Ibiza Weekender Star Wins Over Viewers in Dramatic Live Final

After two weeks of drama, shocking plot twists, and tense nominations, David Potts has emerged victorious in Celebrity Big Brother 2024. The Ibiza Weekender star captivated viewers with his candid nature, infectious humour, and memorable diary room moments, ultimately winning the public vote during the live final.

Potts beat Strictly Come Dancing’s Nikita Kuzmin to the top spot, with Coronation Street actor Colson Smith securing third place. Former X Factor judge Louis Walsh came fourth, and TV presenter Fern Britton placed fifth.

Throughout the series, Potts stood out with his quirky behaviour, including his refusal to wear trousers, much to the dismay of Louis Walsh. Fans have been sharing their favourite Potts moments, including a viral scene where Big Brother tasked him with a secret mission, to which he responded with a hilarious scream: “Shut up!”.

In a heartfelt speech before the final, Potts expressed his surprise at forming genuine friendships in the house, saying, “I genuinely did not think I would be in a house with 12 people who I actually, genuinely, really liked. So cheers!” In his final diary room appearance, he said: “I have absolutely loved being a Big Brother housemate. It’s been a crazy ride, but don’t forget – Big Brother – slay. Slay every day.”

The 2024 series marked the return of Celebrity Big Brother after a hiatus since 2018, featuring 12 celebrities, including Fern Britton, Bradley Riches, Lauren Simon, Zeze Millz, Levi Roots, and others. Sharon Osbourne participated as a “celebrity lodger” and stayed separate from the main group, while Jordan Sangha was crowned the winner of the civilian Big Brother series earlier in November.

Rapper Runs 13 Miles in Designer Shoes After Failing to Find Running Sneakers

Lil Nas X, the rapper behind the hit “Old Town Road,” recently participated in the 2024 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon, but with a twist — he ran the 13.1 miles in a pair of luxury Coach sneakers instead of traditional running shoes. The 24-year-old performer, who was taking part in the event for the first time, found himself without appropriate running shoes when a store he visited was closed, leaving him to compete in the brand’s white leather high-top Distressed Sneakers. Although these sneakers are currently sold out on Coach’s website, they are available on Amazon for $162.25.

The race, which took place on St Patrick’s Day, was a new challenge for Lil Nas X, who admitted that this was his first time running outdoors. Despite his unconventional choice of footwear, he completed the race in 2:32:53, and after crossing the finish line, he joked about his exhaustion on Instagram, sharing that he was so fatigued he needed a wheelchair.

The NYC Half Marathon, organised by New York Road Runners, attracted over 27,000 participants this year, setting a new record for the event. The course took runners from Brooklyn, across the Manhattan Bridge, through Times Square, and ended in Central Park.

Lil Nas X, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, is a long-time brand ambassador for Coach, having collaborated with the label on several projects, including their “Courage to Be Real” campaign. Following his marathon debut, a spokesperson for New York Road Runners revealed that the singer will receive a pair of New Balance running shoes and gear as he continues his new running journey.

The race also saw other notable personalities, including TV anchors Amy Robach and TJ Holmes, as well as Catfish’s Nev Schulman, all taking part alongside the rapper.

Singer’s Legal Team Argues Racketeering Law Should Not Apply to His Case

R. Kelly’s legal team has filed an appeal against the 30-year prison sentence handed to the singer in 2022, arguing that the use of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute in his trial was unjust. Kelly’s lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, told an appeals court in Manhattan on Monday that the law, which was originally intended to combat organised crime, was improperly applied in the case against the R&B star.

The 57-year-old artist, convicted for sexually abusing young fans, including minors, over a span of decades, has contested the notion that his activities with his entourage should be considered as running a RICO enterprise. Bonjean claimed that the singer’s team, which allegedly helped recruit women and girls for sexual exploitation, should not be considered part of a criminal organisation in the same vein as Mafia groups or street gangs. She noted that if the law is applied too broadly, it could categorise numerous legitimate organisations—such as college fraternities—as racketeering enterprises.

While Bonjean sought to reverse the conviction or secure a new trial, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kayla Bensing defended the government’s case, stating that Kelly’s network of employees and associates was integral to maintaining a system that lured young girls into his circle. According to the prosecution, the employees were aware of the illegal activities, including sexual abuse and child pornography production, as they aided in isolating and controlling victims.

During the appeal hearing, judges questioned whether staff members knew of Kelly’s abuse, with some citing testimony from victims who revealed they had told Kelly’s team members about their underage status. The prosecutor also highlighted instances where the singer’s staff had booked travel for the girls and gathered their birth dates, suggesting they knew the girls were underage.

Kelly, known for his hits like “I Believe I Can Fly,” was a beloved figure for many years, even as allegations of sexual misconduct began circulating in the 1990s. After being acquitted of child pornography charges in 2008, he was convicted again in 2022 for producing child pornography and engaging in sexual activity with minors. The outrage surrounding Kelly’s actions became more prominent following the release of the documentary Surviving R. Kelly and the broader #MeToo movement.