially arise again.”

Following her comments, it was claimed the Fury family weren’t “impressed” with Zoe’s “outspoken” comments about the Love Island star and boxer.

A source told The Sun: “The Fury family aren’t impressed that Zoe has been so outspoken about Tommy. They’re a fiercely loyal bunch and seeing Zoe’s comments broadcast to millions of people via Amazon absolutely got their hackles up.

“To them Tommy is a stand up guy, a good, hard working father. His drinking issues shouldn’t be used as a stick to beat him.”

Tommy previously admitted his drinking issues was the real reason behind his breakup with Molly-Mae – with who he shares a daughter named Bambi.

He said in an interview: “The reason why me and Molly broke up was because I got addicted to alcohol and I couldn’t be the partner that I wanted to be anymore.

“It kills me to say it, [but] it’s true, I couldn’t. I loved a pint of beer, loved to drink, and it is what it is. People go through different things in life and we all have our crosses to bear. I’ve got mine to bear.”

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

READ MORE: ‘It fixed my very dry skin overnight!’ Big tub of Weleda body butter hits £10 sale for 24 hours

The Air India flight 171 was bound for Gatwick Airport when it crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad on Thursday, with a DanceX star feared to be among the fatalities

A British dancer and yoga teacher who took part in a BBC One competition is among the feared casualties of the fatal Air India crash today. The India flight 171 was en route to Gatwick Airport when it tragically plummeted shortly after departure from Ahmedabad.

Jamie Greenlaw-Meek – who appeared on BBC One reality contest Dance X – and his partner are feared to have been on board the flight. Hosted by Ben Shephard, the series saw two teams of male and female dancers compete to form a new dance group under the guidance of Arlene Phillips and Bruno Tonioli.

Jamie made it as a finalist on the show, but was eliminated in the second episode by Arlene and Bruno. Following his time on the series, Jamie became a seasoned dance and yoga mentor.

After the show, Jamie went onto found The Wellness Foundry located in the capital alongside his spouse Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, who is also believed to have been aboard the plane.

The couple posted an Instagram video via The Wellness Foundry account just as they were about to set foot on their Air India journey.

In the clip, Fiongal can be heard stating, “We are in the airport, just boarding. Goodbye India.” Adding to the farewell, Jamie proclaimed, “Goodbye India, ten-hour flight back to England.”

Fiongal also quipped lightheartedly later in the footage, saying, “We’re going back happily, happily, happily calm.”

Not long after take-off, the Boeing 787, carrying over 240 passengers, crashed, as confirmed by authorities. The AAIB has announced the dispatch of UK experts to India to assist with the ensuing investigation.

Former This Morning editor Martin Frizell paid tribute to the former guest who is thought to have died in the Air India crash.

Martin, who had been the editor of the ITV show until he stepped down earlier this year, paid tribute in a post on Instagram this afternoon.

He included a photo of Fiongal alongside hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley in the studio. Martin wrote in the caption that he had a “vibrancy” and “sheer enthusiasm” when he had featured as a guest on the show back in January.

Martin wrote: “So so sad to hear that Fiongal Greenlaw Meek and his partner are reported to be among the passengers and crew killed today on board the Air India flight bound for Gatwick. I remember his visit to the studio in January, he was passionate about auras and although I’m a sceptical sort his vibrancy and sheer enthusiasm won folk over.”

He continued: “And I know for a fact that he hoped to use his appearance on This Morning to build his Wellness brand, he had a great future ahead of him. Thoughts are with his family and friends and those of his partner Jamie.”

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

READ MORE: ‘It fixed my very dry skin overnight!’ Big tub of Weleda body butter hits £10 sale for 24 hours

The Beach Boys are known for their catchy tunes, but one of their most popular songs continues to baffle fans who are still trying to make sense of its meaning

The Beach Boys, with their unforgettable anthems, have long been revered as one of the greatest bands in history. Their music has captured hearts worldwide, and their hit-laden repertoire continues to be celebrated by fans across generations.

Tragically, the music world is mourning the loss of Brian Wilson, the iconic leader and creative genius behind The Beach Boys. Known for crafting classics such as “Surfin’ USA”, “Good Vibrations” and “God Only Knows”, his influence on the industry is undeniable. However, amidst their collection of hits lies a track that still puzzles many: Sloop John B. The mystery of this song was recently brought into focus on Quora, where someone posed the question: “What is The Beach Boys song ‘Sloop John B’ about?”

The array of answers showcased the song’s ability to evoke both simple and deep interpretations among listeners. Fans flocked online to share their thoughts, revealing a spectrum of meanings attributed to the enigmatic tune.

Despite the varied opinions, it’s clear that “Sloop John B” continues to intrigue and puzzle listeners even now.

One critic mused: “‘Sloop John B’ is a traditional folk song that was popularised by The Beach Boys in their 1966 album Pet Sounds. The song tells the story of a group of sailors on a small boat, the Sloop John B, who experience a series of misfortunes during their voyage.”

Another voiced their take, adding: “A sloop is a single-masted sailing vessel. The song is about a sailing voyage gone horribly wrong. According to the protagonist, it is the worst sailing trip he’s ever been on and he just wants to go home.”

While yet another contributed: “A sloop is a fishing boat. The song is basically about a boat called the John B, which is on a particularly disastrous trip. It’s actually an old Bahamian folk song which has also gone by the titles ‘I Want to Go Home’ and ‘The Wreck of the John B’.”

What’s the real meaning behind Sloop John B?

This foot-stomping number spins the yarn of a bedlam-filled ship so rife with anarchic behaviour and inebriation that our chief narrator is desperate to disembark and scuttle back ashore. Yet behind its catchy tune lies a weightier story.

The song’s original title of “The John B. Sails” first emerged in print within the pages of British scribe Richard Le Gallienne’s 1917 tome “Pieces of Eight.”, later to be serenaded across the Atlantic in American wordsmith Carl Sandburg’s 1927 volume of melody, The American Songbag, American Songwriter notes.

“John T. McCuteheon, cartoonist and kindly philosopher, and his wife Evelyn Shaw McCuteheon, mother and poet, learned to sing this on their Treasure Island in the West Indies,” he detailed in his notes on the song. “They tell of it, ‘Time and usage have given this song almost the dignity of a national anthem around Nassau’.”

In 1958, The Kingston Trio, often credited with reinvigorating the classic folk tune, recorded a rendition titled “(The Wreck of the) John B” for their debut album. Following this, numerous artists including Johnny Cash (1969), Lonnie Donegan (1960) and Jimmie Rodgers (1960) released their own interpretations.

During a recording session in 1965, Beach Boys member Al Jardine had an idea. He “had been studying the song at home, and from my early experiences as a fan of the Kingston Trio, I thought that it would be a great song for us to do.”

Over time, there has been speculation about the song’s authenticity, with some suggesting it was composed for the tourism industry. However, it is believed to narrate a true tale.

Reports suggest that a 19th-century vessel named after Captain John Bethel did exist.

It is said that he constructed and sailed the ship until its unfortunate wreck, which could explain why some renditions are titled “The Wreck of the John B”. Nevertheless, it remains unconfirmed whether the ship mentioned in the song refers to his vessel.

The tale of the Beach Boys’ legendary Brian Wilson at his piano unfolds as bandmate Al Jardine began toying with a chord sequence, recounting to American Songwriter: “I said, ‘Remember this song?’ I played it.”

Initially, Wilson was less than enthusiastic. “He said, ‘I’m not a big fan of the Kingston Trio.’ He wasn’t into folk music. But I didn’t give up on the idea,” Jardine shared.

Jardine persisted, tweaking the chords to suit the Beach Boys’ iconic style, and confidently stated: “I figured if I gave it to him in the right light, he might end up believing in it.”

Continuing his musical tinkering, Jardine revealed: “So, I modified the chord changes so it would be a little more interesting.”

Wilson then took over, crafting the melody and adding commercial flair. After months of work, they recorded the vocals, with Brian and Mike Love leading the way.

The group felt the song needed a rock edge to hit home on the radio. This very track premiered as the lead single from their album Pet Sounds and soared to No.3 on the Billboard Hot 100.