Mike_Smith

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Sexual Misconduct Allegations Rock PinkNews as Former Employee Shares New Details

Sexual Misconduct Allegations Rock PinkNews as Former Employee Shares New Details

More than 30 employees accuse the CEO and his husband of inappropriate behaviour, prompting calls for resignation.

Fresh details have emerged regarding allegations of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behaviour at PinkNews, with a former employee sharing their experiences. Benjamin Cohen, the founder and CEO of the popular LGBTQ+ news platform, along with his husband, Anthony James, face accusations from over 30 current and former staff members about their conduct in the workplace. These new revelations follow previous reports from the BBC, which exposed claims of inappropriate actions, including an incident where Dr James allegedly kissed and touched a junior colleague who appeared too intoxicated to consent.

Stephan Kyriacou, a former employee who worked at PinkNews between 2019 and 2021, has described his initial excitement about working at the company, especially as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. However, Kyriacou soon became disillusioned with Cohen’s behaviour, recalling an incident where Cohen slapped him on the backside during a Christmas party. Kyriacou expressed his anger over the incident, which he described as inappropriate given Cohen’s position as his boss. “I’m angry more than anything else that he has been getting away with this for so long,” Kyriacou said, adding that he later realised how unsettling the encounter was.

The allegations against Cohen did not stop at this incident. Kyriacou also revealed that Cohen made highly inappropriate comments about his gender-affirming surgery during a Zoom call. He claimed that Cohen had asked detailed and intrusive questions about his private medical matters, which Kyriacou described as unprofessional and troubling.

In a documentary on the subject, Kyriacou also mentioned that some male employees felt uncomfortable around Cohen, referring to him as a “creep.” He further added that Cohen’s behaviour towards a younger employee was blatantly infatuated, creating an unhealthy work dynamic. Kyriacou concluded that Cohen’s position at the company had become untenable and pointed out that the focus seemed to be more on profit and clickbait headlines than on the wellbeing of employees.

Staff members at PinkNews have expressed their frustration over the lack of communication from management regarding the allegations. One current employee described the office atmosphere as “miserable,” with many staff members wanting answers. Despite the growing discontent, the management has remained silent, except for a brief message from Anthony James. Cohen and James have yet to publicly address the allegations, though it is understood that they maintain the accusations are false.

In addition to the allegations within PinkNews, Dr James has faced professional consequences. He was suspended from his role as an associate non-executive director at the NHS’s Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust pending further investigation into the claims against him.

A former staff reporter from PinkNews who worked at the company during its early years described the work environment as “toxic” and “deeply unprofessional.” This former employee recalled a culture where shouting was common, and staff were left in the dark about Cohen’s treatment of them, with little support from the human resources department. They expressed disbelief that no formal response has been issued regarding the sexual misconduct allegations, and they lauded the courage of those who have come forward.

An anonymous blog post written by a former staff member also criticised Cohen for his dismissive attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community, accusing him of demeaning the site by referring to it as the “Gayly Mail” and for belittling staff suggestions for Cohen to resign or face disciplinary action.

PinkNews has been contacted for comment but has yet to respond. The BBC reported that both Cohen and James have declined to issue a statement, but their position is understood to be one of denial regarding the allegations.

Legendary 80s Comedian Duncan Norvelle Passes Away at 66

Legendary 80s Comedian Duncan Norvelle Passes Away at 66

The comedian, famous for his catchphrase “Chase me”, is remembered fondly by fans and fellow entertainers alike.

Duncan Norvelle, the beloved comedian recognised for his iconic catchphrase “Chase me”, has passed away at the age of 66. He died peacefully in hospital on Thursday after battling a chest infection and sepsis, surrounded by his family.

Norvelle rose to fame in the 1980s through his television appearances on popular shows such as Surprise Surprise, Wogan, and The Keith Harris Show. His clean, wholesome style of comedy, which avoided swearing and relied on light-hearted, self-deprecating humour, made him a unique figure in British entertainment.

In a tribute to her partner, Lynn Trevallion described Norvelle as “a gentle comedian” and perhaps the last of the true variety entertainers. She said, “His kind of comedy no longer exists, he was truly one of the last legends of variety comedy.”

Sir Ken Dodd, a revered figure in British comedy, had praised Norvelle for his clean act and had invited him to perform at his 80th birthday celebrations. Trevallion continued, “He never made fun of the audience, only himself, and that’s what made him so beloved.”

A statement posted on his Facebook page, signed by Trevallion and Norvelle’s children Yasmin, Jack, and Sophie, announced his death. “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Duncan at 8:15 am this morning. He passed peacefully with myself and daughter Yasmin by his side. He will be deeply missed.”

His management team also paid tribute to Norvelle, calling him a “comedy genius and a British icon ahead of his time”. They fondly remembered his love for show business and his enduring friendship.

Norvelle’s career spanned many successful years, including hosting the pilot episode of Blind Date, which later became one of the most popular dating shows in the UK, presented by Cilla Black. He performed stand-up at renowned venues such as the London Palladium and appeared on numerous TV shows, including The Bob Monkhouse Show and Come Dine With Me in 2011.

Fellow comedians and friends were quick to share their tributes. Roy “Chubby” Brown called Norvelle “a great entertainer” and expressed his sadness at the news. Jim Davidson also sent his condolences, describing Norvelle as a “proper comedian.” TV presenter Lizzie Cundy remembered his catchphrase “Chase me, chase me” as a source of much laughter and joy.

Duncan Norvelle’s death has left a significant void in the world of British comedy, and he will be deeply missed by fans and colleagues alike.

Hannah Kobayashi Found Safe After Disappearance in Los Angeles, Family Confirms

Hannah Kobayashi Found Safe After Disappearance in Los Angeles, Family Confirms

The 30-year-old from Hawaii, who vanished after arriving in Los Angeles, is now safe, bringing relief to her family.

Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old woman from Hawaii who had gone missing after arriving in Los Angeles last month, has been found safe, her family confirmed in a statement.

“We are beyond relieved and thankful that Hannah has been located safely,” the family said. “This past month has been an incredibly difficult time for us, and we kindly ask for privacy as we process everything and take the time to heal. Our deepest gratitude goes out to all who have supported us.”

Although no further details were provided by the family, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) received notification on Wednesday from the family that Kobayashi had been found. Initially, the LAPD had classified her disappearance as voluntary, a decision that the family had previously contested.

Lieutenant Doug Oldfield of the LAPD’s missing persons unit had stated, “We have no obligation to make her speak to us, and while the case is being widely reported, she may choose to come forward with a lawyer.”

Kobayashi, who had flown to Los Angeles in early November to catch a connecting flight to New York for a photography job, lost contact with her family after missing her flight. She informed them she was staying overnight at the airport. Shortly after, her family began receiving alarming messages from her phone, some suggesting she had been financially manipulated.

Worried that she might be a victim of kidnapping or trafficking, her family launched a public campaign to locate her. Despite concerns, photographs later emerged showing her in various parts of Los Angeles, including at the high-end Grove shopping centre. Her last known social media post from November 10 suggested she was still in the city, after which her family lost contact with her.

Adding to the tragedy, Kobayashi’s father, Ryan, was found dead in a Los Angeles parking lot in late November, a death ruled as a suicide.

The LAPD had reviewed surveillance footage showing Kobayashi at Los Angeles International Airport, where she retrieved her baggage. She then used her passport and cash to buy a ticket to the U.S.-Mexico border. Investigators later confirmed that she crossed the border on foot at San Ysidro on November 12, appearing unharmed.

“We reviewed video footage from US Customs and Border Protection that shows Hannah crossing into Mexico alone, with her luggage,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated.

Culture Secretary Considers Strengthening Standards in Creative Sector Amid Gregg Wallace Controversy

Culture Secretary Considers Strengthening Standards in Creative Sector Amid Gregg Wallace Controversy

Lisa Nandy explores the possibility of giving more power to an independent body to ensure accountability in the creative industries.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is considering the introduction of stricter standards within the creative industries following recent allegations against MasterChef host Gregg Wallace. Nandy met with the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) to discuss whether the organisation could take a more prominent role in enforcing the necessary changes across the sector.

The Labour MP is examining the possibility of empowering CIISA with stronger legal tools to ensure accountability, according to sources close to the meeting. CIISA, established in 2022 to address issues of bullying and harassment within the film, TV, theatre, and music industries, currently lacks the authority to impose sanctions. Instead, it offers mediation and dispute resolution services.

Nandy’s intention is to explore whether CIISA needs additional legal powers to hold individuals in the industry accountable, with the aim of preventing incidents like the one involving Wallace, who has recently stepped back from MasterChef while a misconduct investigation takes place.

This conversation follows a recent appearance by Nandy before the Culture, Media, and Sport Committee, where she discussed the ongoing issues within the industry. She expressed frustration with the current system, which, she believes, silences victims and prevents proper action from being taken. “People are afraid to file complaints because it could cost them their career,” she stated. “This must change — action needs to be taken, and those responsible must face consequences.”

In light of the Gregg Wallace allegations, the BBC has emphasised its commitment to maintaining a culture of respect and inclusivity, with director-general Tim Davie and chief content officer Charlotte Moore expressing full support for the investigation by Wallace’s production company, Banijay UK.

The controversy also saw Wallace issue an apology after making dismissive comments about the complaints against him. He had previously claimed the complaints came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age” before announcing he would be taking time off. His lawyers have denied allegations of sexual harassment.

Olivia Wilde Opens Up About Receiving Violent Threats While Filming House

Olivia Wilde Opens Up About Receiving Violent Threats While Filming House

The Actress Reflects on Backlash Over Her Character’s Interracial Relationship and Bisexuality on the Show

Olivia Wilde has shared the disturbing reality of receiving violent threats during her time on House, the medical drama series where she portrayed Dr. Remy “Thirteen” Hadley from 2007 to 2012. At the Red Sea International Film Festival in December, Wilde discussed the intense scrutiny she faced, particularly concerning her character’s interracial relationship with Dr. Eric Foreman, played by Omar Epps.

Wilde recalled that during the fifth and sixth seasons of the show, her character’s romantic involvement with a Black man prompted “insane death threats,” a response that led the production team to hire extra security for the cast. This was just one example of the overwhelming negativity she faced, as her character, who was revealed to be bisexual, broke new ground in television during a time when LGBTQ+ representation was limited.

Reflecting on her time as Thirteen, Wilde noted how revolutionary it seemed at the time for a character to be bisexual, but in the current landscape of television, shows like Euphoria have made such representations more common and less shocking. “It’s like, no, it’s nothing,” she said, acknowledging the progress made in TV portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters.

In a previous interview with Cosmopolitan in 2011, Wilde had spoken about the backlash House faced over Remy’s interracial relationship. “We got a lot of hate mail for that,” she revealed, recalling threats that included a person saying they wanted to “cut off my lips and kill me.” The hatred resulted in heightened security measures on set, underscoring the intense prejudice that the cast had to contend with.

The show, which ended in 2012, was a global phenomenon, with House holding the Guinness World Record for the world’s most-watched television program that year, reaching an audience of 81.8 million viewers across 66 countries.

During her talk at the festival, Wilde also discussed her shift from acting to directing. She highlighted the challenges of working in an industry dominated by male directors and pointed out that films directed by women don’t necessarily perform worse at the box office. “It’s not the audience’s problem. It’s the financiers, it’s the studios,” she explained, advocating for a change in how films are financed.

Wilde encouraged young women aspiring to work in entertainment to be confident in taking up space. “We’re sort of told that we should constantly apologize for our existence,” she said, urging women to adopt a fearless approach, especially when working in leadership roles like directing.

Pepperdine University’s Fire Safety Protocols Keep Students Safe Amid California Wildfire

Pepperdine University’s Fire Safety Protocols Keep Students Safe Amid California Wildfire

Despite the Threat of a Blaze, Students at Malibu Campus Shelter in Place Following Decades of Fire Preparedness

When a wildfire threatened the Malibu campus of Pepperdine University in Southern California, the institution’s long-established safety procedures kicked into action, guiding students to safety in the face of a growing blaze. Rather than evacuate, as is typical in fire-prone regions, around 3,000 students followed a shelter-in-place protocol designed for such emergencies.

The Franklin Fire, which began spreading rapidly on Monday night, prompted immediate action from university officials. In the middle of the night, students were notified about the fire and were directed to two key campus buildings where food, water, and basic supplies were provided. This strategy, part of the university’s fire preparedness plan, has been in place for years due to the school’s location in the Santa Monica Mountains.

“We have been preparing for this moment since the start of the academic year,” said Michael Friel, a university spokesperson. “When the fire broke out, we communicated with students through text, email, and social media, and even went door-to-door to ensure everyone was safe and informed.”

The blaze quickly expanded southwards, crossing over the Pacific Coast Highway, and affecting thousands of residents in the area. As the fire grew, fire officials reported that over 8,100 homes were under threat, and approximately 3.5 square miles of dry brush had burned. Despite the looming danger, the university’s protocols ensured the students remained secure within the shelter-in-place areas.

Ryan Song, a resident assistant at Pepperdine, recalled the moments when the fire’s glow could be seen from his dorm. Despite the chaos, most students remained calm and followed instructions, though some, in fear, rushed to their cars. The university’s design, which dates back to the 1960s, prioritises fire safety, with buildings clustered together and roads built for easy access by firefighters. In addition, officials worked closely with Los Angeles County fire authorities in the 1990s to create a comprehensive safety plan.

Phil Phillips, the university’s executive vice president, explained that evacuations during wildfires can be hazardous, particularly along the congested Pacific Coast Highway. “Our main priority is protecting our students, and the shelter-in-place strategy has proven to be effective,” he said.

By Tuesday afternoon, classes had been cancelled and final exams postponed as firefighters continued to battle the blaze. Despite heavy smoke billowing across campus, no injuries were reported, and only one structure sustained minimal damage.

Pepperdine’s president, Jim Gash, expressed his gratitude for the collective efforts of students, faculty, and emergency services, stating, “Through prayer, preparation, and cooperation, our Pepperdine community safely navigated the challenges over the last 12 hours. Our prayers are with the Malibu community as they face the ongoing threat of the fire.”

Elon Musk’s Evolving Stance on Climate Change: From Advocate to Skeptic

Elon Musk’s Evolving Stance on Climate Change: From Advocate to Skeptic

Once a Fossil Fuel Critic, Musk Now Questions the Urgency of Climate Action

Elon Musk’s views on climate change have undergone a significant transformation, evolving from strong advocacy against fossil fuels to a more sceptical stance on the climate crisis. His earlier calls for a “popular uprising” against fossil fuel companies have now been replaced by a more cautious approach, influenced in part by his alignment with right-wing politics and associations with figures like Donald Trump.

Musk, who once emphasised the urgent need to combat global warming, had made plans for a more affordable Tesla car to help tackle the climate crisis. However, recent reports reveal that during discussions earlier this year in Palo Alto, California, Musk rejected the idea, opting instead to focus on high-end Tesla models and a deal worth billions to purchase computer chips for improving the company’s luxury vehicles.

This shift in Musk’s approach reflects his growing political conservatism and his increasing influence within right-wing circles. His previous statements in 2016, urging action against fossil fuels and warning of irreversible climate damage, seem to be in stark contrast with his current rhetoric.

Musk’s focus has moved away from immediate climate action. In an August live stream with Trump, Musk stated that there was no rush to address climate change and emphasised the need for efforts that do not “demonise people” involved. He later tweeted in 2023 that “global warming risk is overblown in the short term, but significant in the long term,” a sentiment that has resonated with some of his allies in the right-wing media sphere.

Over time, Musk has embraced technological solutions like nuclear energy and carbon capture rather than viewing climate change as an existential emergency. Now, he prioritises other issues such as AI, robotics, population decline, and the exploration of Mars, which he sees as more pressing for humanity’s survival.

Tesla executives have reportedly left the company due to Musk’s changing views, which coincide with political shifts in Washington. Musk has also publicly stated that the electric vehicle tax credit, which has benefitted Tesla, should be removed, potentially in line with Trump’s stance on the issue.

Musk’s political evolution can be traced back to multiple factors, including his frustration with the Biden administration and his reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic, which prompted him to move his operations out of California. His daughter’s gender transition also played a role in his distancing from Democratic views, which he increasingly saw as conspiratorial.

The shift in Musk’s outlook became clearer when he began interacting with figures like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Palantir’s Joe Lonsdale, both of whom are known for their scepticism about climate change predictions. Musk has since become a prominent voice in right-wing circles, challenging mainstream climate science.

The billionaire’s views have become further entangled with his broader political beliefs, culminating in his recent involvement with Vivek Ramaswamy in advocating for drastic cuts to the federal government’s scope and power. Musk’s latest actions, including his reposting of names and details of low-profile climate officials, have sparked controversy, highlighting his growing influence in challenging the prevailing climate agenda.

Anthony Weiner Contemplates Political Comeback with New York City Council Bid

Anthony Weiner Contemplates Political Comeback with New York City Council Bid

After Conviction and Scandals, Ex-Congressman Eyes Return to Politics in Lower Manhattan

Former U.S. Representative Anthony Weiner, whose political career was derailed by sexting scandals and a conviction for illicit online contact with a minor, is considering a return to the political stage by running for a seat on the New York City Council. Weiner, once a rising star in the Democratic Party, has filed to run for a council position in lower Manhattan, marking a potential comeback after years of legal and personal setbacks.

On Friday, campaign finance records revealed that a committee named “Weiner 25” was established, formally listing him as a candidate. However, in an interview on Tuesday, Weiner, who represented a congressional district in New York for over a decade, clarified that he was still “exploring” the possibility of running. He stated that his decision hinges on personal factors, adding that he had set up the committee to engage in an upcoming forum with the Downtown Independent Democrats.

Weiner, who resigned from Congress in 2011 following a sexting scandal involving explicit photos sent to multiple women, attempted a political comeback in 2013 with a mayoral run. However, his campaign was marred by further revelations of lewd messages sent under the alias “Carlos Danger.”

In 2017, Weiner pleaded guilty to engaging in illicit online conversations with a 15-year-old girl, resulting in a 21-month sentence in federal prison. He was released in 2019 and placed on the sex offender registry. Despite his troubled past, Weiner is now pondering the logistics and personal dynamics of re-entering the political arena.

Court Rejects Challenge to Stormont Vote on Post-Brexit Trade Extension

Court Rejects Challenge to Stormont Vote on Post-Brexit Trade Extension

Court Dismisses Loyalist Activist’s Attempt to Halt Vote on Windsor Framework Arrangements

A court challenge seeking to prevent a Stormont vote on extending Northern Ireland’s post-Brexit trade arrangements has been dismissed. The legal bid, led by loyalist activist Jamie Bryson, was rejected by Belfast High Court, with the vote proceeding as planned for Tuesday.

Judge Mr Justice McAlinden ruled against Bryson’s application for a judicial review of Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn’s move to trigger the democratic consent process under the Windsor Framework. Bryson had initially sought to delay the vote, but after the judge indicated he would be reluctant to intervene in matters of a democratically elected assembly, Bryson abandoned that part of his challenge.

The legal challenge centred around three main points: Bryson argued that Benn failed to ensure a public consultation in Northern Ireland before the vote, neglected to protect Northern Ireland’s place within the UK customs territory, and breached constitutional principles with amendments made earlier in the year as part of the Government’s Safeguarding the Union measures.

While Bryson believed the amendments created a conflict with Northern Ireland’s constitutional status within the UK, Government lawyer Dr Tony McGleenan argued that these points were “hopeless” and had no merit.

Justice McAlinden found no legal grounds for Bryson’s objections, ruling that consultation was not a mandatory requirement, and that the Secretary of State had clearly addressed the issue of customs territory in the voting process. Furthermore, he determined that the recent legislative changes did not conflict with the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling.

As a result of the court’s decision, the vote on the continuation of the Windsor Framework trading arrangements will go ahead as scheduled. The framework, which imposes checks and customs procedures on goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, remains highly contentious. While the arrangements are intended to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, they have been criticised by unionists who argue they undermine Northern Ireland’s position within the UK.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson has already stated his party’s opposition to extending the arrangements, although the vote requires only a simple majority to pass. If approved, the trading arrangements will continue for another four years, with the Government required to conduct an independent review. If cross-community support is achieved, the extension will last eight years. However, securing such support is considered unlikely given the strong opposition from unionists.

Bashar al-Assad Flees to Moscow as Putin Faces Major Political Setback in Syria

Bashar al-Assad Flees to Moscow as Putin Faces Major Political Setback in Syria

Foreign Secretary Lammy Slams Assad as ‘Monster’ Amid Collapse of Regime, Signals Humiliation for Russia

Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria has collapsed, with the dictator fleeing to Moscow in a desperate bid to seek asylum. Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned Assad as a “monster” as reports about the atrocities within his prisons, where countless political prisoners were tortured and killed, continued to surface.

Lammy mocked Assad’s former self-proclaimed image as the “Lion of Damascus,” stating, “Now, the reality is clear: Assad is the rat of Damascus, scurrying off to Moscow with his tail between his legs.”

The Foreign Secretary highlighted that the UK government had decided against re-engaging with Syria under Assad’s rule, given the dictator’s flagrant violations of international law, including the use of chemical weapons on his own people. Lammy also suggested that Assad’s downfall represented a “humiliation” not just for him, but also for Russia and Iran, key allies who had supported his regime.

“Assad’s demise isn’t only a personal failure; it’s a blow to Russia and Iran,” Lammy remarked, noting that the so-called ‘axis of resistance’ led by Iran was faltering. Lammy further criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had tried to prop up Assad for over a decade, saying that Putin’s intervention had only led to the fall of a dictator and his subsequent flight to Moscow.

The collapse of Assad’s regime is being seen as a major political defeat for Russia, with military experts highlighting the potential for evacuation of Russian forces from Syria. Putin’s military involvement, which began in 2015 to support Assad’s government, has now been overshadowed by Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine, limiting Moscow’s capacity to maintain its influence in Syria.

Reports from military analysts suggest that the Kremlin has already begun preparations to withdraw its military assets from Syria, with satellite images showing transport aircraft at a Russian air base in Latakia province. These moves are seen as a sign that Russia’s hold over its strategic military positions in Syria is increasingly uncertain.

The future of Russia’s military presence in Syria remains unclear, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that it is “premature” to discuss the matter until new leadership is established in Damascus. He acknowledged the “extreme instability” in the region following the rapid advance of the militia group Hayat al-Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a significant role in the regime’s downfall.

Meanwhile, Lammy addressed questions regarding HTS, which has distanced itself from al-Qaeda and is attempting to present itself as a more moderate force. He stated that the UK would monitor HTS’s actions closely and would assess whether it would remain on the proscribed list, depending on their treatment of civilians in areas under their control.

The crisis in Syria continues to unfold, with the fate of both the country’s leadership and the future of Russian influence hanging in the balance.